Paul Pierce brings a lot of heat on himself with his statements. Then the powers that be twist his words some to make his hot takes even hotter, but let's be clear, prime Paul Pierce was a lot better player than non-Celtics fans give him credit as.
At the age of 23, Paul Pierce started averaging 25.3 points per game. The next year he earned his first of 10 all-star births. By the 2008 playoffs when Pierce was almost 31, Paul and LeBron James finally met in the playoffs. The Cavs were the reigning Eastern Conference Champions and LeBron was in his prime averaging 30 ppg, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists on the season.