NBA players and legends often get debated over different stats and parts of their games. Some of the most lucrative aspects are who the best shooter or defender is. But one that triumphs all is who the best scorer is overall. However, one aspect that only NBA players can give their perspective about is who was their toughest assignment to guard. And this Celtics legend?s choice even managed to shock this NFL veteran.

One of the most heavily debated topics usually is who is the best scorer. But one aspect of the game that fans cannot give their input on is an NBA player?s toughest assignment on defense.?

Celtics legend uses Kobe Bryant and LeBron James to justify his toughest defensive assignment

Former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley recently spoke about Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce?s choice for his toughest assignment on defense. The 6?7 former small forward was known for his offense but was no stranger to locking people up on defense.

Wiley mentioned that Paul Pierce?s worst nightmare on defense was to go up against former Denver Nuggets forward, Carmelo Anthony. The former NFL defensive end went on to quote what Paul Pierce had said.?

Wiley started by saying, ?I?m glad somebody with stature said it,? before quoting Pierce, ??You know who?s tougher to guard than LeBron, tougher to guard than Kobe? Carmelo Anthony.??

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Pierce was asked to talk about an underrated basketball player in the league and that?s when he brought up Carmelo Anthony. As Wiley continued to read what Pierce had said, he started right where he left off, ??Carmelo was a whole different animal…To me? Melo, dawg. Listen, I?d rather guard LeBron, Kobe, T-Mac, all of them before Melo.’?

When Pierce was asked if he firmly believed that Carmelo Anthony was the toughest player to guard, Pierce confirmed that with emphasis. He said, ?He used to hurt my chest. He?s a bulldog. He?s going to be physical. He going to put you up, he?s gonna post you up.?

?He?s gonna hit you with the shoulder in the chest. You?re gonna be hurting after the game. Nah dawg. Melo, he?s going to make you feel his thirty. Other cats, they?re going to finesse their thirty. Now, you?re going to be hurting with Melo,? added Pierce.

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So, it sure was nice to see Carmelo Anthony get the love and respect he deserves from another NBA legend.