Stephen Jackson had an interesting analysis of LeBron James
Stephen Jackson has an interesting take on the LeBron James – Michael Jordan debate.
Appearing on Fox Sports’ Undisputed, former NBA forward Stephen Jackson talked about the LeBron James and Michael Jordan debate, which has been a hot topic as of late amidst James’ dominance in the playoffs.
This week, ESPN color commentator Jeff Van Gundy had this to say about the comparisons when speaking on Zach Lowe’s ESPN podcast (quote transcribed by The Big Lead’s Jason McIntyre):
"“The conversation is relevant right now, whether he wins another championship or not … he’s playing at peak prime production and efficiency this late in his career … the conversation is already relevant. I’m not going to go as much on championships … if you’re going to talk about best careers, there’s no way you can say it’s not close. It’s close. Already. If he runs off another 2-3 years like he’s going at right now, you’re talking about 17 years like this? It’s going to be amazing.”"
Saying Jeff Van Gundy “has a point” about even went as far as to compare LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
In his opinion, when it comes to Jordan, he doesn’t think James will ever be the greatest player ever but it’s definitely a conversation that needs to be held. He doesn’t think James will ever be Jordan because he doesn’t have the killer instinct that made Jordan a threat at all times, citing how teams let James shoot from outside but teams didn’t do that for Jordan.
That same lack of killer instinct is why he would pick Kobe Bryant over James. Jackson likes that Bryant’s competitive nature wouldn’t allow him to befriend the competition, primarily.
However, Jackson hedged his comments by saying that there will never be another LeBron, just like there will never be another Jordan. He also conceded that had James had a player like a prime Shaquille O’Neal as his running mate as early in his career like Bryant or the coaching of Phil Jackson like Bryant and Jordan did, James would have more than the three rings he has now.
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As far as what James has done off-the-court, Jackson feels like James is the reason the NBA is as popular as it is now, which is a particularly interesting tidbit.
“That’s all credits LeBron”, Jackson says.
Regarding Jackson’s comments, the only rebuttal I have is that team’s probably would leave Jordan open in today’s NBA. Per Basketball-Reference, Jordan only shot 32.7 percent from behind-the-line during the regular season and 33.2 percent in the playoffs.
I give credit Jackson for giving credit to the three greatest wings in NBA history. He was firm in his pecking order but fair in his assessments.
Jordan was sensational to watch and there’s no doubt that he was the greatest player of all-time. Kobe was the ultimate competitor and he deserves the utmost respect for what he accomplished in his career but also the amazing skillset that he possessed.
However, James is a unique basketball player who has so many weapons at his disposal I don’t think he’s done developing and refining all of them. He’s been the most naturally talented player the game has seen and though he got by on his athleticism and basketball IQ for most of his career, he’s been consistently improving as a player even up to and through his fourteenth NBA season.
His shooting stroke is improving under the tutelage of Korver and if he ever gets a big man to worth with, like Kevin Garnett, we may see James look even more dynamic next season.
Related Story: Korver fits his role perfectly
What did you think of Stephen Jackson’s comments? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.