In today’s society what do we consider a superstar of sports? Is it individual statistics and the overall number or the amount of impact a player brings to the game and their teammates?
Many feel the need to compare LeBron James to the infamous Michael Jordan and several feel that since LeBron stats and performance was impressive his first year in the league as an eighteen year old that he was going to be better than MJ, but there were several players in the past who would also make the jump to the pros straight from high school, you have Kevin Garnett, and Kobe Bryant who are two prime examples of this.I want to go below the surface of the statistics of points and rebounds and look at something that I feel is unnoticed. I feel the crucial factor of why Michael Jordan will always have the lead on LeBron is not the individual statistics he had but mainly the experience he gained and the mountain he climbed. The adversity that Michael overcame while growing up and being cut form his high school team because he was not “good enough”, to then going to University of North Carolina, a major D1 school, and playing for Dean Smith is one heck of an accomplishment in its self. But that didn’t stop the young athlete, Michael Jordan lead his team and scored the winning shot in the 1982 NCAA championship game, than was named college player of the year in 1984. North Carolina was a feared school in the eighties mainly because of Michael Jordan, but it did not come easy for him it was filled with a long road of hardships and struggle. His success continued as he progressed into the pro’s, Michael Jordan won 6 NBA Championships, earned a total of 14 MVP awards, was selected to 14 All-Star games, and won 10 scoring titles. These are just a few of his accomplishments.
LeBron's groundwork the past three years in the league has not been about strengthening his skills and building a strong foundation, it's been about show-casing his skills, and keeping the fans entertained. Yes, you do have to keep your fans happy, but from here on out LeBron can’t have a bad game without critics pointing it out, from here on out he has to perform and maintain the stats. Winning games and the number of playoff he makes or championships he wins is the media’s focus.
I could ramble on about the stats of both player but the main thing I am trying to point out is that there was something special that Michael brought to the hardwood, and it was more than what the box scores showed at the end of each game. The mountain that MJ climbed to reach the peak success is more of a story than LeBron’s. LeBron is a phenomenal player who will continue to grow and accomplish numerous achievements on the court, but will never amount to MJ. When I think of basketball and the number twenty-three Jordan is and always will be what comes to mind. So I ask you, what do consider being a superstar, the mountain climbed or how pretty it looks?
5 comments:
I agree whole heartedly. My hero is Michael Jordan. I remember watching him play when he was on the Bulls with Scottie Pippin and Dennis Rodman. And then when Michael retired and came back to the Wizards. I loved the movie he did, Space Jam. I have that movie. But most importantly, MJ has brought an integrity to the game that was passed to him by Magic. Forever, people will be pairing MJ and Magic, not Magic and James. Lebron James cannot exceed or live up to the standards Michael Jordan as laid down. Lebron will make his own catergory that will be just below the MJ standards. I think no one in basketball should ever wear the number 23. The number 23 is a sacred number and should be retired from all the teams. I think MJ still has the record for all star games he has been voted into and I think MVP titles. Correct me if I am wrong. Great job! You should add more stats and show why. I hate to say it but stats say a lot more than words sometimes. Show more why Lebron is unqualified. I look forward to reading more. -S
Wow, now *that* is great sports analysis. I hate to admit it, but I have to agree with you. Your writing and knowledge of these two players is just plain convincing.
Keep watching the little things...the content is coming along swimmingly.
First off, to answer the question, I believe being a superstar doesn't come naturally. It takes much hard work and perseverance, as MJ showed throughout his life. Great sports analysis though. A few other things one could consider in comparing MJ and LeBron, the talents amongst the times, and how each of the players feel about the game. Do they think of it more as a job and just to impress their fans and get publicity, or do they just enjoy playing the game and put everything else aside?
I also think that it is important to look at all the obstacles when gauging the worthiness of a superstar. It is not only what they have done on the court, but what they have gone through and done off. In my mind, Jordan will always have an edge on other players. Maybe I'm a little bias due to the fact that we share a name, or maybe it is because I am from Illinois and grew up watching him play for the Bulls. I will never forget how he looked when he fell down crying after they won the chapionship after his dad was murdered. Michael even tried to play baseball. Not very well, but he tried. I really enjoyed reading this blog and thought that you did a very good job of completing what you were trying to get across and by explainging why you think what you do.
Well I must say that there has always been a comparison to Michael Jordan as he is the epitome of basketball for all players. I think it goes way beyond how many points you can score. What I think made Michael a better player is that he is a leader. You needs this attribute in this day of basketball. It seems that people are trying to size players like Lebron (he is really good) and Kobe to this guy and they are not actually leaders. They are just changes to the game. I think you made a valid point about the comparison of these players.
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