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Pierce: KG changed the culture

AP Photo/Elise Amendola

Celtics captain Paul Pierce offered support to Big Three companion Kevin Garnett.MIAMI -- Will Kevin Garnett be back in Boston next season? Celtics coach Doc Rivers has previously hinted he believes Garnett will be back in green, but Garnett didn't speak to reporters after Boston's Game 7 loss Saturday in Miami, leaving his future plans unclear as the Celtics enter the offseason.

Celtics captain Paul Pierce made a pitch for Garnett's return by emphasizing what he's meant to him and the team over the past five seasons.

"Well, he's been everything for my career," said Pierce. "Just his locker room presence, his desire, his determination, his leadership. I've said it before, when Kevin first got here, he really changed the culture of everything we did around here -- from the practice habits to on the court, just the discipline. He made everybody accountable, from the ball boys to the chefs to the guy who flew the plane. Everybody was accountable. It was tremendous to just have him around. The culture he brought -- it would be great for me to end my career with Kevin. I have a couple years left, and who knows what his future's going to bring. Hopefully management can do something to bring him back, maybe add some pieces to this team, that we need, to get over the top. If not, it's been a tremendous run."