While often controversial, there’s no denying that Paul Pierce earned his stripes in NBA history.
The Boston Celtics legend had to go to war with some of the greatest scorers this game has ever seen, and he even beat them more than once.
Pierce was never a lockdown defender, but he could hold his ground more often than not.
He had a strong frame and often took pride in checking in the rival’s best scorer, even if he wasn’t always successful.
So, when asked about the toughest player he ever had to guard, Pierce had a somewhat shocking answer, as he chose Carmelo Anthony over Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Tracy McGrady.
Pierce didn’t want to throw shade at any of the aforementioned players but claimed that Melo was just so physical that he literally made you sore and hurting after putting up 30 points on you.
Paul Pierce says Carmelo Anthony was more difficult to guard than Kobe and LeBron
(h/t @ctrlnarrative / via @IAMATHLETEpod ) pic.twitter.com/1laht4MhqQ
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 12, 2023
Needless to say, this take drew contrasting opinions on social media, with some fans giving Melo his flowers and others calling Pierce a hater.
Whenever PP feels like he’s going irrelevant he just brings up bron or Kobe !
— david (@Davidlemke15) April 12, 2023
The type of people that put respect on Carmelo Anthony’s name vs the people that downplay his greatness lol pic.twitter.com/RAI5HE1kqk
— CTRL the Narrative (@ctrlnarrative) April 12, 2023
Melo’s scoring ability is so underrated
— Per Sources (@PerSources) April 12, 2023
Incoming keyboard warriors telling a NBA PLAYER who ACTUALLY guarded these dudes how to think
— Alexxxx 🥶🌝 (@CurryTakingOver) April 12, 2023
It’s not a secret that Pierce is no fan of LeBron, but his assessment was right on point here.
Also, he’s always shown great respect for both Kobe and T-Mac, so maybe he’s just speaking his truth with no pettiness or hidden agenda.
Carmelo Anthony doesn’t get the respect he deserves because he never won a ring, but he’s one of the most dominant scorers in the history of the game.
So, maybe it’s time we just start giving him his flowers.
NEXT:
Stephen A. Smith Unloads On Celtics Star Before Playoffs Begin
