Re: Is Pierce a step slower this year?

[Kim <kimmalo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well I agree he seems a step slower *on offense*, but from what I've seen it's for the reason I've given before vs anything physical - hesitation over decision making and thinking too much vs just playing his natural game. And that's mostly to do with Antoine's departure, I expect. In a bunch of ways - yes Paul trying to step up to fill roles he may not be as well suited to, but also not having Antoine around to yell at him for good or evil to get over it when he needs that, to set him up offensively, and maybe most importantly to just free him to play even if they sometimes clashed over stuff.

While to his credit, as Paul's offense has struggled, his defense has largely been quite good, with not the slightest indication of being slow.

Kim

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Appell <uqra54a@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Nov 15, 2003 11:00 AM
To: group celtics <celtics@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Is Pierce a step slower this year?

Before we get to the issue of foot speed, I'd like to
compliment PP on his burning desire to constantly
improve his game, as evidenced by his attempts to
distribute the ball, his interest in further developing
as a leader, and his bulked up upper body this year.
Was wondering, though, whether anyone has observed that
he seems a step slower this year? Is it possible that
his turnovers and shooting difficulties might be related to
the extra weight and bulk that he isn't used to carrying
yet? What do people think?
                 Steve A.

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