The LeBron James and Michael Jordan GOAT debate has simmered for a great many years. Fans had described James’ arrival in the NBA in 2003, the year Jordan retired, as a fairytale passing of the torch. The King grew up watching and worshipping “His Airness” and dreamed of establishing an NBA legacy as gigantic as his idol.
Ray Allen, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, has shared the court with both legends. During his stint with the Miami Heat in 2012-13, Allen was teammates with James. Both were instrumental in propelling their squad to the NBA title, overcoming the San Antonio Spurs in the process.?While Allen and Jordan crossed paths multiple times before 23 hung up his jersey.
Ray Allen says LeBron and Coach Spo still call to thank him for hitting his iconic shot in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals
One of the greatest shots in NBA Finals history.
(via @CBSSports) pic.twitter.com/iofE8lpaK0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 9, 2021
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In an interview on “The Dan Patrick Show“, Ray Allen shed light on a variety of different topics. Allen was also asked about his opinions on the GOAT debate. The human sniper didn’t waste any time in stating who he believes is the GOAT between James and Jordan.
Ray Allen is taking Michael Jordan over LeBron James as the GOAT
Ray Allen has shared the court with both LeBron James and Michael Jordan. He has vivid memories of each; however, when it boils down to the greatest to ever play, Allen picks Michael Jordan.
Dan Patrick asked Ray Allen whether LeBron has to or can do anything to change his mind about who is the best player ever.
“No!” Ray Allen said. “He’s certainly in the top five of all time, but playing against him and MJ, I think for me it’s MJ all day long. Only because of how I played against him, MJ just had everything…from mid-range to 3-point to post-up game and he could score and dominate at each position,” he added. “LeBron is dominant. LeBron could do so many things on the floor”.
Allen was then asked whether LeBron is a better all-around player than Jordan.
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“That’s hard to say because, you know, LeBron is probably one of the best passers the league has seen. MJ, that’s probably the weakest part of his game, he didn’t pass a lot. But at the same time, MJ didn’t have any other weaknesses in his game, and defensively, he was a two-way player defensively. He was incredible and just as dominant,” Allen said.
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Ray Allen’s selection for the GOAT is unlikely to change anytime soon. And he probably won’t ever since the Jordan effect prohibits him from doing so.
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Several former or current NBA players, including Allen and James, grew up idolizing the Bulls legend, and it showed in their games.?Michael Jordan is still a big name in the league, and people are now realizing the magnitude of his unrivaled?legacy.