Brian Scalabrine says Paul Pierce is the best trash talker he’s ever seen
If Brian Scalabrine decrees it, it is undeniably true: Paul Pierce is the NBA’s best trash talker.
Writing a mailbag for The Players Tribune, Scalabrine was asked to name the best trash talker he ever played with or or against.
“Paul Pierce is the greatest trash talker I’ve ever encountered in this league,’’ said Scalabrine. “Paul’s trash talk was devastating because he’s so witty and smart. I mean, the guy is off the charts smart. It’s one thing to say something outrageous or offensive to throw someone off, but I would hear Paul just cut through guys with his words. And the fact that he was so respected made his insults hurt even more. Nobody wants to get told they’re human garbage by The Truth.
“You can see why Paul’s had so much success with poker. He understands how to employ psychological warfare to his advantage. To him, that’s all part of the game. He didn’t back down from any player, and there was never a time when he appeared rattled. Guys could try to talk smack back at him but it wouldn’t get through. He was too ice cold on the court.’’
Scal goes on to give more amusing answers. Of particular interest to Celtics fans may be an anecdote about fellow role player Eddie House cracking jokes on the bench during big moments.
“There was one game when it was crunch time, and KG was at the line,’’ said Scalabrine. “Eddie looked down the bench and saw Big Baby wearing a cast because he’d broken his hand. Eddie turns to me: “Man, we need to monitor Baby’s caloric intake during Thanksgiving. I mean, we should put a camera in that cast to make sure things stay under control.’’
Photos: Boston MVP’s through the years
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