So let’s pretend that you won the largest prize in American lottery history: $2 billion from the Powerball drawn in late 2022 near Los Angeles. The options were an annuity over 30 years or a lump sum of roughly $1 billion. In this choice of riches, there’s no losing pick. So it’s fitting that in the debate involving perhaps the two greatest players in NBA history, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are billionaires after parlaying their singular athletic exploits and business acumen.
Whom would you choose first? Is James or Jordan the GOAT? Or perhaps someone else?
The comparisons are inevitable for the two cultural icons who’ve won multiple NBA MVPs: Jordan dominated as a scorer during the 1980s and 1990s, revolutionizing the game and lifting the NBA to new global heights (with Commissioner David Stern’s instrumental role). Playing 15 seasons while influencing American culture, Jordan won 10 scoring titles (averaging 30 points). But James recently shattered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for most points — once considered unbreakable. James, 38, has played more seasons than Jordan — five and counting — increasing his opportunities at rewriting the history books. James’s longevity, though, actually bolsters his case for GOAT: In the 20th NBA season, the billionaire forward of the Los Angeles Lakers is often the best player on the court. While Jordan’s peak years generally top James’s, no player has been as productive during the twilight of his career.
James can’t be penalized for Jordan retiring twice while missing five seasons during his singular career.
James — whose four MVPs are one less than Jordan’s — is the better rebounder and passer, blessed with rare court vision and a high basketball IQ. Jordan, who led the league in steals three times, is considered the superior defender. (Gamblers tend to boost their steals output by taking chances of defense). James has guarded opponents tenaciously for much of his career without obtaining Jordan’s defensive numbers or accolades.
Jordan famously owns a perfect record in the NBA Finals, winning six titles (with Scottie Pippen’s indispensable partnership). James’s critics point out that he’s “only” 4-6. But a deeper look reveals James’s impact during that stretch: His teams reached the Finals eight consecutive times, from 2011 to 2018. Almost a decade! (The only superstar with more Finals appearances is Abdul-Jabbar.)
After being knocked early in his career for lacking a killer instinct, James has turned out to be a cold-hearted assassin in big games, especially in the clutch: James’s five buzzer-beaters in the playoffs are the most in NBA history. Jordan made three, including the iconic shot eliminating Cleveland (James’s hometown) in the 1989 postseason.
Wilt Chamberlain (who averaged surreal numbers), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six titles using the unstoppable skyhook), Bill Russell (11 titles), and even the late Kobe Bryant (essentially Jordan 2.0) have earned GOAT votes. In 2018, Bryant wisely declared on Twitter that there was no “definitive” winner in the James-Jordan debate.” The Black Mamba tweeted: “We can enjoy one without tearing down one.”
You’d also enjoy winning Powerball regardless of how you chose to get paid. And in this debate involving the only current or former NBA players worth more than $1 billion, there’s no losing stance. Most lottery winners opt for the lump sum. In that vein, Jordan — the 60-year-old owner of the Charlotte Hornets — remains the popular choice for GOAT. But taking the long(evity) view, NUNYO & COMPANY would pick the player who apparently still has a couple of seasons left: Lebron James. No? Alas, it’s understandable deciding not to wait.
Kim Jong-Un is an MJ stan. But unlike his former teammate, MJ wasn’t crazy enough to visit North Korea.