Doc Rivers says Pierce still undecided on return

Paul Pierce's decision on whether to embark on a 19th NBA season this fall changes by the day, according to his coach Doc Rivers.

"Depends on the day I talk to him," Rivers said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg. "Paul has had the summer, he's gone back and forth."

A report surfaced last month that Pierce was leaning toward another season with the Los Angeles Clippers, but nothing has been made official.

Rivers doesn't expect a final decision until closer to training camp.

"Paul didn't have the best year last year," Rivers said. "I don't think he wants to go out that way. So I think that's why he's working to try to come back. But he still may change his mind next week. So we just have to wait. I told him if I see him at training camp, I'm assuming he's playing."

Pierce will turn 39 during camp, and is coming off the worst NBA campaign of his Hall of Fame caliber career. He averaged 6.1 points per game, shooting an abysmal 36.3 percent from the field and 31 percent from deep - all career lows.

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However, Rivers remains confident that the veteran can still contribute, but also said he would be honest with "The Truth" if he had to be.

"If I don't think they can play, then I tell them that," Rivers said. "But I think Paul can play," Rivers said. "I don't know how much he'll play, but he can play. I've always thought it's easy for someone else to tell you to retire - I think that's something that the player has to come to by himself."

Pierce started 38 of 68 games at small forward last season, his first in his hometown of L.A., reuniting with Rivers, his former Boston Celtics coach.

If Pierce does call it quits, Rivers hopes he signs a one-day contract with Boston so he can retire as a Celtic.

"He has to. Paul's a Celtic."