‘I still can’t stand’ LeBron James, other young NBA stars

In a way, Paul Pierce was part of the move that sparked the current era of NBA “super teams,” starting with the formation of the Boston Celtics’ new “Big Three” in 2007.

But Pierce, entering his second season since departing Boston, still sees a distinction between him and the league’s new guard.

They’re in USA Basketball all summer, they play in the summer leagues all summer, so they get to know one another and they try to join one another and try to win a championship.

When co-host Cris Carter referenced Pierce’s interactions with LeBron James — “I’ve seen you say some things to LeBron” — Pierce didn’t hold back.

“I still can’t stand none of these guys,” Pierce added, referring to James’ generation.

On the court, the combination of three singular talents in Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen might not be all that different from the combination of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat or James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The difference is in how the players came together; the way in which the Celtics’ title team was built is perceived as organic, whereas the Miami squad and Cleveland’s powerhouse-in-the-making are perceived as being primarily James’ workings.