I don't really have a problem with what Pierce says about Ray. Everyone is different and it's pretty unfair to judge someone based on a few anecdotes. Ray may be a horrible and difficult person, but he also just may do things differently. Maybe he prioritized time with his wife and children over anything else -- would that make him a jerk? Maybe he figured that as an NBA player who spends nights, weekends and half the season on the road away from his kids that whatever time is left is sacrosanct -- for family. Or maybe not, but we don't have enough information to judge.
It might be fair to say that we don't have enough information to fully judge. However, there is a decent amount of details given. It wasn't like Pierce thought Ray should have spent more time with the guys drinking beer or going bowling. He says it was pretty weird that they would have fundraising events and they would show up at his, but he would never come to theirs. It also doesn't sound like he only made a few times, but more like he never made it.
I think it is similar in most people's workplace where he have things that we really should do. I know sometimes when someone is new to the office or leaving we have the occasional event that I definitely don't want to go to, but still go cause it is part of being a good coworker. I still do skip some of the, but if I never went my coworkers might think a bit less of me.
It would be especially weird if I was asking them to come to events for me but never going to theirs.
To be clear this isn't ray drunk driving or breaking any laws, I just respect Paul Pierce, particularly as he entered the later stages of his career. To hear him speak like this carries some weight with me. I can understand if it doesn't for others.
I don't do jack with my co-workers and I like it that way. I hate how some places want you to be all buddy-buddy with your co-workers. It's a business man, if I get fired tomorrow, they won't give a you-know-what.
Ray knew it was all business, I like that
Considering the fact Ray always complained about why Ainge constantly tried to trade him... It all made sense now... I mean look, your analogy is different, because in basketball, its a team sport. Yes, its business, and just a profession you do at the end of the day, but... In professional sports camaraderie and being close to your teammates is very vital for chemistry, and creating the right environment.
I don't disagree with your point of view, I do actually understand, because I've been subjected to doing fundraisers or events for co-workers I actually despised. But whether or not I liked them, I still did it, not because I was told to do so; but simply put I believed that at least showing some moral support for my co-workers meant more than if I didn't.
As for the Nets, I am very glad Pierce came out and said it.
The one thing I respect the most in the article is what Paul Pierce said.
"I would have stayed in Brooklyn because of Kevin,'' Pierce said. "I told him, 'I don't really like this situation but I would never leave you if you want me to stay.' But they decided not to re-sign me so I never had to make a choice. I would never have left Kevin like that.''
I also like the fact that Pierce called out everyone on the Nets. I, too, believe if Pierce had been younger, it would've been interesting to see how well James would've done.
Topic: Good Read from Pierce by Jackie MacMullan (Read 20934 times)