I don't necessarily think so. Sure, Pierce will have to assume some more leadership but he's a very different person from Walker and I don't think steps into his role. I don't honestly think he can or should and I think trying and worrying too much about it will be detrimental to his own game and mental health.
I think that role gets spread across a few players, with Pierce part of it and a significant amount of it that the fans will never see - sit down now- no, I said, SIT, honestly you'll regret ignoring me.... OK, I warned you: Much maligned as he is among many Cs fans as a player, teammates and coaches have often cited EWill as the heart and soul of the team. Before you rupture yourself laughing, stop and think who was the real leader of the Red Sox - Pedro? Manny? Or Varitek. Not who was the best player, who was the just suck it up and do it, don't complain leader by integrity. Maybe not permanently but I bet he'll do a lot of ther locker room leadership this season.
OK, you can stop laughing now. Kim
-----Original Message----- From: Snoopy the Celtics Beagle <snoopy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Oct 20, 2003 9:31 PM To: celtics@xxxxxxxx, celticsstuffgroup@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Trader Dan's clearance sale not over yet...
<snip>
The comment about the books spurs further consideration of Pierce's
necessarily changed role with the Celtics. He's no longer the CO-captain,
he's the Captain. Whereas before he could lead by example, since Antoine
was vocal enough for both of them; now, he must be an active leader, and
fill the emotional void left with Antoine's flight to Texas. Pierce has
never been the most vocal of people, perhaps deferring to Antoine out of
preference as much as practicality. Now, he must speak up, and carry the team.
Among many other things we'll learn about the Celtics in the coming days and weeks, we'll learn if Paul Pierce will be the leader this team needs so very much.