There aren’t many players in the NBA that could leave a lasting impact on a franchise after playing just a single season. Paul Pierce is the exception.
After losing Trevor Ariza to free agency in 2014, the Washington Wizards recovered by surprisingly convincing Pierce to join their young team in the final stretch of his career.
Immediately, Pierce exceeded expectations on the court, often bailing the Wizards out late in games. But more importantly, Pierce became the first role model that John Wall and Bradley Beal had since joining the league.