Paul Pierce gave a scathing remark on LeBron James’ GOAT case while talking highly of Michael Jordan. He reminisced about King James’ Miami Heat days, when his team was defeated by Dirk Nowitzki and Co. in the 2010-11 NBA finals, 4-2.
James became part of the Big 3, alongside Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, in Miami for the 2010-11 season. On the other hand, the underdog Dallas Mavericks were led by the veteran Nowitzki to the finals with momentum on their side. Eventually, the Heat was humbled in six games by the Mavs and an injured Nowitzki, who was the Finals MVP.
While talking about the GOAT debate on the No Fouls Given podcast, Pierce let his feelings known about the 2010-11 NBA finals and didn’t mince his words:
“I was always Jordan to go. I have wavered from LeBron being the GOAT. It matters; the finals losses matter. Not showing up in Dallas matters, like I never had to say that about Jordan.
“I never said that in a Finals situation, he didn’t show up. I never said that in a Finals situation Jordan got outplayed. So that matters. We’re talking about the greatest; the greatest don’t get outplayed in the biggest moments. This just doesn’t happen.”
After the team’s loss in the aforementioned NBA finals, LeBron James was heavily criticized for not going big when it mattered the most, especially in Game 4, where he scored just eight points.
Pierce might be referring to that, talking about “not showing up” in big moments because that game shifted the momentum completely against the Heat. However, the Heat won back-to-back championships after that in 2012 and 2013, and LeBron James was the Finals MVP on both occasions.
“The man is 41 years old,” Filbert Arenas shares take on LeBron James and GOAT debate
Talking on his YouTube show, No Chill, Gilbert Arenas shared his thoughts about LeBron James’ legacy. He said that the Lakers’ forward majorly receives criticism due to his comparison with Michael Jordan. Showering praise on King James, he added:
“I think the only people who seems to know LeBron is 41 is LeBron. I think the name itself generates so many mixed emotions and it seems to stem from so much hatred that he gets because he’s so close to Jordan… Stop trying to minimize how great these two players are. The man is 41 years old. The fact that he’s walking still, let alone averaging 25, is crazy.”
While its upto fans and analysts to decide who deserves the crown of the Greatest of All Time, LeBron James is busy at work for the Lakers. In the absence of Austin Reaves, the duo of James and Luka Doncic is trying hard to keep the Lakers afloat.
However, bench production keeps hurting the team every game. The management will need to make some crucial decisions before the trade deadline to send some help in that area if they want to keep LeBron James’ hopes of a fifth title alive.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
