How does the idea of seeing the likes of legend retirees rejoin the league feel? That might be disruptive, for the new faces, but the ideas to engage the league better are never short. After the Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament gained massive traction, several NBA legends and star players suggested that the format should make its way to the NBA. Especially as All-Star games continue to lose the hype they once had. One of the game’s greatest power forwards, Kevin Garnett even urged the league, tweeting, “Hey NBA @nba TAKE notes” after Napheesa Collier’s victory. But if the NBA were to introduce this format, have you ever thought about what the new rules should be in place? Well, ‘The Truth’ himself, Paul Pierce has given it some serious thought, putting Adam Silver in a real decision-making spot.

“Old habits die hard.” That perfectly sums up Paul Pierce when it comes to sharing his unfiltered opinions. Even years into retirement, he still has the guts to spit what he calls facts. On the daily sports show @SpeakOnFS1, Pierce shared his thoughts on the current All-Star Game format. But this wasn’t the first time. He had already discussed potential rule changes with his longtime friend, Kevin Garnett. His bold take? The deciding factor should come down to the number of dribbles. 

Paul Pierce believes that if Adam Silver considers all his suggestions, the NBA might just see him back in action. “I might join. I might get back in shape and get in this,” Pierce teased. However, he also pointed out that if the NBA truly wants everyone to buy into this new format, certain rules could confuse them. While he didn’t specify, he hinted at the issue, saying, “It’s just a lot of different rules. That’s why you gotta say, alright, you got only three dribbles.” He doubled down on the idea, adding, “A three-dribble rule will be amazing, and I think it will be fun.” But would it?

The three-dribble rule challenges players to score using no more than three dribbles, forcing quick decisions and efficient ball movement. It’s a test of skill, footwork, and creativity, something that might end up adding a fresh layer of excitement to the game. So, should NBA Commissioner Adam Silver seriously consider this, or is it just another subjective take with no real impact on the game? Whatever the case, one thing is certain: Paul Pierce isn’t backing down. He’s always going to speak his mind.

Kobe Bryant explains why Paul Pierce was the ultimate trash-talker of his era

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant once revealed that the biggest trash talker he ever encountered on the Boston Celtics was none other than Paul Pierce. According to the Black Mamba, that didn’t necessarily mean The Truth could keep up with him in the art of verbal warfare. But does he have justification to label this? Wait, he might.

“If there’s one Celtic that tries to talk smack to me, it will be Paul,” Kobe told ESPN. “We’re similar in age and have been through some of the same things, so he feels like he can try. But he’s not as good at it as I am.”

Classic Kobe, never one to give anyone the edge, even in trash talk. But let’s be real: if there was anyone who had the guts to go at him, it was Pierce. The two superstars had plenty of battles, clashing a total of 39 times across the regular season and playoffs. And when it mattered most, the NBA Finals, they split the series, with Pierce leading the Celtics to victory in 2008 and Kobe getting his revenge in 2010. If you’re counting, Bryant edged out Pierce in their head-to-head, winning 20 of their matchups.

But respect went both ways. Pierce always knew what kind of competitor he was up against. He once admitted that Kobe was the most relentless player he ever faced, even comparing him to Kevin Garnett in terms of pure intensity. 

“He just wanted to kill me like straight up, grab me, toss me, elbow me, and everything he could,” Pierce said on The Jump in 2020. “The most competitive player I played against, by far.”

At the end of the day, Pierce didn’t just talk, he backed it up. Whether it was dropping daggers, taking over in crunch time, or standing toe-to-toe with legends like Kobe. He earned his place among the greats. Love him or hate him, The Truth was never afraid to speak his mind or go at his best to prove his worth.