Paul Pierce and JR Smith are still at it. No David Stern warning is going to keep these two from taking small jabs at one another until they finally meet on the court. The war of words continue between the two NBA stars who appear to be even bigger enemies than before. As the two continue to swing, Pierce is the latest to add a little fuel to the fire.
Let's recap this absolutely silly back-and-forth between the Knicks and Nets players. First, Smith got very bold and said the Knicks would win the NBA championship this season, ending the team's long drought of playoff success. Everyone knows the road to the championship goes through Miami and Smith is confident the Knicks make it until the end.
Paul Pierce took the swing saying it was time for the Brooklyn Nets to really run New York. The team added a lot of fire power to their roster and he thinks they can truly become the top team in the city. There was also that little sentence about hating the Knicks more so now than when he was in Boston.
"I think the hate [for the Knicks] has grown a little. Everybody knows how much I disliked the Knicks when I was with the Celtics, but I think it's grown to another level," Pierce said on ESPN NewYork 98.7 FM. "I think it's time for the Nets to start running this city."
Smith simply laughed that comment off, calling Pierce bitter for getting traded in the first place. Then a few other Nets opted to weigh in on the growing feud. Jason Terry claimed the only championship the Knicks were winning was in street league basketball. Reggie Evans laughed off the statements after a fan asked how he felt about the Knicks' chances. Now, Pierce is weighing in one more time.
When asked by a reporter about Smith's statements that Pierce was just a bitter man now in Brooklyn, the veteran responded, "Who?" Ouch.
The Nets and Knicks do not play each other until December, so this childish back-and-forth will likely continue. Smith is suspended for the first few games so he really is in no position to be taking swings. Pierce is concentrating more on his health as injuries will likely dictate the Nets' season more than overall talent on the court. Who is the next player to add their two cents on this issue?
