NBA columnistJI21
08-12-2006, 06:46 PM
San Francisco Chronicle
August 11 2006
John Hollandsworth senior VP writer--
Two teams that have underachieved in past years are looking to upgrade their respective rosters with a deal involving 8-year veteran swingman, Paul Pierce, to be shipped to the Warriors for shooting guard Derek Fisher, Mike Dunleavy, Ike Diogu, and a 2nd round draft pick for the 2007-2008 NBA season.
"This is a great basketball opportunity for Pierce," said current head coach of the Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers.
"Pierce had a great stay with us. It never really worked out well for him. nothing personal, but we are just looking forward to the future and i wish him the best of look." He also adds.
The move has many Warriors fans excited about the upcoming season, according to Golden State's current head coach, Mike Montgomery. This move is expected to draw more tickets for a franchise that has lacked serious fan involvement due to recent mediocrity. "We are trying to build a championship-calibre team right now," says Montgomery. "Our fans have been very appreciative for us and the franchise, and it's about time we give them something to cheer about in return."
When asked about how the team can maintain their current chemistry, with so many stars on the Golden State roster, Montgomery responded, "I'm not worried about that. Baron [Davis] is such an unselfish player. He will do whatever it takes for this team to win again. Even if he has to accept the second option alongside Pierce."
Contract negotiations are a bit difficult. The rumor is close to a 4 yr/$54 mil deal, for the newly acquired Pierce. Pierce has been questioned, by critics, for a lack of effort on the defensive end and is noted to "take plays off." However, this could change now that he has arrived in a change of scenery.
One thing is for certain though. The fact that the Warriors are on the winning path again, has many excited.
August 11 2006
John Hollandsworth senior VP writer--
Two teams that have underachieved in past years are looking to upgrade their respective rosters with a deal involving 8-year veteran swingman, Paul Pierce, to be shipped to the Warriors for shooting guard Derek Fisher, Mike Dunleavy, Ike Diogu, and a 2nd round draft pick for the 2007-2008 NBA season.
"This is a great basketball opportunity for Pierce," said current head coach of the Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers.
"Pierce had a great stay with us. It never really worked out well for him. nothing personal, but we are just looking forward to the future and i wish him the best of look." He also adds.
The move has many Warriors fans excited about the upcoming season, according to Golden State's current head coach, Mike Montgomery. This move is expected to draw more tickets for a franchise that has lacked serious fan involvement due to recent mediocrity. "We are trying to build a championship-calibre team right now," says Montgomery. "Our fans have been very appreciative for us and the franchise, and it's about time we give them something to cheer about in return."
When asked about how the team can maintain their current chemistry, with so many stars on the Golden State roster, Montgomery responded, "I'm not worried about that. Baron [Davis] is such an unselfish player. He will do whatever it takes for this team to win again. Even if he has to accept the second option alongside Pierce."
Contract negotiations are a bit difficult. The rumor is close to a 4 yr/$54 mil deal, for the newly acquired Pierce. Pierce has been questioned, by critics, for a lack of effort on the defensive end and is noted to "take plays off." However, this could change now that he has arrived in a change of scenery.
One thing is for certain though. The fact that the Warriors are on the winning path again, has many excited.