After last year’s NBA Finals, more and more debates are rising from blogs and sports writers around the nation regarding Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce. Most of them coming from Celtics fans who are of course endearing of their NBA superstar who helped them win their franchise best 17th NBA Championship. But these debates are ridiculous and a waste of reading.
There is no debate that Paul Pierce stock has risen over the past year/year and a half. But comparing him in any way to Kobe Bryant is absurd. Just because the guy has 1 NBA ring, let’s not forget that Kobe has 3! And it was a 3-peat. But just to clear the air here and make things straight, here is some information you should know about the two players and the difference between them. Here’s the bottom line:
Kobe Bryant 3 NBA Titles
Paul Pierce has 1
Kobe Bryant 10 Time NBA All Star
Paul Pierce 6 Time NBA All Star
Kobe 1 Time NBA MVP
Paul Pierce has never won MVP
Kobe Bryant 6 Time All Defensive First Team
Paul Pierce never
Kobe Bryant 2 time NBA Scoring Champion
Paul Pierce 1 time NBA Scoring Champion
Should I keep on going? If you say so….
Kobe Bryant 1 US Olympic Gold Medal
Paul Pierce doesn’t have one
And perhaps the most telling stat of all….
In 12 career seasons, Kobe Bryant has played in 152 playoff games. In 10 careers seasons, Paul Pierce has only played in 63. That’s a little over 1/3 of what Kobe Bryant has achieved.
The 05-06 and 06-07 NBA Seasons
I highlight these two NBA seasons because they are incredibly telling. In both seasons both Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce played on teams with lesser talent. Both teams were bad in their respective conferences. And both were not expected to reach the playoffs. The only difference? Kobe Bryant’s teams managed to reach the NBA Playoffs in a tougher Western Conference both seasons. While Paul Pierce in the weaker Eastern Conference, didn’t make it either time!!!
So seriously all you bloggers, quit writing garbage! Write something good for once. The Boston Celtics are a fantastic team and should be heralded for their success, but don’t try and make Paul Pierce someone greater than he really is. And don’t let him convice you either!
