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Los Angeles Clippers: Paul Pierce Brings Instant Title Contention

By Mike Pendleton

Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) and Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrate on the court against the Toronto Raptors in the final minute of the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 106-99, and lead the series 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) and Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrate on the court against the Toronto Raptors in the final minute of the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 106-99, and lead the series 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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As Paul Pierce is reunited with Doc Rivers thanks to his new three-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, it’s not all a fun-loving return just yet. On Wednesday, Pierce agreed to a three-year deal worth $10.5 million according to a report from the Associated Press.

Pierce’s arrival to Los Angeles is not just a homecoming for “The Truth,” who was born in L.A., but he also brings instant title contention to the Clippers.

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There’s no need to bring it up, but Rivers and Pierce not only won a title together during their time with the Boston Celtics, but they made two consecutive trips to the NBA Finals. Doc Rivers has had to do some growing and teaching with his young stars DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, bringing in Pierce helps that growing process.

Speaking of Jordan, Pierce could also help be a voice of reason to lure back Jordan to the Clippers, who is reportedly 50-50 in his decision of playing with the Dallas Mavericks or Clippers. As many teams do, bringing in other players to help in their recruiting pitch is always a helpful tool, and Pierce walking in with his championship ring could speak volumes to Jordan.

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The arrival of Pierce also means that Chris Paul won’t be the only veteran voice in the locker room, and that’s a good thing. Paul has been the undoubted leader and voice of the Clippers since he was traded to L.A. but he doesn’t have the championship experience that Pierce has and that can make a major impact inside the locker room.

Pierce is not afraid to be vocal and neither is Paul, but when push comes to shove, championships speak louder than anything.

Pierce is certainly not the player he once was, especially not when he helped bring a banner to Boston. He’s lost a step on defense which is certainly going to hurt as the team lost Matt Barnes this offseason, but there is no doubting his offensive game.

He may not drop 20 points a night, but Pierce is a guy who the team can count on in pressure situations and that’s because he’s been there and done that.

Something the Clippers don’t have experience with, winning big games, Pierce does. A championship mentality that will certainly create an atmosphere that goes from flashy to classy in their effort to finally win a title, all of that can be attributed to Pierce’s arrival.

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    • “Lob City” has calmed down as they continue to progress in the Western Conference, and after a tough first-round series win against the San Antonio Spurs, the Clippers looked flat against the Houston Rockets, proving they needed more veteran leadership and definitely more scoring.

    One player who should be jumping for joy is the newly acquired Lance Stephenson. Arriving in a trade from the Charlotte Hornets, Stephenson is out to prove that he is not just a one-year wonder after a failed season with Charlotte. Stephenson played well alongside Paul George during his time in Indiana, but he showed in Charlotte he’s not a go-to guy.

    With Pierce, Paul, Jordan, J.J. Redick and Blake Griffin likely as the team’s starters, Stephenson is likely to come off the bench with Jamal Crawford, which limits his role in a good way. There will be plenty of guys for Stephenson to lean on in what should be a limited role as well.

    With all the moves the Clippers have made this off-season they’ve addressed their big need of scoring and an even bigger need of a championship pedigree and veteran leader. Paul Pierce’s arrival brings everything the Clippers have been missing.

    Their window is small with the Warriors, Rockets, and Spurs all headlining the Western Conference, so the Los Angeles Clippers must win now, and must use Paul Pierce as their leader on a title run.

    Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship

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