The argument on who is the GOAT in basketball has stood the test of time. While we have seen several great athletes grace this game over several decades, reaching a conclusion almost seems impossible. Hoop fans from different eras have had their preference and it won’t be unfair to say that everyone might have a valid case for their candidate.
In recent years, the conversation has largely been around Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Recently, Kevin Garnett and Stephen A. Smith got into a heated argument over who they thought should take the top spot. More importantly, the generational divide in the analysis of basketball legends was the core of their conversation.
Who is the GOAT?
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This never-ending conversation was reopened yet again, by two of the most well-known people in the NBA world. While arguing over who gets to take the top spot in this debate, KG spoke on the disrespect that has been shown to the newer generation. Whereas, Stephen A. believes that for an athlete to be put in the second spot, next to Michael Jordan should not be seen as disrespectful but rather a tremendous honor.
The two icons kept raising their voice and their sentences were laced with profanity. This only goes to show the deep passion that the two have for the sport that they love. KG said that Stephen Curry and LeBron James should be considered for the top spot. Replying to his claims, the media veteran said, “We did see a motherf***er win three-peat, twice” referring to Michael Jordan’s infamous Chicago Bulls three-peats of 91′, 92′, 93′ and 96′, 97′, and 99′.
Are we appreciating greatness properly? @KevinGarnett5KG pic.twitter.com/XVjPXr5ZZ4
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 24, 2023
While GOAT debates are generally down to preference, KG brought into question the difference in how we see different generations of basketball platers.
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The past vs the present
Most of the debates on the greatest basketball players of all time are based on the better scorer, overall player, and championships. However, this conversation took an interesting route with KG rooting for the present generation of superstars. He said that Jordan and Magic Johnson are juggernauts of the past and their legacy gets conflated with being superior than that of the new generation of greats.
KG gave Curry his flowers during his argument with Stephen A. He said that despite everything Curry has done for the game, his name is rarely brought up in these conversations. As per the NBA veteran, this is a result of the elite list being occupied by veterans, which often comes from a place of nostalgia.
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What are your thoughts on this debate? Let us know in the comments below.
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