Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce did not hold back on James Harden in an episode three segment of the Starting 5 as he wanted credit for inventing the stepback. Harden has certainly made that his shot and taken it to another level, but Pierce was hitting them well before The Beard even set foot on the college floor. Sadly, the Hall of Famer didn’t exactly get the love he wanted in the documentary.
Harden clapped back by saying he creates more separation and that Pierce’s handles “weren’t that crazy”. The Celtics legend just wanted his credit, but Harden clearly views things differently. Elite NBA talents always learn from the past greats. It is fair to say that Harden expanded on Pierce’s move and made it even better.
This is far from the first time Pierce has been looking for credit in inventing the stepback. Celtics fans know The Truth was drilling these shots long before Harden. Pierce pulled them off most frequently in the midrange, and the 2008 Finals MVP deserves credit for helping expand the game.
Paul Pierce wants credit for inventing the shot James Harden made famous
The stepback helped Pierce’s game age gracefully and even kept him in the league a few extra years. Harden was already taking over as the king of the stepback by the time Pierce was playing out his final years on the Clippers.
The Beard should give Pierce more credit. Whether the Celtics legend failed in trying to imitate Kobe Bryant’s legendary fadeaway or not, Pierce was hitting stepbacks in the biggest games in the early 2010s. Harden’s is more effective, but that shouldn’t take away from what Pierce did.
Harden is one of the five players featured in the recently released Starting 5 on Netflix. Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jaylen Brown also headline the series. Celtics fans are treated to several moments of Pierce sharing his takes, too.
Pierce has never been shy about sharing his feelings, and even recently told Brown what to expect as the Celtics' top option. Fans should not be surprised this debate return or that Harden wasn’t giving the Hall of Famer the credit he wants.
The Boston Celtics are beginning the 2025-26 season without Jayson Tatum, and supporters know Paul Pierce will be watching. He will certainly keep a close eye on Harden in Los Angeles, too. Maybe The Beard will finally give The Truth credit, but it doesn’t appear to be likely after this documentary.