Though retired now, Paul Pierce is well-versed with what prime LeBron James looked like with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. Having witnessed it firsthand during his time with the Boston Celtics, he knew that the Kid from Akron was unlike anything we had ever seen.
Making his debut with his hometown team, the Cavaliers, James was a runaway success. He showed signs of leadership and high basketball IQ from a young age and was a star in no time. Winning MVP and various other accolades, he lacked the resources to win a championship.
Advertisement
Signing with the Miami Heat in 2010, James turned into a different beast. Looking stronger than ever, there was very little the opposition could do to stop him. Giving him added ammunition were Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, with the Big 3 making four Finals and winning two championships.
Observing these two sides of James from a close lens, Pierce highlighted the differences between James on the Cavaliers and on the Heat.
“Way different. I thought he was faster, stronger, better when he got to Miami. It was crazy because I remember sitting out the first game we played him in Miami. I was just watching, and I was like, I couldn’t believe how it looked like he was a faster, stronger player at the time,” addressed Pierce, who believed the Heat regimen had a lot to do with it.
Advertisement
Inculcating into the Heat culture
Arriving at South Beach, James now had access to world-class resources, given the importance the management gave to health and fitness. The Pat Riley system served as the perfect platform for players like LeBron, given its emphasis on discipline and high work ethic.
Pierce believed both Coach Spoelstra and Riley were no-nonsense individuals and direct to the point, something that helped James emerge as an unstoppable force.
Advertisement
“He got under the Spoelstra umbrella, which is like Pat Riley. They don’t mess around in that camp. You’ve got to be in major shape. You got to hit certain goals. It was probably the strictest and most disciplined team in the NBA at the time,” said Pierce, who believed that was prime LeBron.
Though joining the Heat made him an overnight villain, James gained valuable experience from his four-year tenure in South Beach. Having the proper guidance and teammates taught him several things, especially when it came to the factors contributing to a championship.
Year 23 and still going strong
At age 40, James continues to average close to 25 points per game along with 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. He continues to challenge the limits of the human body, as evident in the athleticism he displays even at this stage of his career.
Advertisement
The all-time scoring leader, James, does not appear to be stopping anytime soon, especially with Luka Doncic on board. While he is still in the best shape of his career, LeBron has only a handful of years left before he retires. Adding a fifth title would be the ideal way to go.
Though Pierce chose the Miami version of LeBron, it is undoubtedly difficult to choose. One could also argue for 2017-18 LeBron, who single-handedly carried the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. Everything said, it will be a while before the NBA finds its next King James.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.