Boston Celtics icon Paul Pierce sparked controversy with his recent statement, asserting that all European basketball players are viewed as soft in the NBA.
Pierce elaborated on his remark during a recent episode of Ticket & The Truth, a show co-hosted by Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
According to Pierce, the perception among NBA players is that European players are soft, regardless of the individual’s toughness on the court. This perception, he explained, stems from cultural differences and the stereotype of Europeans being polite and friendly.
“You could ask any NBA player. We look at any European player as being soft; that’s what we perceive of them, whether it’s true or not,” Pierce said, via ClutchPoints.
In response to Pierce’s assertion, Garnett countered by highlighting the resilience of some European players who have overcome challenging backgrounds, such as those who have experienced the turmoil of war in the Balkans.
Despite Garnett’s argument, Pierce stood by his statement regarding the general perception of European players in the NBA.
