Pierce an All-Star for fifth year in row

WALTHAM -- It seemed like the ultimate no-brainer. But when word reached the Celtics yesterday that Paul Pierce was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the fifth straight season, there must have been a sigh of relief.

While Pierce continues to have a career year, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 39 minutes while shooting 47 percent, the Celtics' record (18-31) could have been a stumbling block for voters.

''It's a great honor," said Pierce. ''Every time you get a chance to participate in an All-Star game, among the best players in the NBA, it's always an honor. My fifth one in a row. It seems like they get better each and every year."

Pierce did feel a bit lucky to earn an All-Star berth with the Celtics currently on course for a lottery pick.

''Over the years, the pattern has shown that they usually give it away to the guys who have better records, on teams that are on the top of the conference," said Pierce. ''That's why it's even more satisfying that I can still make it."

Pierce is the lone representative for the Celtics in the All-Star weekend festivities, though Delonte West could be named as a replacement for the sophomore team. But if West does not earn a late invitation, it would be the first time Pierce has traveled without a teammate to All-Star weekend.

In 2002, Antoine Walker was an All-Star and Joe Johnson played in the rookie-sophomore game. In 2003, Walker again was named to the All-Star team. In 2004, Ricky Davis was in the slam-dunk contest. Last season, Tony Allen and Al Jefferson played in the rookie-sophomore game.

''I don't know what I'm going to do," said Pierce. ''I'm going to have to fly some of the guys out with me. I hope [West makes it]. I think he was robbed. Out of all the sophomores playing, he really deserved it. That's why I feel for him. I told him a month ago, 'If you don't make it, then there's something wrong.' With the year he's having, the way he's bounced back after injury and have a great year, I really think he deserves it."

Executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge thought Pierce deserved a spot as a reserve on the All-Star team. If Ainge had his way, Pierce would have been voted a starter.

''I think Paul Pierce deserves to be a starter on the All-Star team," said Ainge. ''I think he's definitely the best player left that's not on the starting team. I think the fans should get some say, but I don't think they should get the total say."

When it was mentioned that many felt all five Detroit starters deserved spots on the Eastern Conference All-Star team because of the team's impressive 40-8 record, Ainge dismissed that notion as ''ridiculous."

''[The Detroit starters] are not the five best players," said Ainge. ''Players can't control who their teammates are. They have to just go play. I think winning is important [in determining All-Stars] and it should be taken into some consideration. But you're telling me that if Paul Pierce was playing on Detroit instead of Rip Hamilton, they wouldn't have the same record?"

The next challenge for Pierce is earning some minutes in the game. He has not exactly been lucky when it comes to All-Star playing time. Then again, he prefers to focus on the whole experience.