Should Clippers Use Paul Pierce at Power Forward?

One of the new faces over at the Los Angeles Clippers camp is NBA veteran Paul Pierce. After spending last season with the Washington Wizards, Pierce reunites with his old coach, Glen Doc Rivers.

It remains to be seen how Rivers will use Pierce though the initial impression it brings is that he will likely start at small forward. The great thing about Pierce is that he can play multiple positions.

He can play shooting guard and power forward when needed, so that could pretty happen in the coming season. That flexible option does, however, indicate that Pierce could be racking in a lot of minutes though Rivers says he doesn't want to overuse the athlete.

"Paul will be great. I don't want to overuse him, I know that. I don't even know how we're going to use him yet. I'm going to play him at [power forward] a lot, but what I want him to be is healthy in the playoffs. So however we can figure that out, that's what I'm going to try to do. I'm really looking forward to it" says Rivers in an interview with the Boston Globe.

Why power forward?

Apparently, Rivers has the luxury of doing so with the depth the Clips have up front. With Pierce, Rivers could opt to go small and probably use Griffin at the middle while at the same time using Lance Stephenson or Josh Smith.

Juggling through the lineup, Rivers could come up with uncanny combos that should be a benefit that will work well with the Steve Ballmer-owned franchise.

So why limit his minutes seeing the flexibility Pierce brings?

For one, Pierce is no spring chicken. By the time the 2015-16 NBA season opens, Pierce will be 38 and at that age, possible injuries could take time to heal if not end a player's career abruptly.

Pierce will, of course, belie that and want to get out on the court no matter the risks tied up with his aging body. He is a known warrior on the hardwood and someone who will not shy away from taking big shots.

Hence, if not to be overused, Pierce could very well be there during the clutch. Remember that Pierce has lifted the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards in game-winning situations and has delivered in most cases.

That alone makes Pierce a valuable asset and Rivers knows it. He may try to limit Pierce's minutes but when crunch time comes, expect the Truth to be out there ready to take the shot when the opportunity arises.