Magic Johnson: Kobe Bryant is Better Than Paul Pierce
Your first reaction is probably something along the lines of “No kidding,” right? But know that there are plenty of people who think otherwise.
This what he told reporters in Boston in response to the question of whether or not Pierce is the best in the League right now:
“Paul would like to think he’s better than Kobe,” said Johnson with a hearty laugh. “But Kobe Bryant is the best closer in the game. He’s the best player in the game. You have to remember he’s done it for a long time at a high level.
“Now, was Paul Pierce better than Kobe in the Finals? Of course, he was better than everybody in the whole playoffs. Is he one of the top three or four players in the league right now? Of course he is. It’s hard to find a guy who can go inside and outside and also a guy who can put it on the floor, then make plays for other people.
Yes, Magic is clearly an all-out Lakers homer, but he’s still arguably one of the best players ever. His opinion carries some weight. And while it might be an obvious answer to most people, the fact that a reporter asked the question means some people thingk Pierce should be in the discussion.
Can you make the argument that Pierce is the best player in the NBA?
Source: HoopsVibe
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November 18th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
GEE... Well Sa da Tay! says:
Kobe is king! Paul Pierce might be better for a team and even mentally might be a toss up Paul would win. One on one wise though and just the best in the world period….
Kobe.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Michorizo says:
Kobe is better than Paul in a Knife fight!
November 18th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
control says:
“Can you make the argument that Pierce is the best player in the NBA?”
Yes, but you can also make the argument that the world is flat. Despite any facts, you can argue anything.
Now, IS PP the best player in the NBA?
Only to Celtic fans.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
SayItAintSo says:
Wait…the world isn’t flat?
November 18th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Dime Magazine says:
control –
you’re right. the question should probably have been closer to something like, “Is this even worth talking about?”
- PC
November 18th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
srb says:
PP4MVP
November 18th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Coop says:
I’m not a big fan of Kobe (as a person) but anyone who thinks P Double is superior really needs to be given urgent assistance. It’s like saying Vince is better. Come on now.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Big Shot BOB says:
My question to everyone is “What would Paul Pierce have to do to prove that he is the best?”
November 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Lady Luck says:
No. This is not even a legit discussion. Paul is not better than Kobe or Lebron. However, I am glad that he’s getting his due because he has been ONE of the best in the league for some time now. He just never got the love because Boston was so bad. I like Paul, and I like his confidence, but better than Kobe? Even “the Truth” knows the truth.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Jah says:
LeBron James.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Ric Hardwood says:
Paul Pierce is at his best right now and comparing him to Kobe is like comparing Bill Russell to Wilt… Wilt is the best individual player in a TEAM sport, but Russell will do what’s necessary for his team to win… P-Double can keep talking until Kobe or Lebron wins the chip…
November 18th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
@ 8
Here’s a list of Kobe’s accomplishments, PP isn’t even close. so when he can do all this then we will reconsider
* 3-time NBA champion: 2000, 2001, 2002[2][3][4]
* 1-time NBA Most Valuable Player: 2008[5][6]
* 2-time scoring champion: 2006, 2007[7]
* 10-time NBA All-Star: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008[1]
* Has started in each of his appearances
* 10 consecutive appearances (No All-Star game in 1999 due to a league-wide lock-out)
* 2-time NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2002, 2007
* 10-time All-NBA selection:
* First team: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
* Second team: 2000, 2001
* Third team: 1999, 2005
* 8-time All-Defensive selection:
* First team: 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
* Second team: 2001, 2002
scored 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks. Entering the fourth quarter, Bryant had, by himself, outscored the entire Mavericks team 62–61, the only time a player has done this through three quarters since the advent of the 24-second shot clock.
On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored 81 points in a 122–104 victory against the Toronto Raptors.[38][3] In addition to breaking the previous franchise record of 71 set by Elgin Baylor, his point total in that game was the second highest in NBA history, surpassed only by Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962.
So that’s where he could start.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Ross says:
He’s right, Kobe is better.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
dapro says:
We all know Kobe is still the best player in the game but the gap is closing as Wade, PP,Paul, Lebron and several others players elevate their game
I think the argument is more who’s better in the team concept
You can look at the list f accomplishments from an individual standpoint and it’s clear Kobe is head and shoulders above everyone currently but in the team concept minus Shaq he lost when it counted
So they’re may be a slight argument from that perspective
November 18th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
CAVS says:
Pierce has always been good, but never great, not one of the great ones. Kobe and LeBron will go down with cases as the best of all time… Pierce isn’t even the greatest player on his team.
He didn’t out play LeBron or Kobe in the playoffs, Celtics D kept kobe and Lebron in check, and on offense he did his thing, but that helps when you have 2 HoF on the court with you. He played 1-1, Kobe and LeBron played 1-2, 1-3. 1-4, and sometimes 1-5.
We have seen when pierce did that, they celtics where the worst team in the league.
NOT EVEN CLOSE
November 18th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
jace says:
im all for the humble players. kobe has never said he’s the best player in the world. the world just seems to think so.
magic’s right. although i wouldn’t say paul pierce played the best in the playoffs.. i thought chris paul was the most hungriest and effective player in the playoffs. he put up the best numbers in the playoffs. his team just isn’t as good as the lakers or celtics (yes i kno the spurs beat them.. chris paul’s team didn’t show up that series). buttt.. as far as the finals go.. yea paul pierce was probably the best player there.. but that was only one series.
you can play great for one series.. or play against the so-called “best player in the world” and beat him (although mostly everybody credits that towards james posey).. but you’re not the best player in the world.
thats like saying because allen iverson crossed up michael jordan, iverson’s the best player to ever play the game.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
MoxWestCoastRep says:
Here’s a question…Is PP even the best player on his own team? Probably, but its debatable. PP wasnt even a top 15 player til he got “the big 3″, not to mention his team was THE WORST in the L. At least Kobe had the Lake show in the playoffs with no help.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
blah says:
Gee is right, PP is better than kobe in a team setting. and since NBA bball is a team sport, well…….
Personally if it was one game, 5 on five, and i can only pick one of my five, my first choice wouldn’t be either one of those guys, but I’d prolly pick PP before kobe depending on how i’m feeling.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
bonbon says:
is paul pierce even a hall of famer?
November 18th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
blah says:
and “is pp the best on his team?” is not debatable. Anyone who’s talking about ray ray, well that would have been debatable 4-5 years ago, but not today, even tho ray is my guy. And kg? I hope ppl know better than to even think that.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
SayItAintSo says:
@ 8
Its not so much what he would have to do…
Its more of what he would have DONE…
He would have shown this much tenacity and leadership (specifically on the defensive end) before KG showed up.
He would have talked about being the best, five seasons ago.
He would have been this thirsty, for almost a decade now.
Kobe is an arrogant prick. He laughs in the face of modesty, and being everyones best friend because he has been so hungry to be the best from day ONE!
P-Dub was rejuvinated by a crazy-man (Exhibit A: KG).
Kobe doesn’t need a crazy man. He’ll shoot his way (granted its not the right way to go about it) into being the best. Always always gunning, even without super-star talent around him.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Promoman says:
Paul is playing his best right now and has been one of the elite players in the NBA for awhile, but he isn’t better than Kobe. Paul & James Posey are & were overhyped for their defense on Kobe in the Finals. Paul didn’t guard Kobe most of the time and James had the entire ready to bail him out the instant he got beaten by Kobe.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
SayItIsntSo says:
Thanks Magic for telling us something we didnt already know…damn people are taking Paul Pierces comment too seriously. Paaul isnt even the best player at his own position, let alone in the NBA. But if feels that way about himself, who are we to knock him? The guy just won the Championship and was finals MVP..let the guy live.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
doug says:
i know ian and vinny are somewhere hugged up and upset that Magic is saying this about Kobe.Kobe is the best player in the game Magic says it, MJ said it, Clyde Drexler said it, Isaiah Thomas said it, Larry Bird said it LeBron James said it, Hell, Barkley said it…need i say anymore. You morons need to catch up haters
November 18th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
doug says:
SayItAintSo Pierce should’ve never said that though.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
JCARR says:
PP aint better than kobe. Period.
thats like saying that juicy juice is better than an All-Irish Black and Tan (21+, beverage includes 1/2 pint Smithwick’s Ale and 1/2 pint Guinness Draught)
November 18th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
doug says:
Ric Hardwood are you an idiot?Don’t you understand Kobe has already one that ship that your talking about he’s won 3 of them.Get a life and don’t tell me he hasn’t won a ship til he’s won it by himself because last i checked no one has ever done that. 5 players=team your a moron
November 18th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
control says:
If you want to judge best player in the NBA based on who I’d build a team around to have the best possible chance to win a championship…I’d have to say Tim Duncan is the best player in the NBA.
Kobe is by far the best swing man, but without quality big men on their teams, PP and Kobe ain’t winning shit.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
vinny says:
2doug- funny, but you had to go with the moron’s huh, just because we dont agree with you?? btw i think ian lives in europe while i’m sure your in la throwing rose petals at kobe’s feet! and yea and magic is an objective opinion!! but………. i have to agree with him Kobe is better than pp.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
vinny says:
@Doug! doug!!, try to have a conversation on here where u disagree without all the name calling, damm!!!
November 18th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Dagomar says:
1) Magic is not “arguably” one of the best ever – obviously he is.
2) Magic has a dog in this hunt – of course he’ll say Kobe.
3) Lebron won’t be universally recognized as the best in the game until he joins a big market.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
badmotherfucker says:
apart from Lebron, kobe’s the baddest motherfucker goin, he’ll rip PP’s heart out
November 18th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Pooh-Dro says:
Kobe Bryant is over-rated. Paul Pierce is over-rated. Lebron James is not. He’s the best player in the game…there’s no comparison. You put Lebron on the Lakers and they would have won the chip last year.
November 18th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
jackass says:
pooh dro you might be right!!!! never thought of that way before…
November 18th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
LMR says:
Pooh-Dro explain to us how Kobe Bryant is overrated? I know LeBron is playing great right now but Kobe is still the best player in the game.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
c says:
Kobe Bryant.
Enough said.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Ian says:
vinny u know that isnt going to happen with doug.
everytime theres kobe talk u know the insults are coming. i agree with u about magic if u ask him hell prob say bynum is better than howard.
kobe is better than pierce but blah is right i wouldnt pick either one for my team give me duncan i also agree on pierce being the best player on the celts im sorry but kg is not a go to guy in crunch time pierce is.
again kobe is the best player but like some of u guys stated on a 5 on 5 team concept is kinda debatable hell even magic said pierce was the best player in the finals the biggest stage.
pooh dro
i personally think that timmeh and bron are better at carryin their teams than bryant and pierce also
November 18th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Ian says:
control
100% agree heheheh on that
November 18th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Ian says:
vinny
im sorry i used hehehe u know u like lol my bad i forget that
November 18th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Ian says:
doug read your post about u meetin kobe
we all know u have met him cuz something must have happened that day no one defends a man like that just because
November 18th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
kowtz says:
My question to everyone is “What would Paul Pierce have to do to prove that he is the best?”
1. Get Kwame Brown and Smush Parker in his starting lineup and take them to the second round of the playoffs…
2. Score 82 points in a single game…
3. Play for the National Team…
4. Get compared to MJ (Dude aint even compared to Lebron…)
Better Question: If KG And RayRay did not go to Boston Last Year, would this be a valid conversation?????
November 18th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Ian says:
kowtz
when did number one on your list happen? cuz i remember blowing a 3-1 lead and missing the playoffs
November 18th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Ian says:
kowtz
ill start by sayin kobe is better
but
one on the list didnt happen u made it up
two really lots of points but that alone doesnt mean your better
three i coulda played in the national team and win gold
four is more of a style thing the comparison
and the better question if shaq hadnt left orlando would this be a valid conversation???
i mean comon be real pierce has a ring being the man on the team kobe was the pippen on his rings
and despite all this i still think kobe is better but dont try to trash pierce when the same thing happened to kobe
kobe didnt get outta the first round till he had that loaded team and we dont bash him for that
why pierce??? he took antoine walker to conf finals
November 18th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Ian says:
doug before u jump on my ass i hate pierce and kg more than kobe so this isnt a hater thing
they both need to stfu
November 18th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Dank says:
paul pierce is rat shit compared to Kobe Bryant. hes a top 15 player in the league MAYBE. and by that i mean hes hovering 15/16. Kobe has been number one the past 3 years, no joke.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Marco says:
PP isn’t even a Top 5 player in the league
November 19th, 2008 at 5:31 am
phillyboy says:
LeBron James would kill them both in a game of 1-on-1.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Detroit Dave says:
FUCK NO!!!
November 19th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Mamba says:
Clearly we know where I stand on this,
But after his performance in the Finals you have to at least put PP in the discussion,
Although I still cant get out of my head his weak acting/Willis Reed impression,
and just in case someone didnt know he is from LA,
Cuz they never mentioned that during the broadcast last year,
November 19th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Elieser says:
PP es uno mas de, como cualquier otro………KB24 y LBJ son los mejores jugadores del planeta, elije el que quieras uno y dos
November 19th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Kevin K says:
Give anyone decent star that can score in and out a KG and Ray Allen. Paul Pierce is good but he is overrated.
November 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
dano says:
Paul Pierce is THE most overrated. remember that the year before the KG Ray Ray trades the celtics only won 26 games? i know he had a d-league squad with him, but i think lebron has been getting 50+ wins in the same situation for years. and kobe only missed the playoffs once during the lakers rebuilding years, and he was in the west. and look at timmy d right now, hes got the same D-league squad, and i can guarantee that the spurs will win more than 26 games.
Pierce is just a scorer. Like carmelo. Think Melo couldnt win a championship with KG and Allen? Hes overrated, and didnt play hard until he got two future HOFs on his squad. Celtics are KGs team anyways. Pierce shouldnt even be in the conversation.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
gift of gab says:
let’s get larry’s opinion.
November 21st, 2008 at 7:20 pm
A-Slam says:
Kobe is better than pierce, but not by alot, Pierce never had a sidekick to win rings with, as well as a hall of fame coach. In the finals Pierce stepped up and lit-up Kobe as well as playing great defense on him. Now both these players are top in the league, but LeBron is on a different planet.
June 28th, 2009 at 9:13 am
keno says:
What different planet are you talking about? obviously not Saturn right cuz it has a ring? planet of sore losers?
A-Slam says:
Kobe is better than pierce, but not by alot, Pierce never had a sidekick to win rings with, as well as a hall of fame coach. In the finals Pierce stepped up and lit-up Kobe as well as playing great defense on him. Now both these players are top in the league, but LeBron is on a different planet