LeBron James Says He 'Never Thought I Could Be Michael Jordan,' Resonated With Penny Hardaway
Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James showcased his great respect and admiration of former Orlando Magic superstar guard (and four-time All-Star) Penny Hardaway during the latest edition of his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash.
Of note, James said his two favorite players growing up were Michael Jordan and Hardaway, saying the two made him "fall in love with the game of basketball."
However, James said he "never thought" he could be Jordan and specifically modeled his game specifically after Hardaway (and Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill) at the 43:29 mark.
"When I first started playing basketball, even though I loved Michael Jordan, I never thought I could be Michael Jordan. So I resonated with Penny more. Penny and Grant Hill helped shape my game...those two guys really helped shape my game, because I would watch them, and the way I was being taught the game by my little league coaches was exactly how Penny and Grant Hill was playing, so those guys helped shape my game. MJ inspired me to play the sport, but Penny and Grant Hill was the ones who actually shaped my game."
James, of course, now has a resume that has put him in the GOAT debate with Jordan. Entering his 24th season, the 41-year-old James has made 22 All-Star Games 21 All-NBA teams while winning four NBA titles, four NBA MVP awards and three Olympic gold medals.
As far as shaping James' game, it's easy to see Hardaway and Hill's impact. James is somewhat position-less and can fit into a variety of roles, including a point forward. That's the role Grant Hill once played when he starred for the Detroit Pistons, and Hardaway was one of the best passers and point guards in the NBA when he played for Orlando. James can play the point when needed, and he's fourth all time in assists with 12,016.
James now begins a new chapter with the 76ers, who agreed a two-year deal. Year No. 24 begins Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the defending NBA champion New York Knicks.
