Paul Pierce recently appeared alongside Rachel Nichols and Tracy McGrady on SHOWTIME’s Summer League podcast. On the show, the trio discussed a variety of topics. One of which was regarding some of the best passers in the league. A number of names were thrown out there, one of them being The Truth’s former teammate Rajon Rondo. A player, the 2008 NBA Champion would put on his all-time Top 5 passers list ahead of Nikola Jokic.
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The Joker is an exceptional passer and one of the best big men in the league. Drafted in the 2014 NBA Draft with the 41st overall pick, the Serbian has established himself as a future Hall of Famer. In his eight seasons in the league, Jokic has been averaging 6.6 assists per game and had a career year last year when he averaged close to a triple-double. So, for his name to not be thrown in with some of the best passers of all time is criminal.
Paul Pierce shockingly snubs Nikola Jokic as one of the best passers of all time
Having spent 19 seasons in the NBA, Paul Pierce has played with some exceptional talents. From the likes of Kevin Garnett to Ray Allen. The Truth has a wealth of experience and has seen some of the best in the business ball out on the court. As such, the knowledge he brings to the table is always appreciated.
However, there are times when some of his takes are heavily criticized. He was most notably blasted for suggesting he was a better player than Dwyane Wade. Well, recently Pierce had another take that is sure to put him under the spotlight. Appearing on SHOWTIME’s Summer League podcast, the ten-time All-Star discussed the topic of the best passers in the NBA.
When talking about the best passers of all time, Pierce mentioned the likes of Magic Johnson, Pete Maravich, and Jason Williams. He even included his former teammate and four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo. But, one player he excluded was Nikola Jokic. A player he claims is “not even a top-five passer”.
“Joker is not even a top-five passer to me. Just because he’s a big man…he’s the best big man, but when you talk about pure passers, you got to talk about guys like Magic, White Chocolate Jason Williams, Rondo, Pete Maravich, Larry Bird. When we talk about flash and style with it. We talking about guys that will throw it behind the back…no look…I mean Joker’s great. But, when we talking about pure special passers…I mean come on!”
It certainly is a controversial statement. One that is sure to ruffle a few feathers, especially in the Jokic household. But, even if he isn’t a Top-5 passer in Pierce’s books, there can be no denying he will go down as one of the best big men of all time.
Jokic will end his NBA career as one of the all-time great big men
Nikola Jokic is an incredibly talented player, no matter what Paul Pierce says. His skills and abilities are unlike no other, making him an elite big man in today’s game.
In 12 years Nikola Jokić went from struggling to find anyone to play basketball with, to a 2x MVP award winner and sweeping LeBron James in the playoffs.
He has no presence on social media. He’s not marketable. He doesn’t have highlight reels full of flashy dunks. But he’s a… pic.twitter.com/U4dkNeoHId
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 23, 2023
But, when all is said and done, Joker could go down as one of the greatest big men to ever grace an NBA court. And, it’s all thanks to his efficiency, high IQ, and incredible playmaking as a big.
