Paul Pierce Stirs the NBA Pot: Compares 2025 Thunder to His 2008 Celtics Championship Team

NBA legend Paul Pierce has ignited heated conversations across the basketball world after declaring that the 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder remind him of his title-winning 2008 Boston Celtics squad. In an appearance on a recent sports talk show, Pierce didn’t hold back his admiration for the young, high-energy Thunder roster. “They’ve got the same swagger, the same fire we had back in ’08,” Pierce said with conviction. “The belief. The hunger. That energy that says, ‘We’re not backing down from anyone.’ I see it all over again in these Thunder kids.”

For many fans, the comparison came as a shock. The 2008 Celtics were a powerhouse — a veteran-led squad that featured Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and a battle-tested supporting cast. That team bulldozed its way through the playoffs, eventually claiming the NBA title with a dominant win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder, on the other hand, are a rising team filled with youth and promise, anchored by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rookie phenom Chet Holmgren, and versatile guard Josh Giddey.

According to him, it’s all about identity — that intangible mix of confidence, grit, and chemistry that separates good teams from great ones. “When I watch OKC, I see a group that believes in themselves,” Pierce explained. “They don’t play scared. They don’t care who’s across from them. That’s what made us special in 2008 — we had that mental edge. And I’m telling you, these guys have it too.

Pierce pointed specifically to Gilgeous-Alexander, drawing parallels to his own leadership style. “Shai reminds me a lot of myself in terms of demeanor,” he said. “He’s not flashy with his talk, but he leads with action. Big shots. Tough possessions. That quiet killer instinct. You can see his teammates rally around him the same way our guys rallied around me.”

Critics have pointed out the obvious differences. The 2008 Celtics were built on the backs of multiple future Hall of Famers who were all in or nearing their primes. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is still in the early stages of contention. Their core has barely tasted playoff success, and questions remain about how they’ll perform under true postseason pressure.

Yet even skeptics acknowledge the Thunder are ahead of schedule. After finishing as the No. 2 seed in the West, they’ve shown poise, depth, and tactical discipline under head coach Mark Daigneault. Holmgren’s rim protection and offensive versatility have been key, while Giddey continues to develop into one of the NBA’s most intelligent playmakers. Add in supporting pieces like Jalen Williams and Lu Dort, and you have a team that seems to be maturing faster than expected.

Former players have chimed in as well. Kendrick Perkins, who played alongside Pierce in Boston, offered a tempered endorsement. “I get what Paul’s saying,” Perkins admitted on ESPN. “That Thunder team has heart, no doubt. But let’s pump the brakes. They’ve got potential, not pedigree yet. That ’08 squad? We were built for a title run — all business, all vets. The Thunder? They’re still learning the ropes.”

Still, Pierce’s comments have struck a chord with fans and analysts alike. Many are embracing the idea that the Thunder are no longer just a “team of the future,” but a legitimate threat in the present. Their balanced roster, fearless mentality, and cohesive play have turned heads league-wide.

What’s most fascinating about the comparison is that it comes from someone like Pierce — a man who knows what championship DNA looks like. He was part of a Celtics team that overcame adversity, egos, and pressure to reach the mountaintop. That he sees something similar in a group of young stars says a lot about how far Oklahoma City has come in just a few years.

For Thunder fans, the praise is more than just flattering — it’s validation. After the team was stripped down in the post-Westbrook era, many questioned whether they could rebuild without sinking into irrelevance. Instead, through shrewd drafting, smart trades, and patient development, they’ve constructed one of the most exciting cores in basketball.

As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on whether this youthful squad can live up to the lofty expectations Pierce has now thrust upon them. If they can channel that “same fire” he spoke of, they just might make believers out of everyone.

Whether or not the Thunder are truly the second coming of the 2008 Celtics remains to be seen. But in a league that thrives on bold takes and even bolder performances, Paul Pierce’s comparison has set the stage for a thrilling narrative. One thing is certain: Oklahoma City isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. They’ve arrived — and according to a Celtics legend, they might just be ready to conquer.