Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is making waves in the NBA, but Celtics legend Paul Pierce believes the frequent comparisons to Boston great Larry Bird are misplaced.
Pierce Dismisses Doncic-Bird Comparisons
On “Undisputed Live,” Pierce expressed his frustration with the ongoing comparisons between Doncic and Bird, stating that just hearing their names together “is hurting my ears.” He emphasized that Bird outshines Doncic in several key areas.
“Let’s stop with the comparisons here,” Pierce said. He argued that Bird surpasses Doncic in shooting, passing, speed, and basketball IQ, while conceding that Doncic has an edge in scoring and ball handling. “I go speed, Bird. It’s very close,” he added with a chuckle.
Luka Doncic Carving His Own Path to Greatness
Despite his objections to the Bird comparisons, Pierce acknowledged Doncic’s impressive career trajectory. He likened Doncic more to LeBron James, noting similarities in their playing styles but recognizing that Doncic lacks James’ athleticism.
“I think Luka is carving out his own niche. He’s been All-NBA First Team four times, he could win a championship this year. He’s on his way to becoming an all-time great. We’re talking about one of the top five, 10 players to play the game,” Pierce said.
Pierce also highlighted Bird’s unique achievements, including his three consecutive MVP awards and an NBA championship in his second season. “Will Luka get there? Numbers-wise, he’s getting there. Bird changed the game, he made us watch basketball,” Pierce said. “He is probably the European LeBron James because of the way he can score, pass, rebound, and control the game. I’ll give him that—he’s a less athletic LeBron.”
Luka Doncic and Larry Bird Comparisons Over the Years
Doncic has been compared to Bird due to his skillful, albeit slower, movements on the court. Former Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle and NBA veteran Robert Horry have both commented on Doncic’s deceptive speed and crafty play.
“I played with Bird. For three years straight, I watched, and that was the feeling when you watched him every single night. Magic Johnson was the same kind of player. Really, LeBron James is the same kind of player, too. These guys can do anything on a basketball court,” Carlisle said of Doncic in 2021.
Horry added on “The Byron Scott Podcast” in 2022, “You look at Bird and said, ‘Man, I could’ve stopped him because he’s slow’. Someone like Luka now. If you watch Luka, Luka is so freaking slow and you’re like, ‘Why can’t they stop that?’ When you’re crafty and you know how to play, that’s all you need.”
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Mavericks Aiming for Playoff Success
Despite Doncic’s stellar performance, the Mavericks have struggled to advance past the Western Conference Finals. In 2022, they were eliminated by the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors.
Since Doncic joined the team in the 2018-19 season, the Mavericks have made the playoffs four times, with two first-round exits in 2020 and 2021. This season, Doncic is averaging 27.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in the playoffs.
The Mavericks will start their Western Conference Finals series on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET. If they advance, they could potentially face the Boston Celtics, who are favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference.
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