Debate 2020: Comparing The GOAT 2 The GOAT

Comparing The GOAT to The GOAT

In this world, we have the pleasure of watching sports, and the luxury to watch the best athletes around the world compete at the highest level. We have had the pleasure to watch some of the greatest ever to do it, and one of the most well-known athletes over the generations is none other than Michael Jordan.

Most consider him the greatest of all time when it comes to the game of basketball, especially when you ask the older generation that question. However, if you ask the youngsters who the greatest basketball player of all time is, the two most common would be Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

For those who, for some reason, haven’t heard of the documentary The Last Dance, it follows the final season of the Michael Jordan Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s. Ratings for the documentary for the six episodes out of the ten-part series have skyrocketed, making it the most viewed documentary ever for ESPN. However, once again it has started debates all over the internet, pitting Michael Jordan, and LeBron James against each other.

The never-ending debate between the two continues: Jordan or James?

Who could be the greatest of all-time between the two? Many would argue that Jordan couldn’t get it done without Scottie Pippen. Others will contend the same rules apply for LeBron James having Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh by his side.

In an article in The New York Times several weeks ago, it was revealed that Michael Jordan gave the green light to release the documentary on the same day that James and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA championship in 2016. Many would argue the reason for that was so Jordan and the documentary could serve as a reminder of him being the greatest of all time.

That’s what “The Last Dance” is. Jordan is serving a reminder on just who he is. Not just how he is on the court, but off the court as well. In the earlier episodes in the documentary, Jordan explains how he was hurt by the criticism that he was not on equal footing with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird before winning his first title. This is why he stated how much he cherished his first three-peat because neither of the two had ever accomplished anything like that before.

So far, throughout the documentary, we have seen Jordan overcome all trials and tribulations, especially the Detroit Bad Boys. Every time Jordan reaches the top, he defends it from all challengers.

Now, in today’s modern era of the game, it seems as LeBron James is the next one up to serve as a threat to MJ. The point-forward for the Los Angeles Lakers has accumulated several championships, MVP awards, as well as gold medals. Not to mention him passing Michael Jordan on the NBA All-Time scoring list. As I said before, many will argue that LeBron James has already surpassed Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time, due to several reasons. James’ durability, all-around play, as well as the roles he plays off the court add fuel to these arguments.

Comparing a GOAT 2 GOAT — *Photo Credit: talkbasket.net*

When put into perspective, it starts to make sense as to why Jordan would give the go-ahead for “The Last Dance” to air as soon as LeBron James would win the third title of his career in 2016, according to ESPN.com. Especially considering in James’ “More Than an Athlete” show that aired on ESPN Plus in 2018, James said the 2016 title “made me the greatest player of all time.” After the first episodes of The Last Dance,” you can absolutely see this declaration lighting a fire under one Michael Jordan.

Also, due to him pretty much laying low and having a more low-key approach post-retirement, Jordan doesn’t have a presence outside of when you may see him appear on a sports show, or sitting courtside at a Charlotte Hornets game. In “The Last Dance,” MJ brings on many of his old rivals to attest to how great of a player he was during his time. Players such as Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson all show high praise during the interview portions of the documentary. Teammates as well, including Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr, all describe the work ethic and the role Jordan played for his team and in their careers.

All in all, the debate on who’s the greatest between Michael Jordan and LeBron James will be a battle that will be continued to be fought between fans for years to come.

Eventually, there will be the possibility that once LeBron James’ career is all set in stone, he too will get a documentary following the crucial moments in his career. When that time comes, there will be nothing but greatness and praise on James’ impact on the game in this same way. Until that time comes, however, “The Last Dance” will serve as a classic for Michael Jordan. The project details his greatest accomplishments, his battles with some of the greatest opponents in basketball history, and his determination to become the greatest basketball player of all time.

The next episodes (7-8) of “The Last Dance” will air tonight on ESPN at 6pm PST.

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-Terence Smith

@terencesmithfsm

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