In the world of sports, few names carry as much weight as Michael Jordan. Jordan’s status as the GOAT has been a topic of fervent debate. Recently, this debate took an interesting turn. Nick Wright, a well-known colleague of the controversial sports commentator Skip Bayless, criticized Jordan’s GOAT status. He did so on a recent episode of The Herd. Despite the news of his successful $3 billion sale of the Charlotte Hornets. This criticism adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding Jordan’s legacy and the impact of his ownership tenure.
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With the recent $3 billion sale of the Charlotte Hornets, Michael Jordan’s achievements as a successful businessman have gained considerable attention. However, amidst the celebrations, there has been a chorus of dissent questioning Jordan’s GOAT status. The debate surrounding his legacy extends beyond his playing career and delves into his post-retirement endeavors.
As Nick Wright voiced his criticism, it raises pertinent questions about the criteria used to evaluate the greatest player ever and how Jordan’s ownership tenure factors into his overall greatness.
Nick Wright’s Take on Michael Jordan’s Ownership Tenure
Wright offered a critical assessment of Michael Jordan’s ownership tenure. Wright argued that if Jordan had managed to transform the Charlotte Hornets into a dynasty during his 15-year ownership, it would have significantly bolstered his case as the greatest player ever.
“Everyone must acknowledge, if they are being honest, that if when Jordan took over the Hornets 15 years ago, he turned them into a dynasty, people would use it as evidence of his greatness. Can we all at least agree to that? Yes, if they were awesome, they’d be like, ‘Oh look at him, Jay, everything he touches turns to gold.’ Instead, his ownership tenure of the Hornets was identical to his playing tenure when Scottie Pippen wasn’t his teammate – zero postseason series victories.”
He also pointed out a notable disparity between Jordan’s dominant playing career and his lack of postseason success as a general manager and owner. Wright highlighted that during his ownership tenure, the Hornets experienced zero postseason series victories, mirroring Jordan’s own postseason struggles when Scottie Pippen wasn’t his teammate.
How This Affects MJ’s Legacy, According to Wright
This comparison draws attention to the inconsistency between Jordan’s on-court excellence and his performance in the front office, inviting scrutiny into his overall legacy.
Wright continued:
“That’s always been part of the story. That’s all the legend of Jordan has been, more than the playing career. Yeah, the sneakers and the mystique and the aura have been a piece of it. So, if that’s the case, then being the worst owner in the league for 15 years, hasn’t mattered a little bit, like a tiny bit? It’s like, uh, you took over a team in Washington, and they were terrible, and the players hated you and drafted the wrong guy. He then bought a team in Charlotte, and they were literally the worst team in the league.”
Evaluating Jordan’s Post-Playing Career in the NBA
To evaluate the GOAT status of a player, it becomes crucial to consider their entire career rather than solely focusing on their playing days.
When assessing Michael Jordan’s career, certain periods tend to be omitted from the evaluation. The years spent with the Washington Wizards and the middle two years of his Championship run are often excluded from the narrative. These exclusions prompt a broader examination of the criteria used to judge greatness.
Moreover, Jordan’s impact extended far beyond the court. The significance of his off-court achievements cannot be disregarded. This include the creation of his iconic sneakers that revolutionized the sports apparel industry. Also to note is his influence that helped in transforming Nike from a struggling brand to a global powerhouse.
The mystique and aura surrounding Jordan have become integral elements of his legend, influencing his overall perception as the GOAT.
However, it is essential to contrast Jordan’s illustrious playing career with his struggles as an owner.
Despite his success on the court, his tenure with the Hornets has been marred by poor team performance and questionable decision-making. The lack of postseason success also casts a shadow over Jordan’s reputation as an owner. It raises doubts about his ability to replicate his on-court greatness in the front office.
Jordan’s legacy is completely up to personal opinion. For those who believe on-court playing time is the sole determinant, MJ’s lore shines through. However, for the rest, it adds a minor blemish to the otherwise sparkling resume.
