Is Paul Pierce Welcome Back?

Paul Pierce never seems to get a fair shake. Underrated coming out of college. Almost stabbed to death. Accused of being a malcontent even as he swore by his franchise. And now, coming back to resume a career year at the absolute worst time.

Not sure if you've heard, but the entire universe is abuzz over some kid in Texas called Kevin Durant. Then, over in Ohio, there's this Greg Oden fellow who might be the next David Robinson. Either one of them could salvage a dying franchise, and Boston was looking like a prime candidate for their services. Their loss to the Nets last night was their 17th straight, despite Pierce's rusty return.

Now, I'm not in favor of tanking, but this does kind of put Pierce in a bind. He's a competitor, and good enough that this streak won't last forever. But with this draft, one of the first two picks could make Boston into a playoff team. An Eastern Conference one, but a playoff team nonetheless. And it's not like Pierce's year are numbered; he's never relied on athleticism, and his last season and a half have arguably been the best basketball he's ever played.

Bottom line: it kind of sucks to be The Truth right now. Your own city probably doesn't want you on the floor, and in way, you shouldn't, either. Like I said, the worst possible time to be at the height of your powers. What's more important to his legacy: recusitating this year's scrapyard of a team, or being a part of the first Celtics team of note in over a decade?