Chris Paul

Los Angeles native Paul Pierce will do whatever Clippers ask of him

Published Jul. 21, 2015 4:53 p.m. ET

Fox Sports

Paul Pierce is down for whatever.

Whether it's starting at small forward, coming off the bench or just providing veteran leadership on the court and in the lockerroom, 'The Truth' will do whatever is asked of him by his new team -- the Clippers -- and his new/old coach -- Doc Rivers.

Pierce, a Los Angeles native, and Rivers won an NBA Championship together in Boston in 2008, and it's a relationship Pierce is eager to build on with the Clippers.

"I'm happy to say I'm proud to be a part of it (the Clippers)," Pierce said. "I played for Doc longer than anyone, I'm comfortable around him.

"It's great to be home, to play in front of family and friends ... it's a dream come true."

The lure of a championship contender was enough to get Pierce, the owner of 25,899 career points during his 18-year NBA career, to join the Clippers. And his presence during the DeAndre Jordan free-agency saga was as big as anyone's.

Birthday boy #deandrejordan: Being with #Clippers best decision for me http://t.co/JzS8NIQ4bz #NBA pic.twitter.com/fxIDTHRyVG
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) July 21, 2015

"It was the right timing (to join the Clippers)," Pierce added.

Josh Smith, another veteran pickup for Rivers and Co., also wants to do his part to help earn 'something historic for this franchise.'

"(Coming to LA) wasn't about the money," Smith said.

With DeAndre Jordan re-signed, and the Clippers loaded with new talent (to mix with stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul), Rivers likes his team on paper 'against anyone.'

"I love what we've assembeled," Rivers said. "I can't wait to get into the gym and see how we will use them all."

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