A couple months back, my uncle and I were engaged in a friendly debate.
In counting down the top 15 players in NBA history, we finally embarked on the No. 1 slot. I instinctively uttered, without hesitation, “M.J.”
You know, the guy who won six rings and five MVPs. The guy who is indisputably the greatest to ever lace up a pair of sneakers. Easy choice, right?
He responded with a simple “LeBron.”
I remember thinking, ‘Is he drunk?’ — he was.
But his argument was: Barring an unforeseen major injury or Armageddon, King James will go down as the greatest to ever play the game.
I was in shock. Disbelief. Expletives flew. Beer bottles were broken. It nearly came to blows.
Not really, but I mean, come on. He was dissing my boy Mike. The sole reason I walk around with my tongue out. The main culprit for my sneaker fetish. The transcendent athlete of my young lifetime.
But, the more I’ve bared witness to the greatness of the new No. 23, the more I’m beginning to think this changing of the guard may, in fact, be inevitable.
First off, let’s take a look at the things that made M.J. so incredible. There were his physical gifts. The athleticism and length that earned him the name Air Jordan.
There was the intimidation and confidence factor that comes with being the best.
But most of all, the thing that separated Jordan from Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and anybody who has ever stepped on a basketball court was his unmatched willingness and desire to compete. That attitude of ‘no matter what happens, I am NOT losing. No way, no how.’
When it comes to King James, the physical attributes are unlike anything we’ve ever seen. He is the most blessed physical specimen we’ve ever seen in the history of sport. It’s like he was made in a lab. 6-foot-9 inch. 260 pounds. Built like an NFL linebacker. Athleticism reminiscent of … well reminiscent of nobody we’ve ever seen.
He has the physique of a power forward, yet he possesses the gifts of a point guard. His court vision is unparalleled. His power and first step is unrivaled.
I mean, do we fully realize that James hasn’t harnessed all of the immense gifts he has, yet he’s still on the cusp of an assured second-straight MVP award? What’s going to happen when he discovers a low-post game? He literally has no ceiling. He could win 10 straight MVPs. He could average a triple-double. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Another thing James has going for him is his command of the room. That sense of when he walks into the room, all eyes are on him. Whether he’s dunking in warm-ups, stretching out his legs, joking with teammates or simply sitting on the bench. If LeBron is in the arena, there’s a definite feeling of mystique evident throughout the building. It’s the same thing Jordan possessed. It’s something only once-in-a-lifetime athletes are blessed with.
But the thing that remains in question. The thing that will decide whether or not James’ physical gifts go to waste is his desire to win. Does he possess that unquenchable thirst that made Jordan so famous?
In the playoffs, Jordan averaged 33.4 points per game and shot nearly 50 percent. He hit game-winner after game-winner. He expected perfection from his teammates. ‘Lose’ wasn’t a word that ever entered his mind. Hence, the six championships.
James, on the other hand, hasn’t shown that attitude. That longing to get his hands on the trophy, no matter the cost. He’s put up gaudy statistics — 30 points, eight assists and eight rebounds per game — but still hasn’t had that memorable, career-altering moment.
The good news: Jordan didn’t win a championship until his eighth playoff appearance. He experienced failure after failure that built up that craving for victory.
James is only in his fifth playoff. He hasn’t yet experienced those gut-punches that leave long-lasting impressions. Those losses that create the yearning to do whatever it takes.
But will those consistent failures have the same affect on James as they did Jordan? Will he be transformed from charismatic and playful into take no prisoners, win at all costs?
Nobody has a clue.
But if he does, in fact, put it all together? Then … then there are no limitations. Realize that LeBron is 25 years old. He’s still a baby.
If he harnesses all of those gifts, then King James will, without a doubt, take his place on the throne above Jordan. Above any and all who have ever played the game of basketball.
David Harris is a junior
economics major and sports editor.