Sports Illustrated has once again named its “Sportsman of the Year.” Lebron James, forward from the Miami heat, was awarded the honor of the traditional award. James graced the cover of the magazine once again this year. The article fawns over James and pretty much insinuates that he is the Best of All Time (BOAT). Not only does the author of the article, Lee Jenkins, highly praise the basketball player, but he also includes other people fawning over him as well. The magazine might as well rename itself Lebron James Illustrated.
Here is my problem with the article. Actually here is my problem with people in general deciding that somehow James is the BOAT. The problem is that it simply is not TRUE. The best player of all time is unequivocally Michael “Air” Jordan. You might say I’m a bit biased because I am a Chicago Bulls fan. Yes, maybe I am a bit. But, I’m not the only one that thinks Jordan is the BOAT.
James supporters may now make a big deal because he finally won a NBA championship. I frankly don’t care how many championships James wins. James lost all of my respect when he decided to have an ESPN special dubbed “The Decision” to let his “fans” know where he was signing. I think he essentially sold out on his hometown in order to go to a team that would have a vastly better chance of winning a championship. As good as Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman were, they aren’t Dwayne Wade or Chris Bosh. James is surrounded by All-Stars. Surrounding those All-Stars are some more All-Stars (Ray Allen, etc.). Many veteran players, hungry for a chance at a championship, have signed to the Heat for the veteran’s minimum salary to ensure the team is under the salary cap limit.
In addition, to the fact that Jordan didn’t surround himself with All-Stars there is one more crucial stat James supporters are forgetting. Jordan won 6 championships. How the heck do you begin to compare the two athletes? If anything the closest thing there is to Jordan is Kobe Bryant. I’d take Bryant in his prime over James any day. I know Bryant will take that last second shot. With James you never know, as he did several times last year he will just defer it to another player.
Lebron James would have garnered so much respect and admiration from me had he won a single championship in Cleveland. That’s what great players do. They lead their team to a championship.
So my questions to you are simple:
Which player is the best in his prime? Jordan or James?
And who is the best basketball player of all time?
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