The NBA GOAT debate never gets old, with it being one of the go-to topics for all media outlets, given it being the ultimate cheat code to attract eyeballs. Over the years, the two recurring names that have been regular in this conversation are Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Advertisement
Regarded as generational talents, the two legends have enthralled us with their performances on the hardwood. Thus making it impossible to have unanimity over who is the best of the best, given the nature of subjectivity. However, it is always interesting to know the take on the debate from a player’s perspective, with it being Draymond Green this time.
The Warriors point forward caused quite a stir lately, proclaiming King James as the GOAT, giving the following reasoning.
“Bron started in 03, by 2005, Bron was the best player in the NBA. In 2020, he was still the best player in the NBA. He was the best player in the NBA no matter what the game did,” said Draymond.
“When you look at the teams that Bron has carried to the championship, or carried to the Finals, MJ didn’t beat the greatest team ever assembled, nor did he run up against the greatest team ever assembled every year.”
“My top 5 is LJ 1, MJ 2, Kobe 3, Steph 4, Shaq 5… By 2005, he was the best player in the NBA. In 2020, he was still the best player in the NBA.”
Draymond Green explains why LeBron is better than Michael Jordan 🤔
(via @uninterrupted)pic.twitter.com/ID5shR3cb6
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 4, 2022
The four-time champion added wasn’t anyone so far who could do what LBJ did on the court. While Draymond had nothing but respect for MJ, he cited how Bron’s longevity and consecutive Finals appearances etched him ahead of His Airness.
It was no surprise that Dray’s take would cause a storm in the NBA circles, the latest to address this matter was no other than Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal addresses Draymond Green putting LeBron James ahead of Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate.
For those expecting a controversial news bite from the Big Diesel, such wasn’t the case. When asked about his opinion on Draymond’s GOAT take, Shaq believed everyone had a right to their opinion, respectfully disagreeing with the Warriors forward, saying the following.
“I like Draymond, that’s his opinion,” said the former seven-foot center. “I like people when they have opinions in this world. You know, the problem we have is when some certain person has an opinion and you don’t like it.”
Agreeing to disagree, Shaq revealed how he wouldn’t go off Dray for his opinions, adding who he believed was the GOAT.
“I’m not going to go off,” said the Diesel. “That’s his opinion. My guy is Dr. J (Julius Erving) slash Mike. That’s my guy.”
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James.
A conversation that shall live till eternity, despite never being able to know the answer. The two stalwarts have millions idolizing them, attempting to make the case of one being better than the other.
While many believe MJ being 6-0 in the Finals makes him the GOAT, fans of the King believe his accolades and overall abilities make him the better choice. Despite there never being unanimity over the discussion, it continues to be a go-to topic for sports enthusiasts and the media.
Also read: “LeBron James is the One”: Allen Iverson holds the King supreme over Michael Jordan
