Who Had the Better Career: Paul Pierce or Dwyane Wade?

The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat were Eastern Conference rivals from 2010-2012. Dwyane Wade and Lebron James battled it out with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Garnett and Pierce are now retired while James left Miami for Cleveland and Cleveland for L.A. On the other hand, D-Wade just finished his NBA career this season.

But just when you thought their rivalry had ended, Paul Pierce went at his rival again, this time taking it to Dwyane Wade by saying he had a better career than the Heat’s 13-time All-Star. Pierce was heavily criticized for his comment about the recently retired Wade’s career but he said his opinion won’t and hasn’t changed:

Paul Pierce says he had a better career than Dwyane Wade 👀 pic.twitter.com/8Q6AbYNxe1

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) April 6, 2019

Pierce is known as the Truth but was he telling the truth there? Let’s find out:

The Truth

Born and raised in Oakland, California. The “Truth” was a member of the 1995 McDonald’s All American Team along with fellow Superstars Kevin Garnett, Stephon Marbury, Vince Carter, and Antawn Jamison. Pierce spent 3 seasons at and was honored as Co-Freshman of the Year with Chauncey Billups. He grabbed 2 Big 12 Conference MVP awards and was later named to the USA’s Under 22 team in 1996. He declared for the NBA Draft in 1998.

Drafted by the team he hated when he was young, Pierce was picked by the Celtics at number 10. He was an immediate Starter in a rebuilding team. He averaged 16.5 points per game during his rookie campaign and finished 3rd in voting for Rookie of the Year Honors. In September 200, during the offseason, Pierce was stabbed 11 times in a nightclub. His head was smashed by a bottle also during the incident. He luckily survived the tragedy and was ready for a comeback.

By his 3rd Season, he was in for a breakout season. He led the Boston Celtics to their first ever playoffs in 7 years and even went to the Eastern Conference Finals. Including the memorable game 3 wins where they trailed by 21 points at the last quarter and stole the game from eventual Eastern Conference Champions, New Jersey Nets.

That season proved to be the start of Pierce’s Superstar Career. Though he got 4 All-Star Appearance from 2002-2006, Pierce’s Team the Boston Celtics were one of the worst teams in the NBA. In the 2006-2007 season, the team had the 2nd worst record in the NBA. Despite the setback, Pierce remained patient and in the summer of the 2007-2008 season, the Celtics made a blockbuster trade that got them, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

The 3 turned the team around and went on to capture the NBA Championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in 6 Games. This was the franchise’s 17th Championship and the first for Garnett and Pierce. Including come from behind wins in Game 2 and 4.Pierce was back in the NBA Finals the year after as they were gunning for a second straight Championship. They went 7 games with the Lakers but fell short to Kobe Bryant’s LA Lakers. Pierce never got another ring after that but his career was still a hit wherever he gets to play. When he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, His nasty fadeaway jumpers and buzzer beaters were in full display whatever jersey he donned.

He led the Nets to a playoff appearance and was set to dethrone the Miami Heat. Unfortunately for Pierce, they never got past the Heat and that paved the way for his Free Agency Signing to the Washington Wizards. Pierce signed a 2-Year Contract. There, Pierce served as a mentor for young superstars John Wall and Bradley Beal. He opted out of his contract a year after and was set to reunite with his good friend and coach Doc Rivers. He signed a 3-Year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. Pierce’s age showed that he was a step slow during his years with the Clips but he was still effective with his jumper. 2017 proved to be his last season in the NBA and he retired a year after. Pierce’s career may not be as glamorous as the other NBA Superstars but most NBA fans will always remember his rivalry with the Lakers and Kobe Bryant.

Way of the Wade

Dwyane Wade was born on January 7,198 in Chicago, Illinois. Wade’s childhood was not the usual and was very difficult. His mother was on drugs and he witnessed raids and bodies that were found dead within their area. He turned to sports, basketball, and football to show his way to a good direction in life. He idolized Michael Jordan and said that MJ patterned his moves.

Wade chose to play for Marquette University under Coach Tom Crean. He had a good showing in his first season averaging 17.8 points and 2.47 steals. His team finished with the best record since 1993-94 at 26-4. In 2002-2003, Wade’s career blossomed during the NCAA Tournament. In the regular season, he averaged 21.5 PPG and help Marquette capture it’s first and only Conference Championship with a 27-6 record. Wade was not finished as he led the Golden Eagles to win the Mideast Regional Tournament, leading the team with a Triple Double, 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, the 4th triple-double in NCAA tournament history.

D-Wade decided to declare himself eligible for the NBA draft and forego his senior season. He was selected 5th in the 2003 NBA draft. Wade made his mark from the start and averaged 16.2 points per game and was a key contributor for the team. Wade’s breakout season was on 2004-2005, the same year when they acquired the services of Shaquille O’Neal in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.

From there Wade’s career was in full blast as he was named as a starter on the All-Star Game and even made a game-winning putback during 2006 All-Star Game. On the same year, he led the Miami Heat to their first NBA Finals appearance and NBA Championship. Wade made some memorable games in Game 3, 4 and 5 where they trailed 2-0. He averaged 40.3 points per game in those 3 games and won the Finals MVP award.

Wade struggled from 2008-2010, his injury together with Playoff losses proved to be one of the lowest points in his career. Though he achieved a milestone as the First Player in NBA History to accumulate 2,000 points, 500 assists, 100 steals and 100 blocks in a season, Wade would prefer a team achievement rather than a personal one.

In the summer of 2010, the NBA world was shocked as Lebron James decided to team with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to form a Big 3 in Miami. This changed the basketball landscape in the Eastern Conference. They breezed past the Sixers, Celtics, and Bulls to reach the NBA Finals only to lose to the Dallas Mavericks on their 2005 Finals Rematch. This strengthened the bond of the team and would get better the year after and capture the next 2 NBA Championships against the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, respectively.

When LeBron James left the Miami Heat to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second stint, the Heat would not get their rhythm back and were not able to make some noise in the NBA Playoffs. Wade then had an argument with Team President Pat Riley that prompted him to sign with his hometown Chicago Bulls. He teamed up with Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler but the chemistry never worked. On September 2017, the Bulls traded Butler and Rondo was waived. Wade agreed to a buyout and took the chance to team up with LeBron James. That did not work either. He was traded during the NBA Trade deadline on February 8, 2018, back to the Miami Heat.

Paul Pierce vs Dwyane Wade

Here are both player’s career highlights and awards:

Strengths and Weaknesses

Dwyane Wade has one of the most explosive first steps and can get into the rim and create his shot. His quickness and athleticism allow him to use his body to his attack the rim at his own will. His long wingspan enables him to grab offensive rebounds, put back a shot from teammates and convert difficult shots off the glass when he enters the lane. He is also a good passer once the defense collapses making him an all-around player. His defense in the perimeter is very solid and possesses a good basketball IQ. Though he was not a very good three-point shooter, his turn around fade away jump shot is hard to defend and is one of his best moves.

Dwyane Wade Career Stats

• Games Played: 1054 games
• PTS: 22.0
• REBS: 4.7
• AST: 5.4
• FG % 48.0
• 3PT FG: 29.3
• FT%: 76.5

Paul Pierce is a big-time scorer and underrated defender. His pump fake allows his defender to jump off and commit in getting a foul. Pierce is a winner and would love to get the ball in his hand when the game is on the line. Though not a flashy player, he can always go to the rim at his own will and has a fade away jump shot that’s hard to guard. Pierce’s defense is one of his weakness although at the peak of his career he improved in that aspect.

Paul Pierce Career Stats

• Games Played: 1343
• PTS: 19.7
• REBS: 5.6
• AST: 3.5
• FG %: 44.5
• 3PT FG% 36.8
• FT: 80.0

The Verdict

Overall, Dwyane Wade was better than Paul Pierce. His achievements and stats show he is a notch ahead of Pierce’s. Though Pierce bragged about him having a better career than Wade’s, it’s his confidence on himself that made him say those. Wade was a better all-around player and the way he played his last season in the NBA showed that the fans loved him. Though it was not like Kobe Bryant’s last season, the respect given to Wade in every road game and jersey exchange with opponents speaks for itself. He may not be “The Truth” but “Flash” made sure that the truth will speak for itself, that he was better than Paul Pierce.

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