I’ll begin by admitting that I am 100% biased and my opinion will never change. I’ve been obsessed the G.O.A.T. since before I can even remember. This an unfinished-unedited collection of some of my thoughts about Michael Jordan that I jotted down quite some time ago. After watching the first few episodes of The Last Dance I decided to put this out now so it doesn’t seem like I’m just stealing from the show.
I love a good ole fashion sports debate as much as anyone. However, I’ve never understood one of the most popular debates, who is the Greatest Of All Time? It’s an unnecessary waste of time. There’s only one, plain and simple. The only acceptable answers other than Michael Jeffrey Jordan would be His Airness, Mike, MJ, 23, Black Jesus, Air Jordan, or your own preferred word of praise. This isn’t my opinion, it’s a fact of life. It’s time to end the debate, the nonsense.
Here are a few reasons why we all can stop the debate.
Michael Jordan is the one and only G.O.A.T. for more than what he accomplished on the court. His impact on the entire world is one that can’t be replicated. The timing was perfect for him to take over the world. He swept the world in a way that no one can ever do again simply due to the evolution of society and it being an entirely different world.
How many people are recognized by a symbol? Prince, Jerry West as the logo, … and Air Jordan, who else?. How many athlete’s have other athletes from all sports wearing their shoes or other clothes?
Jordan was so great as a player that other sports aren’t even comparable. Everyone knows MJ was a constant highlight reel with the ball in his hands but he was just as sensational on defense. He would be like John Elway/Deion Sanders, Tom Brady/Charles Haley, Peyton Manning/Ray Lewis, Roger Clemons/Barry Bonds or whatever offensive/defensive combination you can think of.
Who was more competitive all day every day?
Who was a better teammate? “Lebron doesn’t punch teammates”. Maybe, but he isn’t paid to make friends. I judge “teammateness” by how much they help the team and what they get out of their teammates. Jordan may have been hard on his teammates and even dished out a few blackeyes but no teammates have ever been more prepared in crunch time. Having to live up to Jordan’s level every single day prepared all of those role players for big moments. Paxson clutch. Kerr clutch. Kukoc clutch. Wennington clutch. Pippen absolute monster/stud/beast. Nine months of MJ pressure on your ass makes the NBA Finals, just another day. Maybe I could remember some other Cleveland players if LBJ dished out a few more fists and blackeyes instead of butt slaps and hugs. I’m not condoning violence, but just saying maybe Lebron’s teammates weren’t quite as prepared for the bright lights as like a Jud Buechler for example. If they weren’t mentally tough enough to handle Jordan they became steers and were no longer Bulls.
Scottie Pippen was always my 1B. My 2K likeness is named in his honor. He’s one of the best to ever play but I still feel like he is underappreciated. Great at everything and a perfect partner for MJ. I remembered him bringing the ball up and running the point a lot. I never hear any mention of that but think he deserves more credit for being a facilitator. I doubt Scottie would disagree that Jordan made him mentally tougher and better than he would’ve been otherwise. Pippen would’ve probably been a top 50 player regardless but I think the pressure of Jordan is why he’s a top 10 player.
Outlook From Nowhere 