With Cleveland Cavaliers megastar LeBron James set to make his seventh consecutive NBA Finals appearance, there's been much debate over who's better all-time, LeBron or Michael Jordan. With forums like Twitter, the back and forth has been non-stop.
My thoughts on the matter? WHO FLIPPIN' CARES?!?!?!
Jordan was the greatest player of his era while James is the best (and most physically gifted) in the game today.
Jordan went 6 for 6 in NBA Finals appearances. James is currently 3 for 7 (he single-handedly dragged the Cavs to the Finals in 2007), and is making his 7th consecutive Finals appearance this season (2011-2014 with the Miami Heat; 2015-2017 with the Cavs).
Jordan was a first ballot Hall of Famer; James will be a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Jordan his fifth overall in NBA points scored; James is seventh and climbing.
Jordan is second overall career NBA playoff points; James is first.
Honestly, with the pedigrees of these two players, does it really matter who is better?
I am old enough to have witnessed Jordan's entire career, so I am well aware of what he brought to the game. His physical talent was something to behold but was surpassed by his willingness to win at all costs. Yes, MJ's killer instinct was unmatched in his era.
On the other hand, I've witnessed James' entire run as well. To enter the league as an 18-year old with expectations of being the proverbial second coming and then exceeding said expectations? Unbelievable. And when I said he's the "most physically gifted?" Name another 6'8", 250 lb. player who can guard a power forward or point guard with equal precision.
So who's better? I really don't care. All I know is as a sports fan I was privileged to witness both players for the entirety of their respective careers. Getting into silly debates over this topic only diminishes one or the other, so I refuse to indulge.
-----------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment