Paul Pierce takes jab at European players, targets Gobert and Wembanyama / News - Basketnews.com

Paul Pierce called out European players in general and French NBA players in particular for what he perceives as a lack of toughness. The former NBA star mentioned Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama as examples to make his point.

Credit: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency; SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP Credit Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency; SUZANNE CORDEIRO / AFP

During an appearance on 'Undisputed,' Paul Pierce didn't hold back, criticizing European players, while reserving a special position for two of the most promiment Frenchmen in the NBA.

Victor Wembanyama

Team:San Antonio SpursPosition:CAge:20Height:224 cmWeight:104 kgBirth place:FranceProfileNewsStatistics

Pierce boldly stated that "nobody considers European players tough, especially from France."

"They’re nice people, they like pastries, they’re friendly," he added, highlighting a stereotype he believes is prevalent among NBA players.

The 46-year-old anaylist called Victor Wembanyama "not a tough guy," arguing that "he speaks a sexy language, that's not something we respect as a tough guy."

Pierce's remarks were in response to a recent on-court incident involving Rudy Gobert and Alex Caruso, where Gobert expressed his intention to hold Caruso "accountable." Pierce dismissed Gobert's threat, attributing it to his European heritage and questioning his reputation as a tough player.

While Pierce acknowledged Gobert's skills and contributions to his team, he suggested that NBA stars don't think Gobert is a player to fear on the court. He referenced a previous altercation between Gobert and Draymond Green in November 2023, suggesting that Gobert's reaction to physical confrontation was not intimidating.

"And then I see a guy like Rudy Gobert get chocked by Draymond [Green]," he said. “You’re a Defensive Player of the Year, but that's not intimidating nobody," Pierce noted.

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