YouTube Gold: MJ’s Greatest Plays

TL;DR

The debate over Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the greatest basketball player continues, with Jordan often favored for his competitive spirit and skill set. Critics highlight LeBron's weaknesses, while Jordan's strengths in shooting, defense, and team elevation are emphasized.

Key points

Michael Jordan is often favored in the GOAT debate over LeBron James.
Jordan's competitive spirit and skill set are highlighted as key strengths.
LeBron James has weaknesses in free-throw shooting and turnovers.
The debate includes comparisons with other legendary players.

Chicago BullsCleveland CavaliersMichael JordanLeBron James

CHICAGO - MAY 19: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a jump shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 1992 NBA Playoffs at Chicago Stadium on May 19, 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Michael Jordan/LeBron James GOAT debate is heating up again, thanks largely to King James, who had a few things to say about it. They’re very different players, as James rightly notes, but we’re in the Jordan camp for several reasons. First, as Muggsy Bogues pointed out, consider their weaknesses. For James, it’s free-throw shooting, basic shooting mechanics, turnovers (it’s not generally understood that one of his records is that he is the all-time turnover king in the NBA. Part of that is due to his extraordinary longevity, but still), and his mid-range game is not really all that great. And he also doesn’t move a lot when he doesn’t have the ball. Now, as Muggsy asked, what are Jordan’s weaknesses? His fundamentals are as sound as anyone who ever played the game. Shooting? Check. Rebounding? Check. Defense? Check+. Ballhandling was a weakness, but he attacked it and made it a strength. You can absolutely argue that Jordan wasn’t a phenomenal passer, but he was a lethal weapon with the ball. And when he wanted to pass, he could dazzle. But who would you rather have shoot, Jordan or Dennis Rodman? Jordan or BJ Armstrong? Jordan or Horace Grant? Of course you’d pick Jordan. J, and he also has huge hands, which helped a lot. He was also arguably the best defender of his day. However, Jordan’s greatest asset as a basketball player was his extraordinary competitive desire. The Chicago Bulls would not let him lift weights with Horace Grant, because they were scared he would hurt himself trying to outwork the much bigger Grant. He also didn’t move from team to team in search of a better supporting cast. He elevated his own team instead. None of this is to say that James is not a great player. He’s very, very good. However, if they played in the same era, Jordan would have chewed his own leg off if it meant beating James. In every sense, he was on a different level. Players we’d take ahead of James.

Q&A

What are Michael Jordan's key strengths as a basketball player?

Michael Jordan is known for his exceptional shooting, rebounding, defense, and competitive desire, making him a lethal weapon on the court.

How does LeBron James compare to Michael Jordan in terms of weaknesses?

LeBron James has been criticized for his free-throw shooting, turnover rate, and mid-range game, which some argue are areas where Jordan excels.

What is the significance of the Jordan vs. LeBron GOAT debate?

The debate highlights differing opinions on basketball greatness, focusing on player skills, competitive drive, and their impact on their respective teams.

Which players are often compared to Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate?

Players like Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Bill Russell are frequently mentioned alongside Michael Jordan in discussions about the greatest of all time.