PP is the best player on the best team, so I find it hard to argue that he is the best player in the world. However, "Lost in Translation" is more than a movie title...
Actually Ben, he's the second best player on the team. The first is Kevin Garnett.
Yes, I know Pierce played great in the playoffs and had key moments. I know that he went toe to toe with LeBron in game 7 and played strong defense on him throughout the rest of the series (basically eliminating his own offense in the process). Yes, I know Pierce technically "outplayed" Kobe, but you can't possibly compare the two players. Kobe was going up against one of the greatest defenses of the past 30 years. Every player on the Celtics had the task of shutting down Kobe Bryant. Meanwhile, the Lakers were unquestionably the weakest defensive team Boston faced in the entire playoffs (at least Atlanta protected the rim). You can't compare Kobe trying to go up against 5 guys to Pierce scoring within a team offense against a weak defense.
If we're talking about statistical efficiency, Pierce was in the top 35 last year. If we're talking the playoffs... KG was #7 and Pierce was #23. Pierce rightfully gets the glory, but everyone just chill out. He's not the best in the world... he's not even the best player on his own team. And that's not to say I disagree with his Finals MVP trophy... but lets just be real, mmmkay?
As for his comments. Pierce aint delusional. But he's also not going to say "Kobe's the best in the world" or "LeBron is the best in the world". Maybe when he's good and retired he can say that kind of stuff (like Magic praising Bird), but right now he's in the thick of his career... so if some Spanish reporter asks him "Who is the best in the world?", I fully expect Pierce to say, "Paul Pierce" and then give a little wink.
And to anyone who takes Pierce's comments seriously... they asked him a few months ago (prior to the playoffs) who the MVP of the league was and he said Kevin Garnett in support of his teammate. Just take the Spanish comments for what they were... He was just showing pride in the Finals MVP trophy and refusing to give credit to his enemies. Pierce always does this kind of stuff. I seem to remember a few years ago they asked him who rookie of the year should be and he said Delonte West. Part of his character