NBA Legend Paul Pierce Makes Bold Luka Doncic Statement

Paul Pierce spoke about Mavs star Luka Doncic.

Mar 27, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce (34) looks on in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is among the best ten players in the NBA at just 25.

In five of his first six seasons, Doncic has made the NBA All-Star Game.

This past year, he averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 48.7% from the field and 38.2% from the three-point range in 70 games.

May 30, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play during the first quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Recently, NBA legend Paul Pierce made a bold statement about Doncic (via KG Certified, h/t Kevin Garnett).

Question: "Which star player do you feel like is under the most pressure coming into the season?"

Pierce: "Luka Doncic. He's been favored to win MVP the last three years... When we talk about face of the league? Luka's name is in that mix. I just feel like it's him."

“When we talk about face of the league? Luka’s name is in that mix.” -@paulpierce34

I disagree with P I don’t think Luka under the most pressure to win a championship. He came into the league without a championship team and has overachieved 💯 Lord he only 25!!!!… pic.twitter.com/GLR2Hxaq0C

— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) September 25, 2024

Doncic is so young that it's bold for Pierce to think he is under the most pressure.

He led the Mavs to the 2024 NBA Finals, but there were questions about his defensive performance during the postseason.

Luka has been awful on defense 😳 pic.twitter.com/u65zSHf6GI

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 13, 2024

On the other hand, it's also notable that Pierce thinks Doncic can become the face of the NBA.

Fans reacted to Garnett's post in the comments.

Garnett wrote: "I disagree with P I don’t think Luka under the most pressure to win a championship. He came into the league without a championship team and has overachieved 💯 Lord he only 25!!!!"

Via @Hero_OfThe_Day: "Facts, none of the greats (outside of Magic/Bird) had Championships by this point. Don’t let the media gaslight you. Nobody has done more, with less, than Luka Doncic. Kevin Garnett is right."

Facts, none of the greats (outside of Magic/Bird) had Championships by this point. Don’t let the media gaslight you. Nobody has done more, with less, than Luka Doncic. Kevin Garnett is right. https://t.co/M4z0UVBJds

— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) September 25, 2024

Via @StoolGreenie: "I think it's unfair to think Luka should have a title by now, but I do think it's fair to suggest the clock is ticking and after a pretty poor Finals showing he now has the same pressure as Tatum had following his poor 2022 Finals

MVP/Face of the NBA hype + Year 7 = time to win"

I think it's unfair to think Luka should have a title by now, but I do think it's fair to suggest the clock is ticking and after a pretty poor Finals showing he now has the same pressure as Tatum had following his poor 2022 Finals

MVP/Face of the NBA hype + Year 7 = time to win https://t.co/0GMZltl9xe

— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) September 25, 2024

Via @KyleLue: "KG keeping it real as usual, but I feel Paul as well….."

KG keeping it real as usual, but I feel Paul as well….. https://t.co/EMOr68awBc

— Kyle Lue (@KyleLue) September 25, 2024