Pierce says Prince's D is overrated
Pierce said in a Boston Globe article this week that the only reason he's not on the all-defensive team is the Celtics' lack of a top-five shot-blocker, citing the Pistons small forward as an example. "Even Tayshaun Prince," Pierce said in the Globe. "I don't think he plays great defense. He has two of the best shot-blockers in the game (Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace). If a guy blows by you, then the shot-blockers block the shot and you call that great defense."
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More interesting than Pierce's assessment of Bowen was his contention that he should be considered for All-Defensive first-team honors. Pierce theorized all that stood between him and some defensive recognition was the absence of a top shot blocker on the Celtics. He figures Bowen has Tim Duncan, Tayshaun Prince has Ben Wallace, and Dwyane Wade has Shaquille O'Neal.
''I don't know why I'm not on the All-Defensive team every year," said Pierce. ''I think I'm a pretty good defender. The only reason I'm not on the All-Defensive team year in and year out is because I don't have a top-five shot blocker on my team. If you look at all the top perimeter defenders in the league, they all have top-five shot blockers in the league [on their team]. Kobe [Bryant] fell out of first team All-Defensive when Shaq got traded last year. Think about it. Every team that has an All-Defensive team wing player has a shot blocker on their team. I think that's the only thing that's holding me back.
''Even Tayshaun Prince. I don't think he plays great defense. He has two of the best shot blockers in the game [Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace]. If a guy blows by you, then the shot blockers block the shot and you call that great defense."
Pierce can take comfort in the fact that the Celtics' shot blocking is much improved. Although they don't have a top-five shot blocker, Boston entered last night ranked fourth in the league in team shot blocking -- 7.25 per game.
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