Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce clash over Boston’s success before the Big Three

Ex Boston Celtics stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce participated in a heated debate on air about the direction of the franchise prior to the formation of the Big Three during the latest episode of KG Certified, revisiting the longstanding disagreements surrounding Boston’s success prior to their 2008 title run.

The discussion began as Pierce reflected on how his role changed when Rajon Rondo became the head coach of the Celtics. Pierce explained that before Rondo’s arrival, he was used to controlling the offense, but was forced to adjust his game as the roster evolved.

“Before Rondo came in, I was used to having the ball,” Pierce said. “So now I have to make this adjustment. Now my game has to change a little bit because now it helps me shoot easier. So now I’m going to have less touches, but how can I be more efficient?”

Garnett was quick to challenge Pierce’s framing, repeatedly questioning whether Boston’s ball-dominant approach before the Big Three era was actually producing results.

“Did that work?” Garnet asked.

Pierce responded by defending his age as the franchise center, insisting the approach was effective despite limited roster support.

“Yeah, it worked,” Pierce said.

Garnett declined, citing the team’s lack of continued success before the roster overhaul.

“It didn’t work,” Garnett said. “We came the next year, it didn’t work. You got hurt.”

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce clash over Celtics success before Big Three

Pierce countered by pointing out the disparity of talent around him at the time.

“I had no talent,” Pierce said. “It worked.”

Garnett rejected that argument, distinguishing between individual production and team success.

“It worked out for you,” Garnet said. “It didn’t work for the 30 other (guys) that were on the team.”

The debate emerged during a broader conversation about how star players are adjusting when another highly-used manipulator is added to the roster. Garnett used Pierce’s early Celtics experience as a comparison when discussing how James Harden might fit in with Donovan Mitchell after The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Harden earlier this week in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Garnett argued that Mitchell, like Pierce earlier in his career, is used to having the ball, but suggested that sharing playmaking responsibilities could make him more effective and elevate the team as a whole. Pearce pushed back, underscoring how difficult adjustments can be for established stars.

The exchange highlighted the different philosophies that existed even during the Celtics’ championship run, when Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen helped Boston win the 2008 NBA title.. While both acknowledged the ultimate success of the Big Three, their debate underscored opposing views on sacrifice, roster formation and what really drives winning at the highest level.