Paul Pierce wants Kevin Garnett return in Boston

Celtics forward Paul Pierce hopes soon-to-be free agent Kevin Garnett will stick with the Celtics for another shot at an NBA title (Nathaniel S. Butler, Getty Images)

With the Celtics' game seven elimination behind them and retirement rumors swirling around power forward Kevin Garnett, fellow forward Paul Pierce has made it known that he would like the 14-time all-star to stick around a little bit longer. Pierce talked to The Boston Globe following last night's loss, telling Frank Dell'Alpa that he would like one more go at the NBA title with the "Big three" of himself, Garnett, and shooting guard Ray Allen, who is a free agent after this season.

“He’s done everything for my career, just his locker room presence, his desire, his determination,’’ Pierce said of Garnett. “Just his leadership. I said before, when Kevin first got here he really changed the culture of everything we did around here, you know, practice habits to the discipline. He made everybody accountable, from the ball boys to the chefs to the guy who flew the plane, everybody was accountable.

“It’s been tremendous to have him around, just the culture he brought, you know? It’d be great to end my career with Kevin. I have a couple years left and, who knows what his future’s going to bring - management can do something to bring him back and get us the pieces we need to get over the top. If not, it’s been a tremendous run.’’