LeBron ready for a huge year
Boston legend Paul Pierce is tipping Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers to win this season’s NBA title — but he expects old foe LeBron James and his Lakers to be in the mix too
PAUL Pierce is slumped in a chair chatting about all things NBA while overlooking a sparkling Sydney Harbour on a stunning spring day.
The breathtaking view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge is the perfect setting for Pierce to preview a blockbuster 2019-20 season.
The Boston Celtics legend is pumped at the prospect of an unpredictable NBA season following the break-up of Golden State’s championship dynasty.
The Warriors, who have taken home three trophies in the past five seasons, are no longer “locks” to win the title after the departure of Kevin Durant to Brooklyn and a key injury to star shooter Klay Thompson.
Thompson is expected to miss the first 50-plus games following offseason ACL surgery.
THE CONTENDERS
According to Pierce, Golden State’s issues have opened the door for his four contenders — the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers — to pounce.
“I believe there are four contenders, but the good thing is you don’t know who is going to win it,” Pierce said.
“In the last five seasons you just knew Golden State was going to be there. It was the same with LeBron during the Cleveland years.
“But now we know that Golden State may not be there.
“The unpredictability is what is going to make this season exciting.
“Who is going to be that next dynasty or best player in the league? That is exciting.”
For the record, Pierce believes the Clippers led by star recruit and reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard will win the championship.
He expects Leonard to form a formidable combination with All-Star small forward Paul George.
BIGGEST SHOCKS?
Pierce didn’t hesitate when asked who his surprise packets were for the upcoming NBA season.
Let’s start in the Western Conference.
“I believe the Sacramento Kings are going to shock a lot of people,” he said. “I think they are going to make the playoffs. They have a young up-andcoming core that really plays well together. I love that they have added Harrison Barnes.”
Pierce is equally excited about the shock value in the Eastern Conference.
“The Orlando Magic — I think they have got better,” he said.
“They are going to improve from their playoff berth from a year ago.”
SIMMONS MUST SHOOT FOR SIXERS TO THRIVE
Pierce doesn’t waste his words when asked about the necessity for Ben Simmons to produce a consistent jump shot this season.
“It is not only important for Ben, it is important for the franchise,” he said frankly.
“If Philadelphia want to take it to the next step of being a team that makes it to a conference final or finals with a chance of winning, then I think Ben needs to take that next step in his game.
“I’ve watched him over the last couple of years really get exposed in the playoffs when teams play off him and he doesn’t even take the shot.”
Simmons has struggled from range throughout his young NBA career.
The Melbourne-born guard has attempted 18 three-pointers in 182 games — and missed them all.
Simmons drained his first three in an NBA-aligned game during a preseason contest against Chinese local team, the Guangzhou Long-Lions.
The successful shot blew up the internet with hope that this might finally be the season when the perimeter penny drops for Ben.
And while Pierce can’t stress the importance of Simmons producing from distance enough, he also isn’t expecting miracles overnight.
“Ben is still young and no one is perfect when they first come into the league, but he has to improve if he wants to take the next step from an All-Star to an MVP calibre player.
“I think he will.”
LEBRON TO HIT BACK HARD
LeBron James was Pierce’s fiercest foe during his career with the Boston Celtics.
Barring the 2008 season when the Celtics claimed the championship, James regularly broke Pierce’s heart with his match-winning exploits.
For all The Truth’s frustration towards King James, he also has an enormous respect for his longevity and dedication to be the best.
It’s why Pierce believes LeBron will come out firing for the Los Angeles Lakers after missing the playoffs for the first time in 14 years last season.
“I’m expecting a big bounce-back year from LeBron,” he said.
“I think he will be in the running for MVP.
“LeBron is not used to being at home during the playoffs.
“When you reach the level of play that he has, he is always looking for some motivation.
“Not making the playoffs is very motivating for LeBron and he wants to prove to the world that he is still the best player and he can still win another championship. The door is open for him right now.”