Luka has solved today's spaced-out beginner format but Paul Pierce seems better to me

[3ball]

I just watched Luka's 42 point highlights - I've never seen a player need screens so much

He's clever off-the-dribble but Pierce was the better athlete, shooter, and post player, with superior scoring versatility that fit with more teammates and formats.

Pierce was elite at pulling up off hard-dribbles and elevating, while Luka prefers step-backs, which is easier.. Pierce actually had both because his step-back was mean too.

[Pip' N Rodman]

And LeBron destroyed Pierce whenever it mattered (2011, 2012, 2014), thanks OP:lol

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Pierce is a more skilled, complete and versatile scorer but Luka is already a better overall player with his passing

Luka can't D up but Pierce wasn't knowing for playing defense before KG got there

[3ball]

And LeBron destroyed Pierce whenever it mattered (2011, 2012, 2014), thanks OP:lol


Pierce's "pre-decision" victories in 08' and 10' were the important series because they were pre-decision and Pierce wasn't a fossil yet, while they exposed Lebron - Lebron averaged 26 on 35% in the 08' ECSF and 21 on 34% in the last 3 games of the 10' ECSF (lost a 2-1 lead as the massive league favorite).

Those losses along with a loss to Dwight caused "the decision", where Lebron manufactured a Finals-streak by forming a super-team in a conference that 1-star teams were winning (cheated)

[90sgoat]

I didn't watch Pierce much, but Luka is not so much Pierce as a 6'7'' Tony Parker.

[3ball]

I didn't watch Pierce much, but Luka is not so much Pierce as a 6'7'' Tony Parker.


His handle is more pure-guard and more fundamentally-sound than Parker's

Parker actually had poor dribbling form but his quickness took care of things

Luka is a rare big that has pure guard form like Lebron, but he's a jumpshooter too - like a less athletic Penny, who was great off-the-dribble and had jumpshooting skill - he just didn't play in today's high screen format.

Btw, Pierce's handle was about as pure as it gets - a 6'8" Baron Davis handle that could double as a big man

[90sgoat]

Hmm yes, Penny is not a bad comparison, of course not as high flying, but the same big guard looking to score.

I see Lebron more as a Grant Hill with worse handles.

[Mr.GOAT2408]

Pierce today would be great, he was prob as good or better at his peak than Doncic now (not relatively speaking since Pierce was never top 10 which Doncic has been the last 2 years but Pierce had way better competition) but Doncic is 21 (well 22 but this is his age 21 season), sky is the limit for him :bowdown:

[warriorfan]

LD officially on op’s radar

[90sgoat]

LD officially on op’s radar

:oldlol::roll:

Oh no.

[SATAN]

3ball is starting to question whether a new generation will start comparing Luka to the all time greats in due time. Don't be fooled by the distraction. Trembling.

[clipps]

And Wade destroyed Pierce whenever it mattered (2011, 2012, 2014), thanks OP:lol. I'm retarded

fixed

[ArbitraryWater]

Pierce is a more skilled, complete and versatile scorer but Luka is already a better overall player with his passing

Luka can't D up but Pierce wasn't knowing for playing defense before KG got there

all of these things mean the same in the end.


Luka is also the better scorer, by far, by the way.......

[ShawkFactory]

Luka is 22. Pierce was still 2 years away from making his first all star appearance at that age.

If we’re talking peak PP (which I assume is the version you’re discussing) then yea, there is a few things he does better. Shooting off the dribble and post game mainly. Better defensively as well.

But Luka has an outrageous feel for the game. Handles, passing, recognition of when and where doubles are coming. Plus his size and said instincts makes him more effective on the glass on both ends.

Winning Euroleague MVP at 17 proves that he’s not just some product of the spaced out game. His impact goes beyond just scoring. Kid makes plays in every facet

[BarberSchool]

Mix Paul Pierce’s old man game & lack of athleticism.
With some Magic Johnson playmaking and heavy frame.
With James Harden step back skills.

& you pretty much have Luka.

[tpols]

Pierce can't dribble, finish, pass, or shoot long range like Luka. He's got midrange shooting on him tho.

[Gohan]

Pierce can't dribble, finish, pass, or shoot long range like Luka. He's got midrange shooting on him tho.

Well if pierce played in this era he’d be totally different and better it’s not fair to pierce tbh

[tpols]

Well if pierce played in this era he’d be totally different and better it’s not fair to pierce tbh

Still I don't remember pierce having lukas level of body control when finishing. Or his ridiculous range 3pt streak shooting. Or his passing ability. Pierce is a better pure mid range scorer but he wasn't showing true MVP flashes like luka is doing now. He's great player but not MVP level.

[FKAri]

Well if pierce played in this era he’d be totally different and better it’s not fair to pierce tbh

We don't know that for sure though. It's like saying today's bigs would dominate yesteryear if they didn't botch themselves by ignoring the post and practicing jumpers all the time.

Compared to the past, it's easier for perimeter players today and harder for bigs.

[Kblaze8855]

The numbers aren’t even worth comparing. The leagues are too different. Even ignoring the defense allowed to be played....Luka might never play a team setting out to keep the scores in the 80s off slowing down the game and refusing to comply when you pick up the tempo. There’s a reason Zach Lavine does 27 on 51/42 in only 35 minutes while Kobe did 27 on 43 at the same age playing 41 minutes a game. And the reason isn’t offensive ability.

Just talking skills?

Luka has better handles(though not by as much as people seem to think) and is a much better passer. Finishing, shooting, and general scoring skill set?

Naaaah. Hes not above Pierce.

[AirBonner]

He’s better than Pierce in the fact that he can carry a team

[TheCorporation]

And LeBron destroyed Pierce whenever it mattered (2011, 2012, 2014), thanks OP:lol

:lol

Lite work

R.I.P. OP

[DABIGSALSISHA]

His handle is more pure-guard and more fundamentally-sound than Parker's

Parker actually had poor dribbling form but his quickness took care of things

Luka is a rare big that has pure guard form like Lebron, but he's a jumpshooter too - like a less athletic Penny, who was great off-the-dribble and had jumpshooting skill - he just didn't play in today's high screen format.

Btw, Pierce's handle was about as pure as it gets - a 6'8" Baron Davis handle that could double as a big man

I disagree Luka's game has absolutely nothing to do with Penny Hardaway's game. Anfernee's vision of the game was on another level as he was considered the next Magic Johnson by many. Hardaway also was more skilled with the ball.
He was asked to be shaq's butler. Penny's defense was also way better than Luka is so far.

Penny could never shoot like Luka, forget it, Luka is an incredible shooter. Just unbelievable.

I agree with all the rest you said.

[Druckenmiller]

Paul Pierce averaged seven rebounds once. Ever. He averaged five assists in a season ... wait for it. Once.

If he didn’t play with Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo we would be comparing him to World B Free.

Give Doncic Garnett, Allen and Rondo right now, at whatever age they currently are, and the Mavs might win it all this year Give him those three at the age they were when Pierce played with them and the Mavs would sleep walk to a title.

[SouBeachTalents]

Paul Pierce averaged seven rebounds once. Ever. He averaged five assists in a season ... wait for it. Once.

If he didn’t play with Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo we would be comparing him to World B Free.

Give Doncic Garnett, Allen and Rondo right now, at whatever age they currently are, and the Mavs might win it all this year Give him those three at the age they were when Pierce played with them and the Mavs would sleep walk to a title.
What :oldlol: KG & Allen are 45 years old

[Gohan]

What :oldlol: KG & Allen are 45 years old

Doncic ain’t winning ish with them lol

[Druckenmiller]

KG at 45 is tougher than PoorzingAss on any day.