Paul Pierce Isn’t Concerned About Celtics following Kyrie Irving’s Departure

Paul Pierce signing his No. 34 jersey. Photo by Alex J. Berliner/BEI/REX/Shutterstock

Boston Celtics were in for a troubled season after their All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving decided to leave in free agency and sign with the Brooklyn Nets. The team, however, quickly bounced back and signed another All-Star PG in Kemba Walker. According to Celtics’ legend Paul Pierce, the things ended up working out quite well for Boston.

According to Pierce, Irving’s departure won’t have a major impact on the Celtics’ chance to compete.

“I never thought they were in a bad position, even with Kyrie leaving,” – Pierce told Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald. “I mean, you’ve still got a chance to develop the young guys. And I think Kemba Walker is a great pickup. They’re still a threat in the East. But even before they signed Kemba, I thought they were all right.”

Pierce hinted that the root of Celtics’ poor performance with Irving last year had much to do with him not fitting with the rest of the team while adding that he hopes this won’t be an issue with Walker.

“I mean, talent don’t always win,” – he explained. “We’ve seen that plenty of times. It’s about fit. Who knows if Kemba’s going to be the right fit, because it’s always about more than basketball. It’s about how you get along with your teammates and how the chemistry is. And that’s a strength of Kemba’s, so hopefully it’ll work out.”

Despite big expectations last season, Boston Celtics played underwhelming basketball, finishing fourth in the east with a 49-33 record. In the postseason they reached Eastern Conference semi-finals before being eliminated by Milwaukee Bucks in five games.

Ben loves sports so much but prefers watching other people do it. He prefers not to share what teams he's supporting but he is willing to admit that Lebron James is, in fact, the king.