Paul Pierce’s Weight Loss & Early Move Shows Commitment To Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, & Boston Celtics

The Boston Globe reports on Paul Pierce changing his off-season routine:

‘‘The last couple years, I played at 240, 245, but I think I’m going to go back down to my college weight and play at 230,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m at, like, 238 now. Playing at 240 or 245 is not bad, but I want to come in lighter and faster.

‘‘I’m focusing on my defense, being able to guard all three positions. The stuff I think about is if I have to go to shooting guard and defend and take pressure off Ray [Allen]. I don’t need that much extra weight. I just want the footwork and quickness to guard shooting guards.’’

With the exception of a trip to next week for a promotional shoe tour and a few days back in LA to pack, Pierce plans to be in the Boston area for the remainder of the offseason. He hopes Allen and Kevin Garnett can soon join him for informal workouts.

‘‘We’re going to come together in another week or two, get together a little early, just start getting to know each other on the basketball court, hang out a little bit off the court,’’ said Pierce. ‘‘We’ll probably do that out here.

My Quick Take: Want the truth about The Truth? Some argue Pierce never fully committed himself to being a superstar. Most nights, he was very good, getting his numbers in a disappointing loss. On some nights, like the game against Cleveland two years ago when he dropped an epic 50 on LeBron James, The Truth was brilliant, flashing a glimpse of his full potential.

Forget Pierce’s always-solid stats. Over the years, his game leveled off; the losing and Boston’s lack of direction had taken its toll.

Bringing in Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett has changed things. Boston is relevant again. And Pierce seems motivated to take his game to the next level, elevating his play from perennial All-Star to all-world superstar.

Losing fifteen pounds is a start. Pierce was never overweight, but his lighter frame will improve his defense and prevent injuries.

Allen, Pierce, and Garnett will have no trouble developing chemistry. Good players should always be able to play together. Coming to Boston early for informal workouts and off-court bonding can only help Pierce gel with his new teammates.

Star or superstar? Pierce has a choice. His most recent decisions show that he’s interested in being the latter.

Do you see Paul Pierce as a star or superstar? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.