NBA Legend Paul Pierce’s Bold Take Catches Attention originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When it comes to debating the best pure shooters the NBA has ever seen, everyone’s got their go-to list, and it usually sparks some pretty heated arguments among fans and analysts alike. 

From record-shattering three-point kings to mid-range assassins, the league has seen its fair share of guys who can light it up from anywhere on the floor. But there’s one former NBA champion who thinks people are sleeping on him in this debate. In fact, he’s pretty adamant he deserves a seat at that table,  and he’s not shy about calling himself one of the best pure scorers the game’s ever had.

The guy speaking up this time? None other than 2008 NBA champ Paul Pierce. Yes, 47-year-old retired star, nicknamed “The Truth,” himself feels like he’s getting overlooked when people start throwing around names of the best pure shooters ever.

During a recent appearance on FS1 sports talk show "Speak," he shared his thoughts on his status amongst the best scorers the league has ever seen. He said, “I was probably the best pure scorer ever in the history of the game. I was pretty equipped when I think about it. I need to be in this conversation.” Needless to say, this has not been a statement that sat well with fans. 

"I was probably the best pure scorer in the history of the NBA."
– Paul Pierce
(🎥 @SpeakOnFS1 )
pic.twitter.com/kxWmUlNszX

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2025

A fan reacted to Pierce's comment, saying, "He’s not even a top 50 scorer of all time."

Another fan added, "This dude thinks he’s better than D Wade."

With a brutal reality check, a fan said, "For a guy nicknamed The Truth he sure does (expletive) lie a lot."

"Can someone please drug test Paul Pierce?"- suggested a social media user.

Another netizen added, "Number one pants pooper of all time."

Someone else said, "I want whatever hes smoking lmaoo."

There’s no question Paul Pierce could fill up the scoreboard with the best of them. He averaged nearly 20 points a game over 19 seasons, snagged a three-point contest title and had multiple seasons dropping 25-plus a night.

That’s true. But calling him one of the greatest pure scorers ever? That’s where things get a little debatable, especially when you’re stacking him up against legends like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan or Kevin Durant. Still, “The Truth” has the numbers and the clutch moments to back up his claim. In the end, it’s really up to fans to decide where he belongs on that list.

Related: Paul Pierce Believes This NBA Player Is The Next Face Of The League

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.

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