I disagree on Paul Pierce. Maybe not on equal level to Anthony nationwide, but much closer than you are giving him credit for.
I was oft ridiculed for saying PP was an elite player until 2008, the rest of America does not view him that way but when he destroyed LeBron it changed some.
I think Monroe may be a PF, forced to play C.
That's fine. You can say that about all the media darlings as well that had the same stigma, Vince Carter and McGrady. Pierce had the pedigree. Monroe has nothing to show for it yet.
Also, the media access wasn't the same back then to what it is now. I'm sure if in this day and age if you had a 24 year old Paul Pierce dropping 26 a game, which he did, on 44% shooting and 40% from 3s people would be salivating over him nationwide.
I mean, it's Tim Duncan and it wasn't until recently that people REALLY began to appreciate what he did in the court and how the Spurs played for that matter.
As much as making the National team did to show Pierce as a legit talent, it also tarnished his image because of the beef with the coach and that team's failure (which many attributed to him, or tried to). I think that, more than anything, is what created a dismissiveness (from ignorant fans) of Paul Pierce. But... actual critics, I don't recall really being as dismissive of Paul Pierce, other than perpetuating the selfish stigma. Interestingly, it's that same stigma which Anthony has attached to his name right now.
Anyways, I don't know what we're arguing about. You brought the KG-Pierce tandem, but somehow object to bringing Anthony up? Pierce is much closer to Anthony than Monroe has been to KG or Pierce for that matter, so not sure what the issue is lol.
I just think it's unfair to discuss Monroe's situation to that of any of the players mentioned here because Monroe, even though I granted you that there was a parallel (criticism vs. later success) hasn't accomplished anything, on an individual level or on a team level.