The GOAT debate has received a new life in the last few days, thanks to LeBron’s statement about considering himself the GOAT post that historic comeback win over the Warriors in the 2016 NBA finals.
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Beating a team like the Warriors in a situation where the Cavs were almost down and out was no mean feat. But LeBron’s statements about proclaiming himself as the GOAT haven’t really gone down well with the Jordan fans.
So much so that, Jordan fans(and maybe NBA fans in general) dug out an interview from 2009 wherein Jordan had clearly stated that he did not consider himself to be the GOAT, as that would be disrespectful to the legends that played before him.
He emphasised on the fact that people would never really know who the greatest player of all time was, as all NBA legends couldn’t come together and play each other in their primes.
Now, Jordan’s humble reply and LeBron’s ‘cockiness’ has split the NBA fraternity, with a lot of fans calling out LeBron for being too immature with his statement.
Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge believes that maybe James is trying to take the Donald Trump approach while attempting to sell himself as the greatest player of all time.
“His career’s not over,” Ainge said.
“I’d just like to — why he’s saying that, I don’t know. Maybe he thinks that that sells. Maybe he’s taking the Donald Trump approach and trying to sell himself. I don’t know.” he added.
He then went onto contribute his views to the GOAT debate and where LeBron would be in the larger scheme of things with respect to the debate.
“Obviously LeBron is in every conversation with who is the greatest player of all time,”Ainge said.
“But time will tell. I don’t know if anyone knows who the greatest of all time is, because the years are so different.” he added.
However, Ainge does rank LeBron over his Celtics teammate Larry Bird.
“LeBron went to the Finals,” Ainge said.
“I would have to say (he’s better than Bird), just because he was able to have more durability and play at a top level of his game for longer.” he added.
Do you think it was wise on LeBron’s part to say something like this? LeBron does have a few years left in his career and could overtake Jordan as the greatest player of all time, but for the time being, the throne belongs to Jordan and Jordan alone.
