Two of the greatest players in Boston Celtics history reunited to talk modern NBA history.
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce were leaders of one of the greatest eras for the Celtics.
Luka Doncic has been close to an NBA championship but fallen short, thus farAP
The duo shared opinions — and disagreements — while debating the current NBA player facing the most pressure to win a championship before the 2024-25 season.
For Pierce, there was only one answer.
He plays for the Dallas Mavericks.
He could be the new face of the NBA.
And he reached the Finals last season, despite being injured and worn down during the playoffs.
Luka Doncic is facing more pressure than anyone else to win a title, Pierce said.
“This year, just coming off the Finals, I feel like he in that conversation,” Pierce said on the All The Smoke podcast.
“Talking about face of the league, we don’t bring up (Joel Embiid), do we? We don’t bring up Paul George. We don’t bring up these other guys.
“But when we talk about face of the league, Luka’s name is in that that mix. … So I just feel like it’s him or (Anthony) Edwards then.”
Garnett agreed that Ant Man must prove himself again after a strong 2023-24 campaign that featured an impressive playoff run and Paris Olympics appearance.
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Paul Pierce believes Doncic faces the most pressure[/caption]
youtube@ALL THE SMOKEKevin Garnett has other ideas entering the 2024-25 NBA season[/caption]
GettyFor KG, there’s only one answer to the pressure question[/caption]
But KG had another veteran name in mind when discussing Finals pressure.
He used to be the face of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise.
Now, he’s coming off a down year in Milwaukee and must help Giannis Antetokounmpo win a world title with the Bucks.
Garnett, who won it all in 2007-08 with Pierce on the Celtics, believes that Damian Lillard faces the most championship pressure.
“Just been in this long a** drought of not winning or being able … I’m saying D,” Garnett told Pierce. “Dame’s been in the league … come on, bro. We all rooting for bro to get one.”
Doncic is a five-time All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year and scoring champion.
Garnett pointed out that, since Doncic is only 25, he still has time.
Lillard is 34 and running out of hardwood.
The eight-time All-Star was a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team.
But the 2023-24 All-Star Game MVP had a rough debut year with the Bucks and it won’t be any easier this season.
“Maybe the window is closed on these guys,” Pierce said. “But the window is open for the guys I’m talking about.”
The NBA season tips off October 22 with Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers both playing season-opening games.
