Saturday, March 11, 2006

Pierce or Arenas

When somebody asks for my opinion on something – I’ve gotta give it. I was recently asked who I would rather have on my NBA team…Washington’s rising star Gilbert Arenas or Boston’s stud Paul Pierce.

The answer is so complicated. How can you go wrong with either? Simple stated, you can’t.

Gilbert is 6’3” and 200 pounds, quick and explosive. One of the best guards in a guard dominated league. Pierce is 6’6” and 230 pounds and one of the best shooters in the world. He makes you remember what the NBA was like in the late 80s and early 90s…guys 6’6” or taller that can dominate night after night.

Like a 7-game series I’m going to give my rating on these super stars…

‘The Truth' took the early lead 2-0 with his scoring and shooting ability. Both categories were tight, but you can’t argue with Pierce on either. The series shifted back to D.C. and Gilbert got back into it with his passing. But in a crucial Game Four, Pierce came up big on the boards and took the lead 3-1 because of his rebounding. With his back to the wall down 3-1 Gilbert came out swinging away with nothing to lose. His defense is stifling and his team attitude and play is some of the best in the NBA. Gil tied the series at three a piece and forced a decisive Game Seven. In the NBA this final category is vital – if you don’t play, you’re not effective. ‘The Truth’ plays every night, much to the same way that another stud in the Eastern Conference does – AI.

Facts are facts, Arenas has been injury prone in his short career. I love Gilbert Arenas and I watch him often, living here in D.C., but he needs a few more solid seasons under his belt before I’d take him over the steady and super solid Paul Pierce.