For some, Luka Doncic is evolving into a modern version of Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird . For Paul Pierce, though, comparing the Dallas Mavericks star to the three-time champion should be stopped right away.
Doncic first entered the league as the Atlanta Hawks’ third overall pick in the 2018 Draft and traded shortly after to the Mavericks. Since then, the Slovenian All-Star has established himself as one of the best players in the NBA right now. He is currently Dallas’ focal point on offense as they attempt to win the Western Conference Finals against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This season, Doncic has elevated his game by averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Although, he didn’t win the MVP award, the Mavericks guard continued his rampage into the playoffs by notching 27.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in the 12 games he has played so far.
While Doncic is an impressive player in his own right, Bird has done it all in the league. Over the course of his 13-year run with the Celtics, he averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He has also won three rings, three MVPs, two Finals MVPs, 10 All-NBA Team honors, and 12 All-Star Game selections.
Boston Celtics Legend Paul Pierce Puts a Brake on the Luka Doncic Vs. Larry Bird Comparisons
A lot of people see Bird in how Doncic plays the game. For Undisputed host Paul Pierce, though, those comparisons have to stop right away, as seen in in a video shared by the show’s account on X.
Although Pierce has been known for making some absurd claims in the past, his take on Doncic being compared to Bird has some ground to stand on. For one, the Dallas Mavericks star hasn’t won a championship or an MVP yet, while the Boston Celtics icon did multiple times.
It remains to be seen whether Doncic can lead Dallas to the promised land in this year’s playoffs. For sure, Pierce will keep a close eye on how the postseason will play out by then.
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