Striking Similarity Between Michael Jordan and LeBron James Highlighted by 3x NBA Champion

In professional basketball, one debate has raged on with unparalleled intensity. It is the GOAT debate. For years, fans and analysts alike have pitted the likes of Michael Jordan against LeBron James, going through every stats and achievement. But what if the answer isn’t as clear-cut as we thought? Now a former NBA champion has given a new perspective to the debate.

In the recent episode of the ‘Come And Talk 2 Me’ podcast, the host asked, the former 3x NBA champion Sam Cassell who, according to him, is the GOAT of basketball. The former champ gave a different perspective to the question. “In my opinion like it’s between LeBron and and MJ. I’ve played against both. It ain’t hard for me at all Michael Jordan in my aspect but that’s no knock on LeBron like I don’t think we’ll ever see a Michael Jordan caliber ball player ever you know but I don’t think we gonna see another LeBron James either,” said Cassell during the interview.

Sports bars and social media have long been home to the Jordan-James debate. Supporters of Jordan point to his perfect 6-0 record in the NBA Finals and his role in globalizing the sport during the 1990s whereas James’ supporters counter his longevity and the fact that he’s reached the Finals with three different franchises. “I’ve seen LeBron at his highest peak and I’ve seen Jordan at his highest peak man and it would have been fun to see them two guys go against each other,” said Cassell during the podcast.

The similarities in their on-court achievements are equally remarkable. Both have multiple NBA championships with Jordan having 6 and James having 4. Moreover, they also have MVP awards under their name with Jordan’s 5 and James’ 4. With their work ethic and dedication to keep improving their craft, they’ve become legendary for inspiring the hundreds of young players that have pushed their limits to do so as well.

Both Jordan and James have, off the court, used their success to become business tycoons and philanthropists. ‘Air Jordan has completely transformed athlete endorsements, and James has established himself in the media and opened a school called ‘I Promise School’ in his hometown of Akron.’ They have become immeasurably important to popular culture, their influence extended to sport long ago, becoming symbols of excellence and aspiration.

When we think about what Cassell said, we realize the real legacy of Jordan and James isn’t to be who was ‘better,’ but rather to acknowledge how they have raised the level of basketball as a whole. However, Jordan and James weren’t the only players that Cassell had praised during the podcast.

The other player lauded by Sam Cassell

Apart from Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the NBA champ also took some time to laud one of the Denver Nuggets’ former small forwards. During the same podcast, the 54-year-old was asked the question of who is the greatest player who came from Baltimore and there was only one name on the mouth of the champ, Carmelo Anthony.

Being from the same place and having played against Anthony, Cassell knew how good of a player Anthony was. “Oh Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo Anthony is the best player to come out of Baltimore you know what I’m saying. Everybody would say Skip Wise but Skip Wise never played on the level with that you know Reggie Williams, so Carmelo Anthony is the best player to come out of Baltimore,” said Cassell during the podcast.

In 19 years of a professional basketball career, Anthony won 10x All-Star titles holder and was on All-NBA teams 7 times. Anthony’s route to superstardom may not have been paved with the same quantities of success as that of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, but his impact on the sport is equally great.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.