With the Wizards out of the playoffs, Paul Pierce has all summer to decide if he wants to keep playing in the NBA. And he sounds like he's ready to retire. One person who probably hopes to see him play one more season is LeBron James. In an interview with Cleveland.com, James talked about how much Pierce meant to his growth as a player:

The story of James' career path cannot be properly told without acknowledging the role Pierce played in enhancing and elevating his game. He was an extremely difficult stumbling block that James had to overcome. "Obviously he gets a Cliff note or a couple notes in my book as far as guys that helped me get over the hump or kept me where I was at the time," James recognizes. "I knew I had to become much better individually. He's one of those guys."

James' numerous playoff matchups with Pierce (especially as a Celtic) are probably part of the reason why he holds Boston in high regard, in terms of sports towns.

Whatever happens next season, it's always nice to see one player give props to another, especially when it involves hardened veterans like James and Pierce.

(via Cleveland.com)

SB Nation presents: The keys to the conference finals