Pierce Headed To Europe?

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

                 [The Boston Globe Online][Boston.com]

                 [Boston Globe Online / Sports]

                 Pierce headed to Europe?

                 By Peter May, Globe Staff, 12/15/98

                 Paul Pierce may make his professional debut in a
                         month, and it may not be for the Celtics.

                 Boston's top pick in last June's NBA draft has three
                 offers to play in Europe and is seriously considering
                 accepting one if the lockout doesn't end soon, his agent
                 said yesterday.

                 ''His dilemma,'' said agent Aaron Goodwin, ''is that if
                 he accepts an offer, he has to stay over there for the
                 season. They want a commitment for the last 3 1/2 to 4
                 months of their season. He doesn't want to make a hasty
                 decision.''

                 Goodwin would not identify the teams, only to say that
                 they were in Italy and Greece. Pierce participated in a
                 charity game over the weekend in Los Angeles and told
                 reporters he was close to making a decision.

                ''After Christmas, if I see a point where there's not a
                 lot being done, then I'll have to consider some other
                 options,'' Pierce said. ''It's a little disappointing
                 when you hear nothing's going on with the talks.''

                 Efforts to reach Pierce yesterday were unsuccesful. The
                 lockout is into its sixth month and both sides remain far
                 apart. ''Paul wants to be a Boston Celtic,'' Goodwin
                 said. ''If the owners loosen up a little, he will come to
                 Boston.'' If not, it could be arrivederci.

                 PETER MAY

                 This story ran on page E04 of the Boston Globe on
                 12/15/98.
                 © Copyright 1998 Globe Newspaper Company.

                   © Copyright 1998
                   Globe Newspaper
                       Company