Doc to coach All-Stars; Pierce challenges Ray to 3-pt contest

Posted by Mike Salvucci on Feb 2, 2011 1584412 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2011%2F02%2F02%2Fdoc-to-coach-all-stars-pierce-challenges-ray-to-3-pt-contest%2FDoc+to+coach+All-Stars%3B+Pierce+challenges+Ray+to+3-pt+contest2011-02-02+16%3A51%3A18Mike+Salvuccihttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D15844

With the Celtics’ win over Sacramento last night, Boston secured the best record in the Eastern Conference through February 6, meaning coach Doc Rivers will be heading to Los Angeles.

“It’s an honor, obviously,” Rivers said. “I would obviously rather be at home watching my kids play…but it is an honor. Especially when you factor in this month, and the injuries we’ve had.”

Rivers, who also coached the All-Stars in 2008, will likely have a bench full of Celtics to choose from. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and Ray Allen all are Eastern Conference reserve hopefuls.

…In other All-Star related news, Paul Pierce challenged Ray Allen to this year’s 3-point Shootout at NBA All-Star Weekend.

On Monday, Pierce wrote on his Twitter account, “I think me and Ray Allen need to have a shootout in this years 3pt contest what y’all think come on NBA make it happen.”

But it appears Pierce is taking his comments even further. Here’s what the Globe’s Julian Benbow had to say in his Celtics’ Notebook today:

Initially, Paul Pierce’s challenge was for a one-on-one 3-point shootout with Ray Allen at All-Star Weekend this month in Los Angeles.

“He’s the 3-point king,’’ Pierce said, “but I’m the 3-point champ.’’

But playing a promoter’s role at shootaround yesterday morning, Pierce said he wanted to defend his 3-point title against any and all of the league’s top shooters.

“I’m just trying to go against the best,’’ Pierce said. “I’m just trying to figure out who the best shooters are of this era, and I’m just trying to challenge them. Ray’s definitely one of them. Who else? Dirk Nowitzki? Peja Stojakovic? I want them all to come out. This is something you might want to see.’

I’m sure the NBA has already caught wind of this story and is planning to invite Ray to the competition. I just hope Ray says yes, because Paul Pierce desperately needs some answers. I mean, the guy is simply trying to figure out who is the best shooter of this era. That’s not too much to ask, right?

Personally, my pick to win would be Pierce. Again. It just seems like whenever Pierce is able to take his time and square himself up to the basket, he never misses 3-pointers. I don’t know, maybe if the NBA allows Ray to roll off some screens before getting his shot off, then I’d have to go with Ray. But Paul Pierce just seems like he’s on a mission right now.