Well I figured for my first NBA blog post I'd show you where I stand on the most debated on topic of all time. A question that brings the whole world of basketball fans together in a classic disagreement of one's personal G.O.A.T. The common answer of Jordan or Lebron are the most likely response when the question is asked. But some notable mentions could Kobe, Bill Russell, Bird , or even a Stephen Curry. Now when the rubber hits the road it comes down to the two generational talents listed above in Lebron and Jordan. There's no way around it and I certainly don't want to hear Paul George.
Starting with Lebron the 4 time Finals champ I think you must begin with the 10 Finals appearances. If you think about it that's actually ridiculous. He's been to the big dance at least half as many years as he's played. Especially if you look at the 8 year run of Finals appearances against some of the best teams in NBA history. He made it to the Finals four straight years with the Heat and four straight Finals with the Cavaliers. Don't get me wrong he had some help to get him there in Wade, Bosh, Kyrie, and Kevin Love. But with the numbers Lebron was putting up it was more like he was helping them get there. He truly was dominate in that 8 year span winning multiple MVP's and Final's MVPs. Even came close to winning a defensive player of the year in 2012. Lebron is an all around outstanding talent that is capable of leading the league in assist or points whatever the teams needs from him. The dude can literally guard and play all 5 positions on the court and be efficient doing it. Sure he may pass up the last shot of the game once in a while but more than likely he is doing what's best for his team in that situation. The thing people forget is he has made 40 career go-ahead shots inside the final 30 seconds of the 4th quarter and OT, including the regular season and playoffs. So the man is clutch in the late 4th quarter opportunities. He has success wherever he goes, won a championship with three different teams. With all that said he is one hell of a human being when it comes to his off the court antics.
Now on to the 6'6" shooting guard out of North Carolina. Michael Jordan is the one who changed the league forever and might be one of if not the most influential athlete of all time across all sports. He was an icon that had everyone and they're mother wanting to be like Mike. With a killer instinct and a silky smooth jump shot. The six time champ was an unbelievable scoring machine that would just take over a game whenever and where ever. The patented fade away and the one handed fakes were some of the ridiculous moves this legend had. Just the pure competitor this man was put him on levels none of the guys around him could reach along with his 48" vertical. Just like Lebron he's got all the accolades you can think of but the retaliation everybody likes to go to in this argument is Jordan went 6 for 6 on Final appearances. Definitely impressive no doubt about it but is it more impressive if Lebron goes to one more and nearly doubles Jordan's Appearances? To me that would further cement his legacy as the best there ever was. He'll have one less title but if you look at career totals in points and assists. He has the most points in NBA history along with top 5 in assists and top 10 in steals. To throw a cherry on top he's 32nd all time in rebounds. He's truly an all around elite player. You can say all that about Jordan as well, he's up there in all of those categories listed above also but to me if I had to start a team with one of the two legends. I'd choose the 6'9" forward out of Akron. It really just comes down to preference as well as time period you grew up in.
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