You can’t just say you’re the best scorer in NBA history and expect people to nod along, especially when your name isn’t Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Kevin Durant. But Paul Pierce did exactly that on Thursday’s episode of Speak on FS1. And now? Fans want him off the air.
The 10-time All-Star didn’t hold back when discussing LeBron James’ recent praise for Kevin Durant as the “most equipped” scorer ever. Instead of tipping his cap to KD, Pierce put himself in the mix, saying: “I was probably the best pure scorer ever in the history of the NBA. I was pretty equipped when I think about it. I need to be in this conversation… I must have been one of the most equipped.”
That statement lit a fire online.
Fans Roast Paul Pierce Over Scoring Claim
Social media wasted no time shredding Pierce’s self-assessment.
Paul Pierce: "I was probably the best pure scorer ever in the history of the game." #NBA pic.twitter.com/lp4BS5SbKB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 3, 2025
“Imagine thinking in your warped mind that you were a better pure scorer than Jordan. Is the goal now to purposely say the stupidest [expletive] on sports television?” one user posted.
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Imagine thinking in your warped mind that you were a better pure scorer than Jordan.
— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) July 4, 2025
Is the goal now to purposely say the stupidest shit on sports television? https://t.co/j4Uuq3SHqE
Another fan didn’t hold back about Pierce, “I know he says this just for clicks, but it works because I loathe him. He’s not even top 50 all-time.”
I know he says this just for clicks, but it works because I loathe him. He's not even top 50 all-time https://t.co/Xqu1kLoJIN
— Ax (@AX0G0) July 3, 2025
The frustration didn’t stop there. “One of the more ridiculous statements I’ve heard,” another user wrote.
One of the more ridiculous statements I've heard https://t.co/B0ef0DE7iz
— Robert Snyder (@RobbieBuckets) July 3, 2025
Someone else added, “Sign. Real. Journalists. For. Sports. Shows.”
Sign. Real. Journalists. For. Sports. Shows. https://t.co/GUSCLcOtCr
— Riley (@Brokeeefe) July 4, 2025
Pierce, who averaged 19.7 points per game across 19 NBA seasons, earned a Finals MVP and became a Celtics legend. But calling himself the best “pure scorer ever”? That’s a reach most fans just won’t accept.
Still, FOX Sports hasn’t hinted at any changes to the Speak lineup. If anything, the attention, positive or not, is giving the show a boost. Pierce, alongside Joy Taylor and Keyshawn Johnson, continues to co-host the weekday talk show.
Whether he believes what he said or just wanted a reaction, Pierce got exactly that. But if the backlash keeps building, FOX may need to decide if clicks are worth the credibility hit.
Also Read: Paul Pierce Drops Bold Take On Michael Jordan’s Return To NBA Spotlight With Major Media Move
