“He Could Definitely be a Good Pro”: How an Unimpressed Michael Jordan Responded to the Hype of LeBron James

No one can question the basketball IQ of Michael Jordan. However, his “team owner IQ” has proven to be embarrassing at times. All the success he had as a player has failed to translate in his tenure as an executive. From drafting Kwame Brown at #1 at the Washington Wizards to wasting multiple lottery picks with the Hornets, Jordan has been questionable at his job.

His talent-spotting skills were questionable right from the early 2000s. Kwame Brown was a testament to that, but his comments about a high school LeBron James were dated, to say the least. “He may think he’s great enough to be on this level now,” Jordan said. “But when he gets on this level and plays against guys who’ve been competitive and very good on this level, he’s going to find it’s a big difference from that 5-10 high school kid.”

Michael Jordan: Amazing player, terrible scout

When asked if LeBron had what it takes to be a franchise player, Jordan didn’t have a lot of expectations. “That’s a tough label to give a kid at 18. It depends on how well he adapts. And don’t just think of the offensive end. Defensively, I wouldn’t say that’s his strong area right now.”

While talking about what the future holds for LeBron, Jordan again seemed to doubt the high-school sensation’s potential. “If he takes on the dedication of being the best basketball player, he can be and continues to improve and accept challenges and not get comfortable with what’s been given to him or what the expectations may be, he could definitely be a good pro.”

18 years since these statements, LeBron has defied Jordan’s expectations and has gone beyond being a “good-pro”. Four-time MVP, three-time NBA champion, 16-time All-Star, the list goes on. LeBron has been the only one, along with Kobe Bryant, from the modern era of basketball to be called among the greatest ever.

If the 2019-20 season resumes, LeBron can potentially get the fourth ring. This might be his best and probably last chance to win a ring. Along with a DPOY-level player in Anthony Davis, LeBron can also bring a title to Los Angeles after a 10-year drought.