Monday night (straight from a day's work at our office) I headed up to Waltham, Massachussets for Tuesday's private signing with reigning NBA Finals MVP (and Steiner Exclusive) Paul Pierce. Lenny (whose name has been mentioned here occassionally) came along to help...which was huge considering the volume of basketballs we were getting signed. Len and I made it up there a little before 10:00. The following morning we finished setting up and awaited Paul's arrival. I found out eventually that a team commitment came up last minute so we had to wait a few more hours to start. Pierce did show up on time (at least the new time) and we got right to work. If you recall a few entries back I talked about the Generation Celts photo. This is that incredible photo of the old big three (led by Larry Bird) and the new big three (led by The Truth). I made sure to frame one of these up for Paul (over the past few months I have hooked him up with all those great Finals photos) and he was extremely appreciative. Some guys give you nothing..no reaction to the great photo or piece. Paul is the opposite as he loves it all and will tell you that. Anyway, Pierce dual signed that photo (and even inscribed a handful "We Beat LA"...which hurt me to say) as well as all the staple photos and basketballs. Over the course of the signing we talked a lot of NBA...mostly about Hall of Famers (who should be in that isn't, who will). I truly had a blast talking hoops with him as I always do. Once Pierce left though, as always, we were left with the daunting task of packing up. With Lenny's help we did get out of there at a semi-reasonable hour but hit a ridiculous ammount of traffic...finally made it home around midnight.

This signing definitely got me excited about the upcoming season (and for Lakers/Celtics up in Boston..no way I am missing that game). Boston should be poised to go back to the Finals as should Kobe and the Lakers. I honestly believe (barring a huge run by New Orleans) that Andrew Bynum will be the difference maker and this will be their year....by the way ESPN agrees with me...but there is a long, long way to go.



That should get us pretty much caught up to this point. We have our moving sale here at Steiner this weekend so, if you have a chance, come check it out. Sunday I will be at Shea for the final REGULAR SEASON game. I am really looking forward to that...let's just hope they somehow have a spot locked up by then so can save Santana for Game 1 of the DS (I better stop there as I am getting way ahead of myself...this past week has been nothing short of agonizing) There will be a lot going on next week too so be on the lookout for new posts.
Have a great weekend! Let's Go Mets!!