In a recent appearance on rappers Cam’Ron and Mase “It Is What It Is” YouTube series, Celtics legend Paul Pierce opened up about his career in comparison to Dwyane Wade’s. Pierce expressed that he believes his career “underappreciated” because he didn’t have the same caliber of star players around him as Wade did during his time with the Miami Heat.
Pierce highlighted that he did manage to win a championship in 2008 alongside Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, but for much of his early years with the Celtics, he played on teams that were in the process of rebuilding. He argued that had he been supported by players like Shaq, LeBron, or Bosh, he could have won multiple championships.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 22: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Pierce noted that he scored more career points than Wade, despite Wade having a slightly higher average of points per game. He even questioned whether Wade was a better 3-point shooter and scorer than himself, underscoring his own versatile skills on the court.
While both Pierce and Wade enjoyed impressive careers and are expected to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Pierce felt that his early experiences in Boston might have influenced how people view his career compared to other legendary players of his time.
Paul Pierce explains why he’s better than Dwyane Wade
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 22, 2023
“Put Shaq on my team, put LeBron and Bosh with me. I’m not going to win one?”
(via #ItIsWhatItIs / h/t @LeBatardShow ) pic.twitter.com/4D3H3oh0vC
Despite their differing viewpoints, Wade has yet to respond to Pierce’s recent statements. However, back in 2019, he acknowledged Pierce’s perspective on Twitter.
During this morning, on the Toucher & Rich program, Fred, Rich, and Wallach shared their reactions to Pierce’s claims.
