Michael Jordan and LeBron James have always been #1 and #2 on most people’s GOAT lists. The endless argument has caused friction between the fanbases of the two legends. For the longest time, MJ was the clear favorite for the prestigious title. But, ever since James managed to win title number four and clinched the NBA’s all-time scoring record, the debate has become more competitive than ever. Different people have different ways of approaching the debate. Tim Grover, Jordan’s long-time personal trainer, used the two legends’ sneaker brands while settling the debate. A justification that didn’t sit well with an NBA analyst.
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Tim Grover has a pretty distinguished clientele. Apart from assisting Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, Grover’s most famous client has to be Michael Jordan. From helping the Chicago Bulls legend overcome the wrath of the Bad Boy Pistons to helping him work on his physique after returning to basketball, Grover has been the five-time Most Valuable Player’s trainer since 1990. Personally knowing the former Shooting Guard for almost three decades, it is pretty obvious that Grover would select Mike as his pick for the GOAT debate. But comparing the Jordan brand to LeBron’s shoe line was a bit unexpected from the 58-year-old.
Nick Wright slams Tim Grover for comparing Michael Jordan and LeBron James based on their shoes
During an appearance at a convention, Tim Grover listed three reasons why Michael Jordan was better than LeBron James. Apart from listing an impressive MJ feat, Grover implied that Air Jordans were more popular than the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s shoes.
“We’ve all heard stories about individuals getting robbed for their Jordans. Have you ever heard a story of anyone getting stuck for a pair of Brons?” Grover asked.
On the latest episode of First Things First, the panel had a brief discussion about Grover’s ‘non-basketball factor’ justification. FS1 host Nick Wright was appalled that Grover used sneakers as a factor during the GOAT debate. According to Wright, when making arguments during the debate, one could either omit non-basketball factors or take all non-basketball factors as a whole into consideration. Dismissing Grover’s take, the 38-year-old said:
“When people argue that [Michael] Jordan is the GOAT they bring up non-basketball factors and the number 1 thing people bring up is the sneakers. We either have to do just basketball or everything, not picking & choosing.”
“When people argue that Jordan is the GOAT they bring up non-basketball factors. We either have to do just basketball or everything, not picking & choosing.”
— @getnickwright takes a victory lap after MJ’s trainer used Jordan’s sneakers in the GOAT debate: pic.twitter.com/oTTHC0Vc9w
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 31, 2023
Nick Wright isn’t wrong here. If non-basketball factors were to be considered then LeBron would certainly be the undisputed GOAT. Throughout his 20-year NBA career, the 6-foot-9 Forward has indulged in several philanthropic activities – donating over $100 million in charity through his LeBron James Foundation, opening up I Promise Schools, and several other notable contributions. Further, unlike Michael Jordan, LeBron James has had no off-court controversies throughout his career.
Jordan was a more impactful player than LeBron
While the success of the Jordan brand shouldn’t be used as a point during the GOAT debate, one cannot deny MJ’s impact on American culture. There is no doubt that the six-time Champ is one of the most impactful players in NBA history.
In today’s age, owning a pair of Jordan sneakers is a huge deal. As Grover rightly mentioned, people rob and even kill for Jordan sneakers. This certainly highlights the cultural impact the Black Cat had on society.
