NBA: Jordan vs Lebron

[Halincandenza]

The best thing about this debate is that I can never, ever lose the argument! I can never win but it is entertaining for some odd reason.

In a strange twist, I think Lebron would have been better in the Jordan area when physical play was not only allowed but encouraged and Michael excelling to even greater heights in today's environment with no hand checking or body contact.

In a true debate, I think Jordan era NBA players had a lot more character than today's players (social media and constant online judgement probably has a lot to do with it). Where have all the great nicknames disappeared:

Julius "Dr. J" Erving
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Daryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins (from Lovetron)
Robert "The Chief" Parish
Gary "The Glove" Payton
Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon
Karl "The Mailman" Malone
Vinnie "The Microwave" Johnson

And perhaps the most under rated player of all-time: Billy "The Whopper" Paultz. Without a doubt, the Whopper would have dominated every food court in the NBA today!

I have thought about the nickname thing as well. Used to give players some great names. Even after that era you had Iverson as "The Answer" and Pierce as "The Truth" etc. I guess we do have The Joker right now, that is a good one. Barkley as the Round Mound of Rebound is a classic.

 

[CloniesForLife]

I have thought about the nickname thing as well. Used to give players some great names. Even after that era you had Iverson as "The Answer" and Pierce as "The Truth" etc. I guess we do have The Joker right now, that is a good one. Barkley as the Round Mound of Rebound is a classic.

We have the Minivan now!

 

[trScott]

We have the Minivan now!

Love the minivan!

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

In a strange twist, I think Lebron would have been better in the Jordan area when physical play was not only allowed but encouraged

Not sure about this. He cries about the little contact they allow today.

 

[Cyched]

Y’all are dumb

 

[cmjh10]

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

Charles Boozer /thread

 

[usedcarguy]

View attachment 85335

LOL. Why 25 and not 30? Because it would be 9-2 Jordan... including 7 straight. That's why. As a matter of fact, had Jordan not left to play baseball, it would have been 12 straight and 12-2.

LeBron does have a point in that he has averaged 2.1 more assists per game, but 2 assists per day difference doesn't exactly make him "pass first" compared to Jordan. In addition, in the old NBA, LeBron would have been shooting a whole lot fewer free throws. And with the physicality at the time, it's safe to assume he would have shot a lower percentage from the field as well.

Great player, but not MJ great.

 

[Rural]

This thread didn’t go any better than the last hundred times it existed.

 

[madguy30]

LOL. Why 25 and not 30? Because it would be 9-2 Jordan... including 7 straight. That's why. As a matter of fact, had Jordan not left to play baseball, it would have been 12 straight and 12-2.

LeBron does have a point in that he has averaged 2.1 more assists per game, but 2 assists per day difference doesn't exactly make him "pass first" compared to Jordan. In addition, in the old NBA, LeBron would have been shooting a whole lot fewer free throws. And with the physicality at the time, it's safe to assume he would have shot a lower percentage from the field as well.

Great player, but not MJ great.

Take into account that MJ went to college for three years too. Averaged 28 rookie year, and was injured 2nd season.

 

[Gonzo]

View attachment 85335

Now do # of seasons named to NBA All-Defense 1st team.

 

[Brodie0]

Lebron is a better, more complete player, but Jordan was more dominant when compared to his peers.