LeBron James Snubbed from Mitchell and Ness’ Jersey Mural?

It’s not everyday that LeBron James isn’t considered one of the best NBA players of all time. In fact, he’s actually in discussion for the greatest to ever play the game. So when apparel company Mitchell & Ness released its Best Players by Number graphic without the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar, it would seem as if the haters have taken over again.

The graphic emerged from a heated debate during a Mitchell & Ness meeting on the best player to wear #33 which was worn by some of the most legendary names in NBA history. From there, they expanded the discussion to every number ever worn by NBA players.

Check out the gorgeous graphic below and see if you agree with their selections.

Image courtesy of Mitchell and Ness

By wearing #23, James continues to honor his idol Michael Jordan for his accomplishments and inspiration to him during his growing up years. He temporarily switched to #6 when he went to the Miami Heat saying that no one else should wear Jordan’s number as a tribute to the greatest player of all-time. (Editor’s Note: Which was funny to me since Bill Russell, considered the greatest winner in NBA history, was #6.) Seeing that no one else followed suit and the fact that he was going back to Cleveland to finish out his career, LeBron decided to go back to #23.

By wearing #23, James continues to honor his idol Michael Jordan for his accomplishments and inspiration to him during his growing up years.

If James had worn a number other than 23 or 6, he would have easily edged out anyone else wearing that jersey, perhaps even legendary players such as Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson (not as easily, though). But Jordan and Russell are going to be the toughest to bump off as both are widely considered to be #1 and #2, respectively, in most people’s minds as the greatest NBA players of all time.

Image courtesy of Cavs Nation

Catching up to Air Jordan’s accomplishments (5 championships, 5 MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year, etc.) is a feat that LeBron is still working on. He needs to play at the highest level for the next five to eight years to be able to seize the crown from the G.O.A.T.

But Russell may be another matter. Though Russell has the rings, 11 championships in 13 seasons, his accomplishments are not as numerous as Jordan’s, though an argument could be made for him that stats and awards weren’t as plentiful in the 1960s as they are now. Then again, there are many, including ESPN’s Patrick Dorsey, who believe that James should have taken the jersey #6 slot occupied by Russell. A quick poll that ESPN did at the time I visited their site showed that the consensus among site visitors was that Russell (65%) is still ahead of James (35%) according to 21,749 who participated in the survey.

Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA legend

Bill Russell

speaks during a special tribute to him during the 2014 NBA All-Star Game Legends Brunch at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

I confess that I, too, believe that at the moment, Russell is still the better player among the two, by a hair despite the Hall of Famers’ lofty status in the NBA. As a LeBron James fan, it’s hard to admit it but I’m being objective in my assessment.

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The time will come when it won’t even be a debate as to who is better between the two. Give LeBron two more spectacular, record-breaking years and I’ll definitely hand over the jersey #6 slot to LeBron over Russell. I may even concede it in the next few weeks if LeBron wins championship #1 for Cleveland this year.

(Editor’s Note: Interesting question is: Since he only wore #6 in Miami, does anything he did/does where #23 count towards the #6 jersey?)

For now, let’s give the Celtic legend his due and allow him to take the spot. But Mitchell & Ness better be ready to change that graphic soon because the Cavs’ #23 is taking over #6 very soon.

Do these type of lifetime, whose the greatest, arguments interest or annoy you?

Next: David Lee Has Caused Trouble for the Cavs, Even This Year