As a kid I was lucky to grow up in the Michael Jordan era, well other than being a Pacers during the Michael Jordan era that is. But being able to watch Jordan so much made me fall in love with the game of basketball. Even at a young age I knew I was watching someone special. There is no doubt in my mind that he is the greatest of all time.
Today we are spoiled too. And I’m not sure how much we realize how lucky we are. This LeBron James guy is pretty special too. And much to the dismay of being a Pacers fan, I have to acknowledge just how great James has become.
Today we are spoiled too. And I’m not sure how much we realize how lucky we are. This LeBron James guy is pretty special too. And much to the dismay of being a Pacers fan, I have to acknowledge just how great James has become.
He’s as strong as Wilt. He’s as quick as Michael. He’s as athletic as Kemp. He can pass like Magic. He defends like Pippen. The skillset this man posses is something that hasn’t been seen before. And he continues to improve and become a smarter player.
Since the day he entered the NBA, he could always get to the hoop.. Too big, too fast, and too strong not to. So they said he needed to work on his jumper. And he did. But then he couldn’t hit from three well enough. And then he hits 40% of his threes last season. “A man that size should dominate the post!” they clamored. So he went and worked with Hakeem and guess what, he will beat you down there too now.
Since the day he entered the NBA, he could always get to the hoop.. Too big, too fast, and too strong not to. So they said he needed to work on his jumper. And he did. But then he couldn’t hit from three well enough. And then he hits 40% of his threes last season. “A man that size should dominate the post!” they clamored. So he went and worked with Hakeem and guess what, he will beat you down there too now.
Do you remember creating players in NBA video games as a kid, giving them 99 ratings in every category? Being able to hit crazy dunks and long threes? Blocking shots and grabbing steals with ease? What you created was basically LeBron James.
But when you were a kid you were saying it was Michael Jordan that you had just created. You were making the best player ever. Even today that is who you will say you are creating. Why? Is it nostalgia?
But when you were a kid you were saying it was Michael Jordan that you had just created. You were making the best player ever. Even today that is who you will say you are creating. Why? Is it nostalgia?
No one was ever afraid to crown MJ the GOAT. No one hesitated talking about his legacy or saying he was the best. But when it comes to LeBron there is always some caveat we add to say why he isn’t the best. “He needs to win more rings.” Well he’s matching Jordan at this point in their careers. “He had to join Wade in Miami to win!” Sorry the Cavs didn’t have anyone near the level of Scottie Pippen like Chicago did for Jordan
It is very possible LeBron ends up with better numbers than Jordan. Its also very possible he ends up with more championships with Jordan. But excuses will be made to devalue his greatness. “Defenses aren’t as physical as they used to be.” “If Jordan didn’t retire the first time around he would have had 8 rings!”
As a Pacers fan, the realization of how talented and great LeBron James is at basketball scares the hell out of me. But as a basketball fan it makes me sit in awe. Yet there is this part of me that is unwilling to accept he may go down as the greatest player of all time. Is it nostalgia?
As a Pacers fan, the realization of how talented and great LeBron James is at basketball scares the hell out of me. But as a basketball fan it makes me sit in awe. Yet there is this part of me that is unwilling to accept he may go down as the greatest player of all time. Is it nostalgia?