Paul Pierce says he's the best player in the world

[DeclinetoState]

Modest, isn't he?

Finals MVP Paul Pierce (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3253/), who recently spent three days at a ball camp in Madrid, is making, ahem, news about what he said to a Spanish reporter. The money translation, via RedsArmy (http://redsarmy.wordpress.com/2008/07/29/the-spanish-interview/): "Q: Is Kobe really the best player in the world? Pierce: I don't think Kobe is the best player. I'm the best player. There's a line that separates having confidence and being conceited. I don't cross that line but I have a lot of confidence in myself."More (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Paul-Pierce-says-he-s-the-best-player-in-the-wor?urn=nba,96670)

One response:

Kobe is welcome to try to prove him wrong, but it didn't go so well last time

CelticsBlog (http://profiles.sports.yahoo.com/au0iTjsWSUe.uZPc3YQrt2qJsuKF3) posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2008 1:35 pm EDT

[Beowulf]

Best player in the world? No! Hey, I'm a Celtic fan but in the years BEFORE Kevin Garnett and company, Paul Pierce was just another good player on a not-so-good team. The Celtics won this year on team effort, not on just the ability of Pierce.

Best player in the world right now? I'm going to say LeBron James. No championships yet but he's the center piece for his team. Remember, it took Michael Jordon a few years before he one his first title too.

[DeclinetoState]

I don't want "the best player in the world" on my team. Since basketball is a team sport, I want "the best team in the world," which might, but probably will not, have the best individual player on it. It takes five (really eight, including subs) players to make a good team.

[Beowulf]

Very true!