Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

[airjoca]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Everyone is compared to Jordan because Jordan is the greatest, he set the bar.

What I think is, since the NBA began, you kept seeing players develop, more impressive each generation. And for the first time, this is not happening, Jordan was the epythome of Basketball, and no one has come close.

And to the guy who said MJ is overrated. Really? Man, I'd swear that nowadays he is underrated, people really are quick to forget.

The other day there were two games on at the same time on NBA TV and Sporttv (local channel here).

NBA had game 5 of the 97 Finals ("the flu game"), Sporttv had game six of the 2011 Finals. There is absolutely no comparison between a sick 34 year old MJ and young and healty Wade, LeBron or whoever. MJ is by far the greatest.

[jeebs9]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

I agree with you about Kobe, but help me out with the Lebron statement?

I see zero of Jordan in Lebron.

Thanks

The answer to this is no....... should not exist. Even though Kobe is the closest player to Jordan that I have ever seen play, and only needs one more ring to match him.......I don't make that comparison any more. If not for D. Wade's Height, and having Iverson syndrome ,I'd give it to Wade. I don't see Jordan in LBJ's game at all. I see James Worthy in LBJ's game more so than Jordan. What I mean by Iverson Syndrome is.......He plays balls to the wall,gets to the rack and hits the floor hard often, and is injury prone. To Iverson's credit..... at lease he knows how to play hurt. P.S. Let A.I back into the NBA.

As much as people have been bashing LeBron lately. He is my opinion has a little Jordan in him. LeBron overall game has a little of all the game players from Magic, Jordan, to Kobe, Bird. I'm not saying that LeBron is these guys. I'm just saying he has a little of their games in his. That's all I was trying to say. Because like I said people are putting a lot of focus on the finals series. But totally forgot what he did to get there vs the Celtics and Bulls. You can argue whatever point you want about the finals. If LeBron was that bad. The Heat wouldn't have made to where they got in the first place.

[slimm44]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

I grew up in Chicago watching and idolizing Jordan in the 90's. I think people are starting to really overrate him. I remember maybe 5 years ago when people were still debating whether he was number one. For some reason, it seems that he's unanimously being rated as the greatest ever.

I think he was extremely good, but it's getting to the point where people are turning him into a myth or legend. There have been similar players before and after in terms of success and ability. Of course comparisons to a human being can and should exist.

Jordan had ridiculous stats, but that's not what set the bar. He has 6 rings, but that's not what set the bar. He has the highlight plays, but that's not what set the bar.

Want to know what set the bar? For six years running, when he played an entire season, his team couldn't be beaten. He never lost in the finals. He never disappeared in crunch-time, even if it was during a regular season or all-star game. He was the most consistent player, possibly ever. He was unstoppable getting to the rim, in the post, and from mid-range. He changed his game when he needed to to stay above every peer that competed against him.

For me, this is the number one reason of why he set the bar so high. Anytime, from 1991 until the time he walked off the court against the Jazz, whenever Jordan was on the court, there was something inside me that knew he was going to win. He came through so many times, EVERY TIME FOR 6 YEARS, that you expected him to. And you know what? He always did.

He refused to let his team lose. He was athletic, talented, and had drive like no player I've seen before.

Tell me...When was the last time you saw a player like that who wasn't flashing a 23 on his front and back and whose name wasn't Jordan?

[LingeringRegime]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Every time I start to think/wonder this, I fire up youtube and watch a few of the MJ highlight clips. You forget how unreal the guy was. MJ isn't overrated.

People who say he is overrated never saw him play, or were too young to remember how dominant and otherworldly he was.

[jeebs9]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

I grew up in Chicago watching and idolizing Jordan in the 90's. I think people are starting to really overrate him. I remember maybe 5 years ago when people were still debating whether he was number one. For some reason, it seems that he's unanimously being rated as the greatest ever.

I think he was extremely good, but it's getting to the point where people are turning him into a myth or legend. There have been similar players before and after in terms of success and ability. Of course comparisons to a human being can and should exist.

Overrated!! What!... I had a whole argument with co-worker who tired to call Jordan overrated. Forget about the player on the court for a few seconds. Now only think about the numbers. The biggest and best number. 6 Finals MVP's, 5 Regular season MVP's, 1 Defensive player of the year (unknown grounds for a guard leading the league or in the top 3-5 scoring). Now not only was Jordan the best during the season. He also had the extra gear for the playoffs. And a even high one for the Finals.

.... Now pop in a tape and watch some Jordan highlights or games. No one compares to this guy. It's unfair.

[1Rose]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

It's really insulting to compare anyone to him. Anytime I hear someone say Kobe is better, I want to punch them square in the face.

Now I see someone saying he is overrated? LMAO Must not of watched basketball before 2000.

Jordan is and always will be the GOAT. The most dominant player I've ever witnessed (in person) play the game of basketball. Offensively he was unstoppable, in a era that stressed defense, he routinely shredded them apart. Had the ultimate killer instinct and when the game was on the line, when he shot the ball, you didn't think it was going in, you knew it was going in. Even if the defense knew it was coming, you couldn't stop it. When the bright lights were on, that's when Jordan really proved why he was the best.

I don't even need to list every accolade and stat he put up. They speak for themselves, and if you don't know you need to educate yourself, extremely.

Jordan created the mold for these guys of today to emulate. But like the saying goes, "often imitated, never duplicated." I think that's why I hate Kobe so much, he goes out of his way to try and be MJ, when he's not even close.

To compare anyone to him is ludicrous. If Jordan played in his prime today, he would embarrass these guys. It's not even close. He would average 40 a game, easy.

The media is always so quick to pin these guys as the next this and next that, to sell tickets and jerseys, which is why you see a lot of players who are viewed as busts and disappointments because they didn't live up to the hype that was completely unrealistic to begin with.

[SteelersFreak]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Of course you can, you don't know what kind of players we'll see in the next few years anyways. Jordan is the GOAT, but that doesn't mean someone can't knock him off.

[Drewski]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Comparing greatness to Jordan's? Waste of everyone's time, simply because A) No one has (to this point) been able to match the perfect mix of EVERYTHING the way Jordan did (offense, mentality, defense, winning) and B) It's highly unlikely anyone will ever match the double three-peat. Even if Kobe had gotten his 2nd three-peat, it would never be as acclaimed as Jordans, because Jordan didn't just PLAY in those games. He dominated them. Made them his.

Now if we're comparing skills, I think that's an open conversation. I think you can look at individual facets of his game - lets say his Mid Range for example - and compare it to guys. I think Kobe's mid-range game is similar to Jordan's (just an example. And no, I'm not saying they're equivalent or as equally efficient).

But as far as total package, greatness, claims? No one is even close to Jordan.

[Fiddy]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Shouldn't be allowed to compare until that player has 5 rings and similar numbers to MJ.

[airjoca]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Shouldn't be allowed to compare until that player has 5 rings and similar numbers to MJ.

Titles and numbers don't tell half of the story. It may be a good starting point, but many "kids" underrate Jordan because they didn't see any of the things that are relevant about a Basketball player that don't show up on stat sheets.

[The15thunter]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

you can compare someone's game and their skills to jordan, because it is possible to match or exceed that.

however, you cannot compare anyone's career or importance.

[st0rmb11]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Shouldn't be allowed to compare until that player has 5 rings and similar numbers to MJ.

I don't even like the comparison then. I hated seeing people say "ok, Kobe is now one ring away from Jordan. if he wins the 6th, he's going to be on Jordan's level."

I feel like people put too much weight on the rings when they compare people to Jordan, not looking at what Jordan did to GET those rings.

I remember seeing a graphic during game 6 of the Finals, showing "notable players' stats in their first 9 Final's games." They had Kobe, LeBron, & Magic on there, all averaging around 19.5 points per game, while Jordan averaged 33 or 34. but what was incredible was, with Magic on the list, Jordan led the 4 players in assists! He averaged VERY close to 10 assists in his first 9 Finals games, ALONG with 34 points, not to mention that he did it on 55% shooting.

How about the '93 Finals, when Jordan AVERAGED 41 points, 6.3 assists, 8.5 rebounds, on 51% shooting. on the biggest stage of them all. the stats and stories go on and on and on.

[Tyrant8RDFL]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

No, the comparisons should not exist. I could argue that, for as good as Jordan was for the league, he was also terrible for the league in many regards.

I can not see how he was bad for the league in anyway. The man simply defined how hard work pays off. Please explain how he was bad for the league in some way.

THanks

Jordan wasnt bad for the league, dudes need to be originals and the people out front need to be quiet about it and let players develop their own identity

its the quick fix microwave generation we're in now

MJ wasnt given stuff he earned the name he has

I agree 100%. Jordan earned everything he received. He never was afraid of competition or adversity. This man was determine to overcome any obstacle or weakness in his game. Any weakness he had about his game , or was questioned he immediately improved it, and shut up all of his critics.

He was amazing.

Truth of the matter is, its all wrong to compare dudes who's been in the league just a few years to All Time Greats

People think those three words are easy accomplishments, MJ Magic Bird, etc.. earned their names and places in history

Its not fair to start comparing dudes whole careers to those guys blood sweat and tears and accomplishments to some random stats or this hype bull about potential

Like them asking MJ about Lebron being on his level after he had one good 4th qtr against the pistons... he told them he has to do it night in and out consistently to even be asking that stuff.... so far LeBron has answered in failure as far as the post season goes

You are so right. I also want to add that in his playing era the game was far more physical then it was today. Guys got clobbered going for layups. Physical Defense was allowed to be played back then. Plus there way so many good teams, and superstars in the league.

Jordan himself denied so many great players a NBA championship. Malone,Barkley, Ewing,Stockton, and many more. That if these players existed today. They would destroy the NBA.

Today's game is much softer than it was in the 80's and 90's. Jordan played when the league was very tough.

I grew up in Chicago watching and idolizing Jordan in the 90's. I think people are starting to really overrate him. I remember maybe 5 years ago when people were still debating whether he was number one. For some reason, it seems that he's unanimously being rated as the greatest ever.

I think he was extremely good, but it's getting to the point where people are turning him into a myth or legend. There have been similar players before and after in terms of success and ability. Of course comparisons to a human being can and should exist.

Growing up in Chicago does not make what your saying hold any weight, No disrespect but I'am shocked that you made such a statement. I grew up in NY and I know for a FACT Jordan is not overrated. Right now I feel his is being under appreciated when a player like Pippen , and the media start making comparisons.

There is no player that compares period. It's not even negotiable. Like some said in here Kobe is the closes, and I agree.

He is another player who is being under appreciated. Just go back and look at all his you tube videos, and you will quickly see how amazing Kobe was. Another reason why I respect Kobe is because he played in both the 90's, and 2000's, and was successful.

There was so many posts entered here that made so many valid points. Thank you for supporting my thoughts. I'm glad I not alone in feeling this way.

Like it was said the media is a huge blame in this circus, and it is a shame that they do not respect what the man did for the sport. The media is also to blame for the unnecessary pressure on the new players for today, and not allowing them to create their own identity, and legacy.

The comparisons really need to stop, and simply allow the players today to form their own legacy.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

Comparing greatness to Jordan's? Waste of everyone's time, simply because A) No one has (to this point) been able to match the perfect mix of EVERYTHING the way Jordan did (offense, mentality, defense, winning) and B) It's highly unlikely anyone will ever match the double three-peat. Even if Kobe had gotten his 2nd three-peat, it would never be as acclaimed as Jordans, because Jordan didn't just PLAY in those games. He dominated them. Made them his.

Not only that, but the only thing that caused a break between the 3-peats in Jordan's case was his "retirement". So in essence, during an 8 season span, Jordan was almost literally only stopped by himself.

[hioh631]

Re: Should comparisons to Jordan exist???

No player currently comes close to Jordan. Maybe someday, but not currently.