- First of all, Pierce was asked if Kobe Bryant was the best player. It is not like he randomly went out and starting saying this. He was asked. Now, seeing as he had beaten Kobe in the NBA Finals a few weeks ago, how can you expect Paul Pierce to say anything otherwise?
- Pierce may not even be the best player on his team. Kevin Garnett was the regular season MVP candidate who is credited with changing the culture in Boston, bringing about an intensity level and emphasis on defense that were the primary reasons for the Celtics championship run.
- To be the man, you have to beat the man. Let us say there is a consensus that Kobe Bryant is the best player in the world. Pierce guarded Kobe well enough on the defensive end, then scored on him enough offensively, to be named Finals MVP. If Kobe is indeed the best player in the world, and Paul Pierce just beat him in four of six games, what does that make Paul Pierce?
- If I were Paul Pierce, I would be thinking: I just beat the best player in the world on both ends of the floor on the highest stage the NBA has to offer. That has to make me the best player then. Of course, thinking it privately and stating it publicy are two very different things.
- Pierce was not even considered to be on the USA basketball team, which is led by Kobe and currently training in China for the upcoming Olympics next week. This can only give Kobe more motivation, not that he needs it.
