Paul Pierce Slams Luka Doncic-Larry Bird Comparisons: ‘Hurting My Ears!’
In a candid discussion on *Undisputed Live*, former NBA star Paul Pierce expressed his strong disapproval of the ongoing comparisons between Luka Doncic and Larry Bird, declaring that such analogies are “hurting my ears.”
Many fans and analysts have drawn parallels between the Dallas Mavericks’ young phenom and the Boston Celtics’ Hall of Famer, but Pierce, a Celtics legend himself, isn’t buying into the hype. “Let’s stop with the comparisons here,” Pierce emphatically stated.
Pierce’s critique is rooted in his detailed analysis of both players’ skill sets. While acknowledging Doncic’s talent, he pointed out that Bird surpasses him in several critical areas. “Doncic would win several categories like scoring and handles, but Bird will come out on top in shooting, passing, speed, and IQ,” Pierce explained.
Despite his reservations about the Bird comparisons, Pierce didn’t hold back in praising Doncic. He labeled the Slovenian star as a “European LeBron James,” highlighting Doncic’s remarkable impact on the game. “I think Luka is carving out his own niche. He’s been All-NBA [First Team] four times, he could win a championship this year. He’s on his way to becoming an all-time great. We’re talking about one of the top five, ten players to play the game,” Pierce added.
Pierce also drew attention to Bird’s extraordinary achievements early in his career. “Bird [won] three straight MVPs, he changed the game, he made us watch basketball. In his second year…he won a championship, who does that?” he remarked, emphasizing the historical context of Bird’s influence and success.
In contrasting Doncic to LeBron James, Pierce highlighted the similarities in their playing styles while noting the difference in athleticism. “He is probably the European LeBron James because [of] the way he can score, the way he can pass, the way he rebounds, and the way he controls the game. I’ll give him that, he’s a less athletic LeBron.”
Pierce’s insights offer a balanced view of Doncic’s burgeoning career while respecting the legacy of Larry Bird. As Doncic continues to develop and potentially secure his place among the NBA’s greats, the comparisons may persist, but for now, Pierce insists on giving each player their due recognition without conflating their unique contributions to the sport.
