Notorious Michael Jordan Critic Declares LeBron James as the NBA’s Greatest of All Time
One of the prominent rivalries from the earlier days of the NBA involved former guards Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. The tension between them is often believed to have begun with allegations that Thomas “froze out” Jordan during the 1985 All-Star Game.
Jordan, a rookie at the time, started the game but only managed seven points. Although Thomas has denied this claim, Jordan was known for holding grudges if he felt wronged.
Another significant incident occurred during the selection of the 1992 Dream Team for the Olympics. Jordan was chosen, while Thomas was not. Thomas has suggested that Jordan might have played a role in this decision.
On the court, Jordan faced tough competition from Thomas’s “Bad-Boy Detroit Pistons,” who made Jordan’s early career challenging. The animosity between them has persisted into the present day.
While Thomas was never considered in the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate, Jordan has been a major contender in this discussion, along with current Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. The GOAT debate has become a major topic among basketball fans.
In an interview with Mlive.com, Thomas shared his views on the GOAT discussion. He highlighted James’s achievements, noting his leadership in various statistical categories, including passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in scoring and surpassing Magic Johnson in assists. Thomas praised James for his all-around statistical prowess and overall excellence as a basketball player.
James has surpassed Jordan in terms of longevity, continuing to perform at a high level close to 40 years old, while Jordan has won six championships compared to James’s four. Despite NBA culture traditionally favoring championships in determining greatness, James’s record as the All-Time leading scorer has influenced some opinions in his favor.
Thomas is not alone in discussing the GOAT debate; former NBA center Kendrick Perkins has also weighed in. Ultimately, opinions on the greatest player are varied, and there is no definitive answer.
