Paul Pierce just recently was moved to 2nd all time in points scored on the Boston Celtics, and theres been a discussion on his place in Celtic history, and even NBA history. Pierce is an extremely underrated player. And a Top 3 Celtic in my opinion. He doesn't get the respect he deserves
Here are my reasons why I think he is underrated
1) When I see the list of the all time great Celtic players, there is an aura about them. All the Championships they won, and all the glory attached to it. But when I really look at it most of the players that are regarded as the Top 5 Celtics players, they are not better than Paul Pierce. The only players I put above Pierce are Russell and Bird
-Bob Cousy
Besides passing/assists, Paul Pierce is better than Cousy at ever facet of the game. Pierce is better at scoring, defense, rebounding, creating his own shot. Theres no doubt Cousy's legend is bigger that Pierce's, but not his game
-Kevin Mchale
As far as skill, they are about equal. But Pierce is a better leader and a better scorer
-John Havlicek
He has incredible basketball IQ, and I feel he is a more smarter and patient scorer. But he got most of his points off of the Celtics system offense, and understanding where to be at certain times. Pierce is a better overall scorer, can run the offense better, and can create his own shot. He's also a better passer, and a better defender than Havlicek
2)Most of NBA awards are popularity contests
-The other knock on Paul Pierce is his lack of individual awards. Well honestly, NBA awards are based of off whos the most commercially viable. You look at Kobe Bryant, who has had loads of hardware. He is not a better defender than Paul Pierce. But yet he gets 1st team all defense because of his name and fame as a player. Its almost comical he would win those awards when at that time, Bruce Bowen, Ron Artest, and Shane Battier were clearly better perimeter defenders than Kobe
-Regular season MVPs are kind of like a mixed bag. Its all a function of team success. If your team is number 1 or 2 in your conference, you're basically a shoe in. And lets not forget how horrible Paul Pierce's teams have been in his earlier years. I wish I could see the a lot of great players be on a team where you're the only great player. Even Jordan before he won his titles missed the playoffs because of the people around him. The MVP is basically being the best player on the best team. And for Pierce he only had about 4 years of being on one of the best teams in the NBA, which limited his opportunities to win one
3) Paul Pierce doesn't have that “WOW” factor. When he makes his moves, they aren't really jump off your seat type scoring. He's efficient, patient, utilizes footwork, doesn't run fast, doesn't jump out the gym, etc. Also his personality isn't really that outgoing, sort of polarizing. He isn't a recluse, but he's not the life of the party either. And I think he doesn't draw a lot of fans to him. I don't think I ever seen a huge commercial explicitly for Paul Pierce (if anyone knows, please let me know). Its the popular players that get most of the recognition for being great. In that 2008 championship year, Paul outplayed both MVPs Lebron and Kobe to win the title. He should also be in the discussion of one of the greatest wing players of his generation
Topic: Paul Pierce is the most Underrated Player Ever (Read 19634 times)