Is Paul Pierce underrated?

[cfoo]

I've always kind of felt that PP doesn't get his due. I'm really expecting Pierce to show what he is made of the next few years on a bigger stage. Just everywhere I read people normally dont put him in the top tier of players but I've always though he is one of the best players around.

[DERRENMATTS]

Yes, Pierce is underrated around the league, and especially among fans outside of Boston. He's sort of lumped in the same group as the Michael Redd's of the league, when he's clearly above Redd. Playing in Boston and not being a flashy player has probably limited his overall fan base.

But I also think that he's overrated by some in the Celtics community.

[cfoo]

Yeah thats what I mean. He seems ot get lumped in with the mid tier sg's when he's closer to kobe then he is to those guys imo. He's in that class of franchise sg's imo and top tier sgs and just as a player in general.

[DERRENMATTS]

If Lebron, Kobe, and Wade are the top tier SG's, I'd say Pierce is a notch below them (2nd tier). He'd be grouped together with Vince and McGrady. Guys like Richard Jefferson, and Michael Redd (maybe Josh Howard too) would be a notch below them.

[cfoo]

SEe I think Pierce is better than Vince or Mcgrady thats the thing. I think he is on Wade's level and Kobe. He just never had shaq. Lebron is in another class. I dont think he's as good as Kobe. I'd say it goes Lebron, Kobe and then Pierce and Wade are about even. I think those are the 4 best sgs in the elague and then there is a dropoff. Mcgrady, Vince are probably next and then you have rip, and redd and ginobli and those guys. Rip is kind of underrated too imo though. But he's kind of a one trick pony of sorts. But he's so good at it. He's kind of what reggie miller was back in the day but different style but in the same class.

[cfoo]

Also Pierce is being moved to his more natural position at SF. You have guys like Deng in there as well who i would put in his own class behind Vince and Mcgrady.

[cfoo]

Vince and Mcgrady i kind of see as super talented guys that are in the upper echelon class but they never lived up to their talent. Pierce will live up to his talent. Same with Lebron, Kobe, Wade. When its all said and done he will be where he rightfully belongs.

[DERRENMATTS]

Right, I agree with that. As far as talent goes, Vince and McGrady have the upper hand. But injuries have derailed their otherwise fantastic careers, while Pierce has continued to amass excellent stats, year after year. But I would have to say that they would be lumped together, while Kobe, Lebron, and Wade remain at the top. Lebron is a phenomenal player (probably the guy I enjoy watching the most), Kobe is one of the greatest scorers in the league, and Wade is just too hard to contain.

[eja117]

PP's defense is nowhere near Kobe's but his rebounding is excellent. I think TMac was the better player till he got hurt. TMac and Kobe have carried horrid teams to the playoffs (and early exits) by themselves and PP could never do that. I think that some guys like Vince are naturally better but not as motivated as PP. I think he outworks them and it nearly balances out. I definitely think if PP played in a market like LA he'd be considered better but you can say that about a lot of guys and some of these guys like Wade or Arenas aren't necessarily playing in huge markets.

[cfoo]

The thing with Pierce is he kind of fits boston because he is a hard nosed player but he isn't the most marketable guy. As far as a player I think he's just as good. He just isn't as flashy.

[kofanis0880]

Aight first of all LBJ isnt a SG at all, he is a SF 6'8 255 that is closer Anthony Mason than the average 6'6 210 SG.

Also I see PP as a SF.

As far as SFs go.

I see it as.

LeBron

and then Melo'/Pierce/T-Mac...

followed by
Rashard Lewis/Marion/Butler/Artest/Deng/Howard/Jefferson/Odom/Durant?

and then guys like G-Wallace/Prince/AK47/Smith

[cfoo]

at sg he can use his size to overpower guys and really get into the lane. He can also shoot over guys better from the sg spot. He's kind a tweener though. He's kind of a big sg or a smaller sf. his rebounding is an asset no matter waht position he plays but i tend to htink his rebounding numbers will be up this year although garnett and perk will get their share. With a big frontline of Perk and Garnett, Pierce works at SF but he is kind of undersized and will be quick for that position.. I kind of label Pierce as a SG though. I dont know why..... It seems like more his true position to me.

[DERRENMATTS]

Oh right, I forgot about Melo. Melo probably gets lumped together in the 2nd tier wing players, along with Pierce, Vince, McGrady, Redd, and the likes.

[rockinrondo]

I think Pierce is a better all around TEAM player than V. Carter, K.Bryant, (give me the ball and get out of my way, not a team player) Melo and McGrady. I think he is second only to L.James.

I think the rest of the country will find that out this year, now that he has two other stars to play along side. He will not have to do it all this year, he will not be forceing up those ill advised 3 pts. This will be the best year of his career.

[cfoo]

The thing with Pierce and I notice this every time I've seen him in person is that people dont realize sometimes how much of a freak of nature he is athletically. People dont notice that about pierce because he isnt the sleakest player out there, but he is a total freak of nature imo. He is so big, can shoot better than wade. He's bigger than wade. CAn leap and is a tenacious offensive player. I would take Pierce over Wade personally but htat is my bias. Kobe is pretty crazy. His attitude needs some work I still admire Kobe as a player very much so. I think at times he is in a class by himself. Ths is kind of why I think Pierce is underrated though becaue as far as sg's go its Lebron, Kobe, Pierce and you never really hear people mention Pierce in that class. But after this year and a couple championships you will. Emmitt Smith was kind of the same way where people underrated hima nd were like Barry and Payton are so much better, but Emmitt kept amassing yards and championships and eventually got his due. I think Pierce once he wins championships will really be regarded as a great player when he gets inducted in the HOF when you look at his whole career and the stats he put up and the championships he won.