Sorry LeBron and Kobe: Michael Jordan Will Remain G.O.A.T. for One Reason

Michael Jordan’s numbers left a mark on the NBA that will never be tarnished or erased.

Even though his high school years did not put the ultimate stamp on the beginning of a legacy, his college years and domination as a member of the Chicago Bulls were enough.

The world was introduced to a unique specimen in the world of professional basketball. Of course there had been greats before. However, there was never a man as mesmerizing and effective as Jordan was in his heyday. In fact, he remains a phenomenal brand to this very moment.

There will never come a time where you meet a sports fan or enthusiast that does not respect his name. But there are plenty of players who will try to reproduce the fascination from years ago. LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are two of those young men.

As much credit as they would love to hand over to Michael for what he did as a pioneer to the way the game is played today, secretly there lies the thought that they could trump his accomplishments. Even though neither attended college, they still have the athletic capabilities of a superhuman in the league.

They stand out amongst their peers as the greatest active players. Kobe Bryant has an amazing way of alluding defenders with a sick crossover or a pump fake to draw the foul and go back up for the three.

He has been somewhat of a mogul in basketball for how many times he has been a major factor in the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty.

Now that he has outlasted both Shaquille O’Neal and former Coach Phil Jackson he is one of the most important remaining pieces in the organization. Having the opportunity to be led by the same philosopher as Michael Jordan was, Bryant has been on the ride of his life as far as endorsement opportunities and the level of excellence his franchise has been able to achieve.

The Lakers are able to guarantee a steady flow of postseason berths, most definitely due to how determined, mentally tough and all around talented Kobe is and remains, even in older age.

LeBron James, on the other hand, has been able to strike the NBA and its fans with defensive moves and offensive strength collectively.

The turnaround in Cleveland when the former high school senior arrived was something that was rarely seen at this level. In his first season with the Cavaliers, he averaged 20.9 points and captured the Rookie of the Year Award. The avenues he created within Cleveland made him one of the most beloved hometown heroes.

Ohio has always been a football town with the Ohio State Buckeyes’ reigning glory and the Cleveland Browns. However, LeBron manufactured a basketball dynamic in the hearts of Ohioans. There was a newfound pride for the city’s basketball franchise and James was the king that was supposed to bring home a championship.

Key words: Supposed to

Even though he decided to take his talents to South Beach to play along Dwyane Wade, he is still being mentioned in the greatest players of all time conversation. Most recently ignited by Scottie Pippen, the conversation turned debate has allowed people the privilege of examining the comparisons more closely and without as much bias.

But, there is one sole reason why Michael Jordan will remain the greatest of all time.

When Michael Jordan did the crazy things with the rock and the hoop, it had not been done before. He was the first to create the amazement in everyone’s eyes, including his own teammates and opponents. Of course points had been scored in a flashy way, but the confidence, borderline arrogance that he brought to the table was unheard of.

Not only did he taunt his defenders, but he was also able to embarrass them with his pure athletic ability. He could determine a mismatch in the blink of an eye and quickly take advantage of his weaker adversary. Jordan was in a league of his own with multiple all-defensive team berths as well as several NBA Finals MVP awards.

There was no stopping him. Michael Jordan could shoot and defend with a callous grin and ferocious will to win. He will always be the greatest because those after him conform to his game to achieve greatness. He had no bulletin board to replicate.

He was doing what he did best. Be Michael Jordan. Sorry Kobe and LeBron.