Dwyane Wade’s recent golf analogy comparing LeBron James to Michael Jordan is by far the best I’ve heard. For those of you who haven’t heard the analogy, Wade used the holes on a golf course to describe the differences between Jordan and LeBron’s careers (Michael Jordan on the 18th hole and LeBron James on the 4th hole). By using the golf course to compare where each superstar is in their respective careers, Wade very clearly stated that LeBron James has a long way to go to catch Jordan. I find myself thinking maybe the analogy will cool off the constant LJ to MJ comparisons by analysts and sports writers every where. But probably not!
With that said there are two flaws with the analogy. First, since MJ’s career is over, he is more likely on the 19th hole with a Jack Daniels and Gatorade. Small flaw but I’m pretty sure that Wade does not have a prepared statement to compare Jordan and LeBron. The second flaw though is a little more significant. See, I believe that James will never be able to reach the 18th and fully catch up with Jordan because he skipped a hole!
Being a long time fan of the NBA, I remember the struggles that Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls went through to get that first championship. They had to work their way through the same team and for three straight years the Detroit Pistons knocked the Bulls out of the NBA playoffs. That made it much more special when the Bulls finally beat the Pistons in 1991 to earn their first trip to the finals.
By beating the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan has accomplished something that LeBron never will. That is taking an NBA team that had never won a championship through the trials and tribulations of earning a Finals win. This accomplishment is as much a part of the Michael Jordan legend as anything else because it adds a transcendent value that stands the test of time.
LeBron James jumping ship and joining forces with the Miami Heat means he has missed out on that opportunity. He is by far the most talented player in the NBA. He is also sure to win more championships. But he will never again get the opportunity to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals win. Consequently, he not only cheated Cavaliers fans out of this, but the rest of us who wanted to see him earn a championship in Cleveland. Long term this will tarnish LeBron James legacy and hence he will never transcend the legend of Air Jordan.
Denver Sports Chat by Headline
4 comments
Skip to comment form ↓
Rice
October 19, 2012 at 1:38 PM (UTC -6) Link to this comment
People who say that either ignore the history of certain players or just ignorant to certain facts. Charles Barkley, Gary Payton, Clyde Drexler, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlin, list goes on of players that tried to grab a ring with different teams at the end of their careers. These dynastys that people always talk about in the 80′s were filled with HOF’s! LBJ has just had to suffer the lazy mindset that to many people have adopted when it comes to this situation.
Maia Ajanaku-Locke (@AjanakuJ)
October 16, 2012 at 2:31 PM (UTC -6) Link to this comment
LaBron James overcame hate: the likes of which MJ never heard off. Because of LaBron James young people are beginning to value books as well as shoes. MJ can’t touch this. I wish everyone would stop hating on James and appreciate the uniqueness about him: he reads as well as play the finest basketball that anyone has ever seen. In today’s culture of illiteracy, LaBron James might not know it but young people did see him with that book in his hands. The mere glimps of the Miami Heat’s book club has created a quiet revolution among America’s most needy children in the world of literacy. So, stop knocking on James and spread the word: Hey, Y’all: The Miami Heat is the only sports team in history with a book club. Now, that’s more than can be said about any other super-star team, including the Bulls! Tell MJ to step to that free throw line.
NBAFAN
October 10, 2012 at 8:47 AM (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Totally agree with you Aquaadverse! Please let LeBron be, people switch jobs all the time! It was obviously a great decision for him.
aquaadverse
October 8, 2012 at 1:54 AM (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I hear this a lot. The huge flaw in your reasoning is the simple fact you are comparing totally different fiscal realities. Jordan played in an era of uncapped upper salaries where teams could offer any amount to retain their own free agents. Back then, a 6 figure check was huge. After the ABA was absorbed, a franchise player had to be traded under contract or face a massive drop in pay. The rule was to allow smaller market teams to retain players able to earn more money in endorsements in bigger markets. $500,000 was huge salary back then.
But that didn’t mean the players lacked influence. The most common was forcing out coaches and GMs. Which is how MJ swapped Doug Collins for Phil Jackson. On the other hand, LeBron never took the shortcut of jumping coaches until he found a future HOF winner. He did something MJ never did. took a team without another all star and Mike Brown to the Finals. Phil Jackson’s won a bunch of titles without MJ. MJ has never won one without PJ. How did the whole Wizards go? Hell Kobe is stuck on 5 without Phil. If Jordan had ended up with Hubie Brown he might have retired Ringless.
Spo’s not likely to be HOF. James can win a Ring without needing a coaching legend. It would have meant more if MJ would have done it with Doug Collins.
See how ridiculous it is to insist on forcing players to adhere to different conditions from different eras ? All a player can do is play and make decisions under the rules in place during their career. You can do the digital equivalent of telling those kids to get off your lawn, but it’s not fair.