Even at 37 years old, Paul Pierce is still a quality player in this league, but his most valuable asset, at least in the eyes of the Los Angeles Clippers, should be his championship experience.

The Clippers had a pressing need at the small forward position. Problem solved. Pierce averaged 11.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game last season with the Washington Wizards. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, that’s not what the Clippers need from him.

One of the areas in which the Clippers struggled in was their toughness. Los Angeles had their hearts ripped away from them in the Western Conference semifinals, where they surrendered a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets. That is simply unacceptable for a team of the Clippers’ caliber. That’s where Pierce comes in. The 17-year veteran is the epitome of tough. He’s fought through numerous injuries throughout his career, but is still pushing along.

Pierce always comes ready to play and doesn’t need anyone to motivate him. That’s exactly the type of player the Clippers need. Pierce already knows what it takes to get to the promised land. He led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2008 and 2010, winning in 2008. It should be noted that this was under the coaching of Doc Rivers. Rivers and Pierce’s familiarity with one another makes this a perfect fit for Los Angeles.

The Clippers’ championship hopes still rest on whether or not they can get center DeAndre Jordan to re-sign with the team. But with stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the supporting cast and now Pierce, the Clippers are in a great position to get over their hump and maybe reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.