NBA Legends Weigh In on Giannis and Embiid Debate

Pierce and Garnett share their thoughts on the league's top big men

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and physical dominance of two NBA superstars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, in an abstract, deconstructed style.NBA legends weigh in on the ongoing debate over the league's top big men, Giannis and Embiid.Cleveland Today

In the latest episode of their podcast 'KG Certified', NBA legends Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett discussed the ongoing debate around the league's top big men, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. The two Hall of Famers shared their perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of each superstar player.

Why it matters

As two of the most respected voices in basketball, Pierce and Garnett's opinions carry significant weight. Their analysis of Giannis and Embiid provides valuable insight into how the league's elite players and analysts view the current landscape of NBA superstars.

The details

On the podcast, Pierce and Garnett broke down the unique skillsets of Giannis and Embiid, highlighting Giannis' unparalleled athleticism and Embiid's dominant interior presence. The two legends also discussed the intangible factors that separate the two players, such as leadership, consistency, and playoff performance.

  • The podcast episode featuring Pierce and Garnett's discussion was released on April 12, 2026.

The players

Paul Pierce

A former NBA player and 10-time All-Star who is now a basketball analyst and co-host of the 'KG Certified' podcast.

Kevin Garnett

A former NBA player and Basketball Hall of Famer who is now a co-host of the 'KG Certified' podcast.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A current NBA player and two-time MVP who is considered one of the league's top big men.

Joel Embiid

A current NBA player who is also considered one of the league's top big men and a perennial MVP candidate.

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What they’re saying

“Giannis is just a physical specimen, but Embiid has that killer instinct that you need to win in the playoffs.”

— Paul Pierce, NBA Analyst

“Embiid can dominate you in the post, but Giannis can just take over a game with his athleticism and versatility.”

— Kevin Garnett, NBA Analyst

The takeaway

Pierce and Garnett's analysis highlights the ongoing debate around who is the true top big man in the NBA, with both Giannis and Embiid possessing unique strengths that make them elite players. Their perspectives provide valuable insight into how the league's legends view the current crop of NBA superstars.