

The Wizards haven’t started training camp yet, but Paul Pierce is already being lauded for his leadership qualities. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The first player mentioned at Ernie Grunfeld and Randy Wittman’s joint news conference Wednesday at Verizon Center was Paul Pierce. The name was broached unprompted as Wittman, the Wizards‘ head coach, explained how he envisions his team taking the next step following a surprisingly successful season.

From there, Pierce was often the center of discussion during the 40-minute media session. Wittman and Grunfeld, the Wizards’ general manager, each gushed about their splashiest offseason acquisition, specifically complementing the veteran’s work ethic and leadership qualities.

“Paul Pierce is a leader,” Wittman said. “I know who he is just from coaching on the other sideline against him all these years.”

A day later at an appearance in Baltimore, Marcin Gortat voiced the same rave report up after spending a few days with Pierce on the practice court preparing for training camp.

“I’ve played with him everyday and it’s ridiculous how people follow his lead,” Gortat said. “Whatever he is, 35, 45 maybe, 37, whatever, he shows up at the gym two hours before practice and even young guys can’t beat him. That shows a lot.”

Pierce is actually 36 years old, though he will turn 37 in October before the season starts. He will replace Trevor Ariza as the team’s starting small forward, but he will likely log more than 25 minutes per game. Last season Pierce averaged 28 minutes in 75 games. Wittman also hinted that the 6-foot-7 Pierce could also play power forward, where he excelled with the Nets last season.

Wittman cited the versatility Pierce provides on offense. Wittman said he envisions using Pierce out of the post and running pick-and-rolls with the ball in his hands. But Pierce’s most appealing quality for the Wizards brass is his ability to create his own shot, which is something the Wizards lacked beyond John Wall last season.

Defensively, Wittman admitted losing Ariza leaves the Wizards without their best one-on-one wing defender, but he emphasized Pierce is a standout team defender and other players should continue to develop defensively. Furthermore, he envisions an opportunity for Otto Porter or Glen Rice Jr. to seize the role as defensive stopper.

“We were a defensive team,” Wittman said, referring to last season. “That’s not going to change. That’s going to be stressed from Day One again. That’s where we earn our keep, where we are as a team. A team changes every year. You adjust to that.”

Even the Wizards didn’t envision a change being Pierce in a Wizards uniform when free agency kicked off because he is chasing a second championship with the end of his career in sight. But they’re thrilled he’s in Washington.

“He’s going to add a tremendous amount to our ballclub,” Grunfeld said, “and we’re glad to have him.”