You have to be a very, very good basketball player to even have a slim chance of making it to the NBA.
But even among the greats, there are still levels.
Some players are more praised than they deserve, while others are overlooked; it’s as simple as that.
So, when asked about the most overrated player he ever faced, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce had a somewhat bizarre answer: Richard Jefferson.
Paul Pierce says Richard Jefferson is the most overrated player he’s ever played against
(Via @IAMATHLETEpod ) pic.twitter.com/gQjtDGp05M
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 12, 2023
Jefferson entered the league as the 13th overall pick, being chosen way above future All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who played with him at Arizona.
And while he did average double-digits in nine straight seasons and was a major contributor to the New Jersey Nets in their trip to the NBA Finals, Jefferson was never an All-Star or considered a superstar by any means.
So, to say that he’s overrated is kind of odd by Pierce, and fans didn’t hesitate to call him out on social media for that statement.
I’m sure RJ would say the same about Paul💀
— 👑✊🏽Riko Redz✊🏽👑 (@iAmRikoRedz) April 12, 2023
I’ve never seen anyone rate Richard Jefferson in anything
— rennaT (Tank Gunner) (@rennaTcMrennaT) April 12, 2023
He’s just jealous that Richard Jefferson is currently way more relevant than him
— H00PIFY (@H00PIFY) April 12, 2023
why bro randomly beefing with Richard Jefferson of all people😭😭😭
— Tolunai (@GodlLotus) April 12, 2023
Jefferson had a solid career in the league, all things considered, and a much better one than the average NBA player.
He was a veteran leader and steady contributor to the Cleveland Cavaliers team that beat the Golden State Warriors in the 2015-16 NBA Finals, but it’s not like he’s going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame or anything.
He did average 22.6 points per game and started all 82 games for the Nets in 2007-08, arguably his best individual season, but he bounced around the league for the last eight years of his career or so.
NEXT:
Fans React To What Paul Pierce Said About Carmelo Anthony
