Remember the old cliché: can retired legends succeed in today's NBA? While most players tend to exaggerate their past prowess with the "our times were tougher" argument, Paul Pierce has recently joined the hype, claiming that he could still average 20 points per game in today's league. Now, he may have a chance to prove it.

Not in the NBA, but in the upstart league of former stars known as the Big3. Boston Celtics legend Nick Young seems to have been so inspired by Pierce's boasts that he's invited him directly to join his Big3 team. Legends like Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes have already found success in the half-court 3v3 format, will a Finals MVP like Pierce join the ranks?

But the question remains: can Pierce live up to the hype? His 20-point benchmark was thrown off by struggling teams like the Washington Wizards or Detroit Pistons. Can he really play in a competitive environment like the Big Three?

It's an intriguing proposition. Pierce's offensive skills were unquestionable in his heyday, and the smaller court size of the Big Three may favor his isolation game. However, the years have not been kind to him, and age-related decline does play a factor. Additionally, the Big3 requires different physical conditioning and fitness from players than the traditional NBA.

So will Pierce's Big3 debut be a triumphant return to form, proving the doubters wrong? Or will it be a reality check that exposes the limitations of his former glory? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: whatever the outcome, the potential showdown between Pierce's ego and the Big3 stage will be interesting.