By Adiel Kalonji | NBA Editor
If the GOAT debate was not a very divisive subject as Michael Jordan dominated the competition during his career, his status is now being questioned by more people. One league alumnus even laid out an argument that would surely go with the Hall of Famer’s detractors.
Even before winning his first title with the Bulls, Michael Jordan was already considered the best player in the world by many followers. Then, when the Chicago dynasty imposed its law, there was no longer any doubt for these same people: His Airness had become the GOAT. If this majority agreed without problem to designate it as such, there is more debate these days.
With the emergence of players such as LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, this discussion has never been as divided as today. For Shaquille O’Neal, these three legends of the orange ball are the most likely to be considered the best basketball player all-time. In The Big PodcastJJ Redick nevertheless saw fit to note certain historical facts in the league when discussing this question.
A league too different from the era of Michael Jordan?
I refuse to get into the GOAT debate. I don’t really care. They didn’t all play against each other. What makes LeBron extraordinary is that he is capable of still being at the highest level in his 21st season. Yes, LeBron has never averaged 35 points per game. But guess what, he scored 25 or more per game for 20 years straight. We’re still looking for the little beast.
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We often compare eras… I’m going to say it for Michael Jordan, without wanting to create controversy… But during his era, 6 teams and 90 players were added to the league. Doesn’t that make things easier? I’m absolutely not talking about the playoffs. Are you going to tell me that the league has not been weakened?
As reported by JJ Redick, the league underwent some changes during the arrival of Michael Jordan.
In addition to the fact that the three-point line was established in 1979, 5 years before the draft of the six-time champion, 6 new teams were integrated into the NBA between 1988 and 1995. The latter therefore saw the appearance of the Mavericks, the Hornets, the Heat, the Timberwolves, the Magic, the Raptors, then the Grizzlies. We went from 23 franchises to 29 during MJ’s career. The Bobcats then became No. 30 in 2004.
Despite his desire to automatically exonerate himself from the GOAT debate, the former Clippers thinks that the fact that a significant number of teams arrived distorted the competition in the regular season, since 90 new players were added. Facing less experienced opponents, the former Bulls fullback could have improved his statistics unlike LeBron who played in a more stable league.
The question of the GOAT has never been more divisive than it is now. While many still name Michael Jordan as the best player in history, JJ Redick wanted to remind us that it is important to remember the changes that the league has undergone when comparing eras.
2024-05-09 11:40:00
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