In a point guard-dominated era of the NBA, where the likes of Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Russell Westbrook often grab the headlines, people seem to have forgotten the late 90's and early 2000's where shooting guards and small forwards were the premier talent in the league.

Among those top wing studs was L.A. Clippers swingman Paul Pierce, who's battled plenty of stiff competition in his time, shared his experience in a piece for The Players Tribune early in 2015, reminiscing the five toughest players he's ever had to guard.

Here's a breakdown of each with some of his input on what it was like to go toe-to-toe against these players.

5. Kobe Bryant

The newly-retired Los Angeles Lakers legend averaged 25 points, 4.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game over an illustrious 20-year career.

kobe bryant paul pierce
Stephen Dunn

One MVP, two Finals MVPs, four All-Star MVPs, and two scoring titles — accolades that don't even do enough justice to one of the fiercest competitors to grace the hardwood. Pierce had his hands full against Bryant despite getting the better of him in the 2008 NBA Finals.

“Kobe has the mentality of a basketball serial killer. He’s going to come at you every single way possible and he’s not going to let up. His mentality — his killer instinct — is what separates him from the other guys on this list, because once Kobe knows he has you, he’s going to keep attacking you. He’ll throw you down, beat you up and even when you’re knocked out, he’ll keep hitting you.”

4. Tracy McGrady

One of the most versatile and special talents the NBA has seen. McGrady had it all: ridiculous ups, a wicked handle, and the uncanny ability to heat up and drape shot after shot over helpless opponents.

Getty Images
Getty Images

McGrady saw his best years after joining the Orlando Magic in 2000, where he became a scoring machine, even averaging a career-best 32.1 points per game in the 2002-2003 season.

“Tracy is a point guard in a small forward’s body. He’s 6-9, has long arms and can jump out of the gym, so every time he went up to shoot there was no point even trying to block it. He’s a rare talent, and when you were up against him, you knew you were in for a tough game because he always had the green light.”

3. Vince Carter

Owner of some of the most vicious dunks in NBA history, ‘Half man-Half amazing' was more than just the most feared dunker of his era.

Elsa/Getty Images
Elsa/Getty Images

Carter averaged more than 20 points per game in 10 straight seasons, dominating opponents with a mix of long to mid-range shots, only to set up his aerial antics to delight the crowd.

The 18-year pro out of North Carolina had a charismatic smile, but a dangerous array of offensive tools in his arsenal.

“He’s hell to guard out on the perimeter because of the elevation on his shot. But you were so afraid of him blowing by you and throwing down a dunk that would be all over SportsCenter that you would allow him space to shoot. Then he would get hot from three-point range and at that point … what do you do?”

2. LeBron James

A unique package not seen perhaps since the likes of Magic Johnson. James is that freak of nature gamers were building in a video game until he finally showed up in the 2003 NBA Draft.

lebron james paul pierce
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

With two inches and 30 pounds of advantage over Pierce, the Oakland native knew he was in for a long night at the defensive end.

“He’s just a caliber of physical specimen that this league has never seen before. A lot of the other guys I talk about on this list are tall, wiry, skinny athletic types, but LeBron is just as athletic as they are, but he’s also stronger and faster. You can bet that after you guard LeBron, you’re going to be sore all over for the next few days.”

1. Carmelo Anthony

A nightmare on the wing and a tormentor in the post, Carmelo Anthony is one of the few athletes that knows his every strength and will exploit it mercilessly if he sees a weakness in you.

carmelo anthony paul pierce
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The Syracuse alum holds career averages of 24.9 points, 3.2 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game entering his 14th season.

“If I had to single one guy out who is the most difficult player to guard in the league, it would have to be Carmelo. He’s a unique blend of being big, strong, and athletic while also having a world-class shooting touch and a natural ability to get to the rim. That’s what sets him apart — every facet of his game is elite.”