Off the wire
• 116 militants killed in military operations in Afghanistan  • Major news items in leading German newspapers  • China expands pilot program to cut loan cost  • China Open tennis results (updated)  • China Open tennis results  • China says lighthouses significantly improve navigation safety  • Del Bosque coy on future after Spain seal Euro qualification  • Roundup: Cleanup operation goes on in northern Afghan city amid Taliban resistance  • 3 Palestinians die, two Israelis injured as violence escalates  • Sudan's president vows permanent ceasefire if rebels join national dialogue conference  
You are here: 　 Home

Rivers hails Pierce's role in Clippers

Xinhua, October 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

After winning the NBA champions together in 2008, Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce met again this summer, while in another team, the Los Angeles Clippers.

However, in Rivers' eyes, Pierce's value has never changed, and will be all around the new team.

"It's been great (to have him). As a veteran, he can teach our young guys on how to be professionals," said Rivers after Saturday's practice here.

In 2008, Rivers and Pierce played together to win the 17th NBA champions for the Boston Celtics in their franchise history, along with Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo. Five years later, Rivers became the head coach of the Clippers, while after a two-year stint with the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards separately, Pierce met his old boss again in L.A.

"He's one guy of our team that's the winner, so he can teach some of our veterans on how to win. He's the guy that's all around the team," added Rivers.

Pierce echoed what the coach talked about, saying that he can provide much help for new team in terms of experience.

"I can share my experience with my teammates as a veteran. Not only on the court, but also in the locker room, share my experience of what I've done, and try to help my team win the championship," said Pierce.

Chris Paul, one of the best point guards in the league, welcomed Pierce's participation in Clippers as a movement to relieve his pressure.

"No matter on the court or off the court, I think what he bring off the court is his voice, especially maybe on the point guard," said Paul.

"As much as that tall, if you have Paul around, he will lessen my voice low, he is a big vocal that usually I am."

"Everyone talks he is better on leadership, but they forget that Paul still can play," he added.

Not only Pierce, the Clippers, who lost to the Houston Rockets in the second round of Western Conference last season, added several other new faces in this summer, including Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith, making it a favourite in the Conference during next season.

"We have to figure out about these talented players. I'm really looking forward to the season, and I think that we have the chance to be a terrific team, but we have to learn how to be that. It takes time," said Rivers.

The NBA Global China Games 2015 will kick off here on Sunday, with the second game between Clippers and Hornets in Shanghai next Wednesday. Endi