Paul Pierce says he's picking a prime LeBron James over Giannis Antetokounmpo

Paul Pierce has a hot take involving LeBron and Giannis.

Matthew Dugandzic | Apr 14, 2023

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Milwaukee Bucks

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce has easily transitioned from being “The Truth” on the court to speaking the truth in various media appearances. In an appearance on the I AM ATHLETE podcast, Pierce shares his curious choice when asked to pick between a prime LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Dragged the 2007 Cavaliers to the NBA Finals

Pierce went with the player he’s had numerous intense battles with, both in the regular season and especially in the NBA Playoffs. In fact, LeBron’s 2007-2008 Cavaliers squad was nipped by Pierce’s Boston Celtics, 4-3, in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett then went on to win the NBA title that season. All this means that Pierce is well-versed with the King’s greatness.

“LeBron, for sure," said Pierce. "You put LeBron with four bums; he then took them to the Finals.”

The team Pierce is referring to is the 2006-2007 Cavs squad that a 22-year-old LeBron led all the way to the NBA Finals, where they got swept by the Tim Duncan-led San Antonio Spurs. It was an impressive feat considering the Cavs’ dearth of clear-cut talent outside of LeBron. Not to say that LeBron was playing with “bums,” as Pierce candidly puts it, but let’s just say the roster wasn’t exactly stacked with All-Stars.

LeBron’s path to the finals that season included his unforgettable Game 5 performance in the Eastern Conference Finals against the vaunted Detroit Pistons. In that competitive match-up, LeBron scored 48 points—including the Cavs’ last 25 points—and grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out seven assists, making a statement that he was ready to take the Finals stage by storm.

Has Giannis even reached his prime yet?

Giannis is a fine choice, for sure, had Pierce taken him. After all, Giannis is a 28-year-old two-time MVP whose entire focus is on basketball and winning NBA championships. So, who knows if the Greek Freak has even reached his prime yet? With a diverse game and a winning mindset, Giannis could be even more unstoppable in the future.

Published Apr 14, 2023

MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.