They've had their space, their time apart.

Beyond a few short but sweet meetings and phone calls, Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce stayed off each other's radar and nerves this summer.

That all changes tomorrow with the opening of training camp, but the Celtics coach is counting on a thaw in the chilly war with his star player. Like the rest of the Celtics hierarchy, Rivers is straining to be positive on the subject of his moody, enigmatic star.

Based on recent history, Pierce's true intent and coachability is anyone's guess.

``I don't know -- I think so,'' Rivers said last week of whether he can tell, based on their brief conversations, whether Pierce has genuinely and finally bought into Rivers' plan. ``I have a good feeling about it. You look at his numbers from last season, and he bought into it.''