The NBA has become of the most popular leagues in the country and many iconic players and legends have to be given credit for that. One of the biggest names that come up when talking about the game of basketball is Michael Jordan who was credited afresh recently by an NBA analyst for making the game as iconic as it is today. He even threw in some other big names who deserve to be recognized as instrumental for the rise of the league.

There is no doubt that players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James have become the face of the league for the past decade. Eventually, they will be replaced with new players coming into the league. But this NBA analyst credits multiple legends who played decades ago for what the league looks like now as well as for the careers of all the other basketballer and even people related to the sport – including himself!

Stephen A. Smith credited Michael Jordan for his own career growth

Stephen A. Smith recently made an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. During the discussion, he credited Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan for where his own career is today, naming a few more legends as well.

There is no doubt that Michael Jordan popularized the game of basketball not just in the United States but all around the world. His on-court performances left the crowd in absolute awe every time he stepped on the court.

While on the show, Smith said, ?We would not be – people like myself – would not be where we are if it were not for Michael Jordan – what he?s done for the game of basketball. And let me throw two other names in there. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.?

?They?re the reasons when you look at where the NBA once was. If it were not for Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, specifically, there would not have been a LeBron James. Not to this level…? added the ESPN analyst.

Smith also highlights the contributions of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson

Stephen A. Smith?s opinions often cause wildfires on social media. His recent take on the city of Memphis prospectively replacing Elvis Presley with Ja Morant faced a lot of heat on the internet.

However, what Smith said about the three legends certainly holds some value. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson gave the 80?s fans some of the most iconic battles between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.

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As for Michael Jordan, every basketball fan gives MJ his flowers for being arguably the best player to ever play the game. But it surely was a breath of fresh air to see Smith crediting two more icons who often get looked over when talking about some of the best legends in the game of basketball.