NBA Legend Paul Pierce Names Quarterback Who's Better Than Patrick Mahomes

For most people, the question of who's the best player in the NFL has an easy answer. It's the player who's won three of the last four Super Bowls: Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs star is staking his claim as one of the greatest of all time.

However, NBA legend Paul Pierce has a different view on who he thinks is the best player. In an unreleased episode of “All the Smoke” podcast, Pierce claimed that Baltimore Ravens star and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson is the best player in the league.

That drew a surprised reaction from Pierce's co-host and fellow NBA legend Kevin Garnett.

Jackson won the 2023 NFL MVP after an elite performance in the season. He threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. On the ground, he added 821 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

In contrast, Mahomes threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. However, Mahomes' advantage over Jackson comes in the playoffs. The Chiefs knocked out the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, going all the way to win their second consecutive Super Bowl.

Mahomes and Jackson are set to face each other in the first game of the 2024 NFL season. It will be interesting to see how these two players fare this season.

Related: Lamar Jackson Gets Brutally Honest on Biggest Career Frustration