Getty Images Scottie Pippen has said what will be viewed as no less than blasphemy in Chicago.
The Hall of Fame player was interviewed on ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike show Friday morning (via NBA.com’s Sekou Smith) following the Heat’s comeback win to eliminate the Bulls and he compared Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
“Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to ever play in the game, but I may go as far to say LeBron James is probably the greatest player to ever play the game. Not only can he score at will, but he keeps everybody involved. You have to be on your Ps and Qs because everybody is a threat to score when he’s on the floor. Not only that, LeBron James will dominate the game on the offensive end and he’s able to do it on the defensive end as well. He can get in those passing lanes and dominate the game.”
Damn.
Not sure we’re there yet, Scottie. For the record, Jordan was dominant on the defensive end as well. No doubt LeBron has a fantastic all-around game, and I’ll even agree he is a more natural and gifted passer than Jordan.
But Jordan learned hard lessons about keeping others involved and when that sunk in sufficiently (and he was put in a system that promoted that) Jordan was good about keeping teammates in the game. Including Pippen. That is how the Bulls won those six rings.
And not to sound like Jason Segel in those Bad Teacher trailers but… Jordan has six rings. LeBron has none. It’s the only argument I need.
But that rings argument may be changing soon. And eventually this could be a different discussion. Remember Jordan was 28 when he got his first title, LeBron is only 26. We are nowhere near the end of this debate.
Here’s the video of the conversation, via CSN Chicago.
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- hnirobert3 - May 27, 2011 at 10:54 AM
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I don’t believe in the whole “who has more rings?” debate but I do think championships have a lot to do with where someone stands in history. If LeBron continues doing LeBron things and wins a couple of rings, there’s no reason to say he can’t AT LEAST be in the discussion. Remember, he’s 25 years old. He’s not even in his prime yet. He’s just now starting to develop a low post game. If you think he’s unstoppable now, just wait…
Personally I remember growing up and watch Jordan and being amazed, and I find myself doing that now as well with James. At minimum, he’ll be closer to Jordan status than Kobe.
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- Justin - May 27, 2011 at 11:48 AM
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He is actually 26 but that isn’t as important because people think Jordan won his titles like super early in his career. He won his first at like 28. He has 2 years to get on pace to doing what Jordan did.
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- hnirobert3 - May 27, 2011 at 11:51 AM
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That’s true but don’t forget that LeBron came out of high school whereas MJ went to UNC.
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- Justin - May 27, 2011 at 12:13 PM
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oh yeah I remember. Just saying he is still very young and more or less agreeing with your point about how he has yet to truly hit his prime.
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- garyfromil - May 27, 2011 at 12:09 PM
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I have never been a James fan, but this past series convinced me he is the real deal. His size, speed and shooting ability makes him incredibly dominant. It would have been fun to see Jordan vs James, but we will never know. It is impossible to compare players between eras. When James has won a few championships, we can talk. I do believe he is the best player currently in the NBA; that includes Rose and Bryant.
Rose disappointed me a little bit. He is a great shooter and great cutter. He is just not physically as dominant as James or Jordan. For the Bulls to compete at the next level, they need to get Rose more help. They had a great run, especially compared to last year.
James has played with class and he seems to be humble and gracious on the court with opposing players. He is starting to redeem himself from last summer’s stupidity.
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- sandskeet - May 27, 2011 at 3:42 PM
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I think you all need to check Scottie for some cocaine,ash,embombing fluid,loosing his mind drugs,and whatever else he is on.a man make a statement like that you know something is wrong with him.he need to go to the nut house right now before he hurt somebody.he have gone nuts show enough,his mind is gone.if he is married tell his wife to get out of the house quick,the man is loco.
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- cleareye1 - May 27, 2011 at 3:59 PM
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Had the Lakers drafted James he would already have 6 rings with a possibility for 15 or so!
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- randysavage4ever - May 27, 2011 at 5:37 PM
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I believe in the whole “who has more rings?”
how else do you judge a champion?
You judge them on how many times they have climbed the mountain top and claimed KING.
Lebron = 0 times.
Jordan = 6 times.
DANG KOBE DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE FINALS 1 YEAR AND WE ALREADY JUST SKIP HIM IN THE MJ CONVO AND GO TO LEBRON?
LMFAO LITERALLY
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- progress2011 - May 27, 2011 at 8:44 PM
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Well if it is about the ” rings ” Bill Russell won 11….count ‘em …Championships !!!
DANG…there goes your argument.
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- randysavage4ever - May 27, 2011 at 10:11 PM
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@progress2011
Bill Russell’s era was not Michael Jordan’s era.
The game speed & overall game play was completely different, athletes better now then before…
competition better now (90′s,00′s included) then before.
With Jordan – they handchecked the ISH outta him, pistons beat him down, etc…
Now in the NBA handchecking is not allowed – you sneeze on someone and they give you a foul call – all the flopping haha
COULD YOU IMAGINE IF THEY DIDNT ALLOW HANDCHECKING WHEN MICHAEL JORDAN PLAYED?
yeah neither can I….scary thought right?
Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time without question because the other 2 greatest players of all time Larry Bird & Magic Johnson said he was.
I’ll talk Larry & Magic’s word for it
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- polegojim - May 27, 2011 at 5:45 PM
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1) Sour Grapes Scotty Pippen has always resents being in Michaels shadow. It’s just shown up more in retirement. Of course he’ll say Lebron is ‘the best’
2) Lebron is great…but not The Greatest.
3) Michael was great…but not The Greatest
Magic Johnson is The Greatest all around contributor on offense, defense, and Leadership, period.
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- worldbfree4me - May 27, 2011 at 6:01 PM
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All of these comments are Blasphemy! Without a doubt Magic Erving Johnson is the G.O.A.T.!! Magic Won Championships in High School, College and in the Pros. He could also play more than one position, the 4, 3, 2 or 1 if it was necessary to win. So, Magic is #1, then comes Bill Russell @ #2, and the rest my friends is up to you………
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- barkley4life - May 27, 2011 at 11:02 AM
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With a couple of rings Lebron can end up being the best All Around player in the game EVER its not a stretch to say he can pass score defend. If he develops any resemblance of a post up game fadeaway ala MJ its curtains for the league.
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- dirtydavis - May 27, 2011 at 1:32 PM
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Joke of the day: “If he develops any resemblance of a post up game fadeaway ala MJ its curtains for the league”.
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- barkley4life - May 27, 2011 at 2:34 PM
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How is that the joke of the day…because you have nothing to refute…Lebron is 6’9 with no real post game…Jordan after he lost the hops took smalls on the block and launched that fadeaway…Post up game is Lebron’s only ineffiency in his game.
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- jd - May 27, 2011 at 11:03 AM
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If Lebron is still the best player in the NBA 5 years from now, we can start the Jordan comparison with or without rings.
As it stands, he does not have the character and leadership abilities that Jordan contributed to his team and the world. LeBronk is no role-model. Just another chuckle-head egomaniac with freakish skills.
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- barkley4life - May 27, 2011 at 11:09 AM
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Your right because a womanizing hardcore gambler, who berated teammates and called them Joakim and Kobe’s favorite world was such a ROLE MODEL lmao
If social media was prevalent during the Jordan Era EVERY superstar would be looked at different.
I doubt your past 30 because I grew up with Jordan….or need you forget the fat gold chains and superstar era of Pre Jordan before the rings…were he was considered a seflish gunner(ego maniac) who wasnt a team player and could never beat REAL PRO’s like Bird and Magic who were better ROLE MODELS….
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- Justin - May 27, 2011 at 11:50 AM
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Also he seemed like a leader when he took over the Bulls game down 10 in the 4th quarter to help win it. It is something called leading by example.
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- blueintown - May 27, 2011 at 11:51 AM
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Michael “pants on the ground” Jordan a role model? He was a gambling addicted ego-maniac inclined to punching his own teammates in the face (Steve Kerr..Steve Kerr?! Is there any more non-objectionable athlete in the history of sports?).
I’m a lifelong Bulls fan. From Jordan and Pippen to Ron Mercer and Brent Barry and back around again. I have no qualms whatsoever in saying that Lebron is the greatest player I have ever seen. But he’s nowhere near as accomplished as Jordan..yet.
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- doctordanf - May 27, 2011 at 12:17 PM
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blue – agreed. I was a Bull’s season ticket holder for all of the MJ years and watched him play live hundreds of times. LeBron has MJ skills in a bigger, stronger body. He’s far less selfish than MJ was at the same point in his career, but still knows when he has to step up. Ten years from now, there will be no argument about Lebron being the best ever.
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- chargerdillon - May 27, 2011 at 11:03 AM
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Diehard Lakers fan…… and i’ll just put it like this, it’s all about winning, and if we’re talking about winning the #1 man of all time is Bill Russell
I hate the Celtics, but what Russell did is more dominant that Jordan, Kobe, Kareem, Wilt, Lebron…ANYBODY YOU NAME IT.
Nobody has more rings than Russell in an era where dominant big men were farthur and fewer in between.
Also because I hate Jordan, I’ll say Kobe is a better player than he is, I dont know i can honestly say that but if it pisses off any bulls fans, then i’ll say it all day long.
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- hnirobert3 - May 27, 2011 at 11:15 AM
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I agree with your general opinion of Russell, but you have to look at the day and age that he and Wilt played in. The game is totally different now. Would Russell’s Celtics teams of the 60′s win 11 championships in the modern era? Probably not.
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- chicago240 - May 27, 2011 at 11:50 AM
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Lest we forget, there were 8 teams in the ENTIRE league in a lot of Russell’s years. EIGHT. The Celtics averaged 120 PPG and gave up 115 PPG. Great player….but different times. At least Jordan and Lebron’s times have more in common.
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- progress2011 - May 27, 2011 at 8:51 PM
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I agreed with you, all the way up until you needed your mental medication ! You kinda fell off the exam table when you said kobe’s name in the same paragraph as Russell and Jordan.
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- chargerdillon - May 27, 2011 at 11:06 AM
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In a quick rethink, id also like to point out Jordan is a great scorer, but nobody scored more than Wilt both on an off the court :-p
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- florida727 - May 27, 2011 at 11:38 AM
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Allegedly…
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- themanchine - May 27, 2011 at 11:30 AM
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I didn’t know Pippen was a crackhead….
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- florida727 - May 27, 2011 at 11:40 AM
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If you didn’t before, you certainly have confirmation of it now by reading his comment. What an idiot. Still ticked off he had to play second-fiddle all those years. Egomaniacal is the word that comes to mind.
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- hnirobert3 - May 27, 2011 at 11:51 AM
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If anyone was an egomaniac in that duo, it was Jordan.
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- luckylosers - May 27, 2011 at 11:52 AM
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They still playin baskitball?
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- southbeachtalent - May 27, 2011 at 11:54 AM
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Im a huge Heat fan and think LeBron is a beast, that being said I do not agree with Pippen on this. MJ was the best ever hands down, LeBron’s not there yet. In my opinion, LeBron must win multiple championships to be a legitimate contender for the best ever. How else can you claim to be the best ever and not have a title? Doesn’t work for me.
Example, Dan Marino a local hero and a HOF QB. By the time he retired he had countless records and personal achievements. But he could not be considered the best ever. Regardless of circumstance (team mates, owners, coaching, system, etc…) you must win however unfair it may be. Some have to overcome more than others but at the end of the day its all about the championships.
And that’s why LeBron came over, he knew it would be virtually impossible to win in Cleveland and regardless of how honorable and faithful he would have been to his city he would retire with 0 championships. People would have always held that against him, his legacy would have been similar to Marino’s. Here his chances have improved inmensly to win it all.
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- jbraxton3rd - May 27, 2011 at 12:06 PM
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A player who quits on his team and refuses to go in the game because the last shot wasn’t drawn up for him to take,as Pippen did, should never criticize another player’s performance.
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- berbes - May 27, 2011 at 12:11 PM
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Scotty Scotty Scotty.
Coming from someone who completely owes his “fame” to Jordan, it’s a bit confusing to read such an idiotic statement. Perhaps an allergy to his herpes meds?
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- berbes - May 27, 2011 at 12:37 PM
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…and let’s not forget the playoff game you walked off :02 early.
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- barkley4life - May 27, 2011 at 3:38 PM
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Lets not forget he was a bogus Hubert Davis foul call away from taking the Bulls back to the Finals by himself Sans Jordan…
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- barkley4life - May 27, 2011 at 2:36 PM
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and MJ owes his rings to Pippen as well.
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- berbes - May 27, 2011 at 3:17 PM
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it would be interesting to find out how many of pippen’s rebounds, assists, and points came off jordan misses.
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- progress2011 - May 27, 2011 at 8:58 PM
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Great comment. People seem to think Jordan won by himself. Pippen was highly sought after and could have moved on to have his own team. But Jordan realized ( Like LBJ ) that he couldnt win by himself , so Jordan took a huge pay cut to entice Pippen to stay with the Bulls.
MJ does owe his rings to Pippen as well.
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- tommy972 - May 27, 2011 at 12:12 PM
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Robert horry has like seven rings. Better than jordan if jordan’s six is better than lebron’s zero?
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- Justin - May 27, 2011 at 12:24 PM
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John Salley has 4 therefore he is equal to Shaq
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- scorp16 - May 27, 2011 at 12:49 PM
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Jason Kapono 1 – Karl Malone 0
Brian Scalabrine 1 – Charles Barkely 0
Therefore:
Kapono and Scalabrine > Barkely and Malone
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- southbeachtalent - Jun 1, 2011 at 2:15 PM
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All of you are missing the point. Rings are something to add to a players legacy, not determine their legacy. Of course rings aren’t everything that is beyond dumb, hell eddie house might get a ring this year. What does it mean for his legacy….nothing. For LeBron it means everything, to be the best you have to BE THE BEST. You have to lead your team to the championship consistently year after year.
To compare LeBron to MJ is a tad premature to say the least. MJ was amazing year after year. He could have easily been named the MVP 6-7 years in a row. He was literally un-guardable. He used to dunk his missed free throws!!
IMO, LeBron would have to continue being the best in the league (maybe 7-8 yrs) and win multiple championships to be considered as good as or better than MJ.
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- hnirobert3 - May 27, 2011 at 1:17 PM
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Derek Fisher has more rings than Isaih Thomas so he’s the better point guard.
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- dirtydavis - May 27, 2011 at 1:28 PM
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No you lame… Was DFish ever the alpha dog for the Lakers? Take a sit son… men are speaking
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- progress2011 - May 27, 2011 at 9:02 PM
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Great way to emphasize the whole ring issue. It’s a non-issue regarding talent. But having rings does compliment a players legacy. But a ring does not determine if one player is more talented than another.
D. Fish vs Isiah……….hahahahaha !!!! Isiah would have his lunch…EVERYDAY !!! AHAHAHAahaha
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- dirtydavis - May 27, 2011 at 1:30 PM
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Did Robert Horry ever led his team to the finals? Was he the focal point of the offense? You’re a joke
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- leearmon - May 27, 2011 at 2:01 PM
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Ok, thats fair, but Chauncey Billups was the Finals MVP and has a ring, is he a “better” player than John Stockton? By the “championship” argument he is. Also, Dwyane Wade has one ring as we stand now, Elgin Baylor doesn’t. Are you ready to say Wade is better than Baylor? Again, the “championship” argument gets tricky if you want to be consistent. No way is Isiah Thomas better than Oscar Robertson, or Moses Malone better than Karl. But if you subscribe to the “He was the alpha dog on a championship team, yadda yadda yadda” theory they are.
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- dirtydavis - May 27, 2011 at 3:32 PM
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@ Leearmon… You think C. Billups was the the focal point of the offense? Sure he was the FINALS MVP but the reason the pistons won because they’re commitment to defense. You think Elgin Baylor would be putting up the same numbers he did in a 8 team league in the 60s to today’s game? To my knowledge the 60s was a white man league and the average height was 6’3. How much credit can you give him? Yes, Moses Malone is better than Karl Malone. Moses had a 5 year peak avg.25pts 15 rbs 52fg% and beat the Lakers (that Featured Magic and Kareem) twice ( One with the Rockets and 76ers). He was a member of the “four four four”.
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- Justin - May 27, 2011 at 4:56 PM
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All championship teams have a commitment to defense. You don’t win it all if you don’t have that.
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- progress2011 - May 27, 2011 at 9:10 PM
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No Horry did not lead his team. But the point being made is to address the ring issue of claiming one player is more valuable than another because he has more rings.
Therefore because Jordan has more rings, does not make him a better ” All Around Player ” than the likes of Magic or Lebron.
Magic and LBJ can play and defend all 5 spots on the floor ! While ensuring other players that cant get their own shot, get good shots. Then they can take over scoring at will. That versatility makes a player more valuable.
Can you comprehend that.
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- slopmcflop - May 27, 2011 at 1:59 PM
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The whole “greatness=championships” thing is such a straw man argument. I’m never about to discredit the ability of a player just because they haven’t won a championship in a TEAM sport. Yes, you can be the best player who ever lived, but if you aren’t surrounded by at least several quality teammates, you aren’t going to be winning much.
Just like I’m not about to declare Robert Horry one of the best players who ever lived, I won’t call Lebron a chump for not winning any at the relatively young age of 26.
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- mrpowers88 - May 27, 2011 at 12:20 PM
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Its all semantics… MJ is the greatest ever; LeBron might be considered the best when its all said and done.
When I think “best” I think strict playing, not considering the stage. You dont want to have to gameplan for the “best” player.
When I think “greatest”, I think of not only how good the player is, but where they do their work. You dont want to have to play the “greatest”- because you have a feeling of no matter what you do, you’re gonna become the next Craig Ehlo, Byron Russell, etc.
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- craigw24 - May 27, 2011 at 12:25 PM
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Sorry Scottie, but if you are talking the greatest scorer ever you have to say only one name – Wilt Chamberlain. No one else is even close.
Kareem did it for longer and was very consistent, but nobody dominated scoring like Wilt. The biggest problem is that he played before ESPN.
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- hnirobert3 - May 27, 2011 at 1:19 PM
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Wilt was a freak of nature the same way LeBron is in todays game. HOWEVER, Wilt doesn’t drop 100 points in todays game.
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- scorp16 - May 27, 2011 at 12:39 PM
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The reality is that LeBron can play all five positions.
Other than Center, you could make a valid argument that LeBron is or could be the best: Point Guard in the League, 2 Guard in the league, Small forward in league, and Power Forward in league. (Depending on which position he really wanted to play)
What makes this even more amazing is he can defend and shut down all five positions on Defense.
Nobody…. …..not Jordan, not Kobe, not Chamberlain, not Bird, not Big O, can make that statement……
He goes from guarding Iguodala a 2 guard / Small Forward in the Philly series …… Then he shuts down Deng a Small Forward and holds DRose (the fastest PG in the league) to 6.3% shooting.
Now he’s going to be put on Dirk who at 7’1″ plays the 4 and 5.
When these playoffs are over he has guarded all 5 positions
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- chargerdillon - May 27, 2011 at 1:06 PM
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I have to say, you make a very compelling point for Lebron and I agree the physical tools he have give him an edge to play positions guy like Jordan and Kobe werent built for.
For the longest time Lebron reminded me more of Magic than of Jordan because of his great passing ability and in the truest sense, Lebron makes the guys on the court better because of what he does.
The clearest line that I would call Lebron flat out better than Jordan is on defense. For as good as both Jordan and Lebron are offensively, Lebron is as much a beast on the defensive side moreso than Jordan ever was, and some of that is because of his physical tools
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- dirtydavis - May 27, 2011 at 1:27 PM
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Play every positions? Show me post move then I’ll believe this ignorant statement . Didn’t LBJ play the PG position in the beginning of the season? Weren’t the Heat 9-8 during his PG duties? LBJ can have a broom stick while guarding Dirk and he still won’t be able to block him.
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- barkley4life - May 27, 2011 at 2:48 PM
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Davis your an idiot…He played the 4 in the Celtics series for Extended minutes..hes the biggest matchup nightmare in the league. He didnt play PG at the beginning of the season so your definitely making crap up to support your argument. There are less then a handful of legit C’s in the league so the traditional role of the 4 or 5 is gone.
Depending on matchup he can realistically play 4 positions in the league and if a team goes GS small ball he could play the 5.
The Heat go to the big lineup with Haslem Miller Wade Lebron Bosh…primary ball handler is…you guessed it…LBJ…who guards the top player on the team 1 through 3 spot…you guesed it LBJ…
Stop being a hater makes you sound stupid.
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- slopmcflop - May 27, 2011 at 2:52 PM
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Lebron doesn’t have a great post game, sure, but it is serviceable. He will back down smaller players and use his quickness to attack the basket.
Lebron turned himself into one of the quality jumpshooters this past season, I believe he was top 5 in field goal % on long twos, and upped his 3pt % while he was at it. Considering that was always a knock on him, I have to believe that he can further develop his post game as well.
And yes, Lebron is athletic enough to play 1-5 on the court. He is a gifted passer, with such a quick release. A flick of his wrist and the ball is across the court. I have to say, he is a much better facilitator than DRose. Rose gets most of his assists on attacking the basket, and passing out when the defense collapses on him. Nothing wrong with that, but he doesn’t have the instincts and court awareness that Lebron has at this point. Lebron is underrated as a passer, and can run an offense quite well. Just look at game 3 of this past series. Chicago dared Lebron to give up the ball, and he responded with 10+ assists and got Bosh involved in a big way.
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- cordae - May 28, 2011 at 9:50 AM
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dirtydavis, no, youre wrong. They went 9-8 when Arroyo was clearly the starting PG…-_-..
But the 09-10 Caveliers did go 13-0 when Mo Williams went down and WHO played PG?……LeBron James…
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- baboushka - May 27, 2011 at 1:35 PM
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Magic Johnson could and did. His Championship game at center for the injured KA Jabbar stands as the greatest single game I ever saw a player have. 42 points, 28 rebounds 30 assists 3 or 4 blocks, 6 steals. I may be off a little on a few numbers because I am quoting from memory. But that was the greatest game ever. Even according to the legendary Bill Russell, who predicted the assignment switch and called the game. If Lebron throws one of those up in a Championship game or series to actually win a ring. He will only then be entering the sacred realm of epic players like Magic, Mike, Bird, and Jabbar.
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- edanaharony - May 27, 2011 at 12:51 PM
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MJ played in an era when arm checking your opponent was allowed and he still would drop 33 pts every game. In today’s game if you arm check your opponent you get called for a foul right away. Even with the arm check MJ was one of the greatest post-up players in the game and he was a 2 guard. If Michael Jordan was checked by a shorter player he would post him up right away it wasn’t even a question and if a taller player would check him he would drive to the basket or fade away he had the complete package. Not to mention how mentally strong he was or 9 times NBA defensive player of the year or highest playoff scoring average or most playoff points scored or the fact that he was nice enough to give the Rockets 2 rings. Scottie – SHUT UP!!! Is that the same Scottie Pipen who Charles Barkley took a pay cut because he thought he could play? Yeah I thought so. I guess Scottie Pipen forgot who he owed his 6 rings to… Scottie, do us all a favor and just shut up because, clearly, your intellect is not worth listen to. Edan Aharony.
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- leearmon - May 27, 2011 at 2:10 PM
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Well, Jordan never played in a league where zone defenses are legal. I honestly believe it may be premature to say Lebron is better than M.J. but lets revisit some things as well. Kurt in his article says that Joran was a great defender, similar to Lebron. However if you recall once Chicago started their championship runs, it was Pippen, not Mike who did the heavy work on defense. Examples. First Championship, Game one MJ stuck Magic, Chicago makes switch to pippen in Game two, and win the next four games. Following year, Scottie guarded Drexler, not MJ. 3rd championship, MJ had Ainge, not Kevin Johnson, guess who had those responsibilities? Pip. 4th ring, Gary Payton, one of the premiere PG of that era, Pip shut him down. Then the following two years, Pippen and Harper had the responsibilities of stopping Stockton. In just these playoffs alone, Lebron shutdown Iguodala, Pierce, Rose (in the 4th) and probably will get his chance at Dirk in the end of games too. All the while leading his team in Points, Rebounds, Assists. I know people may not like him off the court, but its hard to continue to rip him while he’s on it. Im not saying he’s better yet, but you dont need to look to hard to see the possibilities.
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- aboogy123456 - May 27, 2011 at 2:29 PM
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I don’t understand why every one brings up the arm checking era, but they don’t ever mention that today’s NBA your allowed to play zone. The zone and lack of illegal defense today makes it easier for teams to double team or triple team guys like kobe and lebron. I think this is a big reason that the individual scoring numbers have dropped off.
Yea handchecking counts for something, but it’s not the only thing that’s changed from the Jordan era.
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- passerby23 - May 27, 2011 at 2:55 PM
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Playing zone may be conducive to double-teaming, but it also opens up a lot of holes to exploit. NBA players eventually figure it out, which is why teams only use it sporadically with specific line-ups.
I also don’t subscribe to the championships = greatness argument. However, championships SHOULD be one part of criteria when you’re evaluating everything. We can’t ignore that Jordan’s Bulls probably would’ve won in ’94 if he was there and in ’95 if he had a full season under his belt. And what would’ve happened if they hadn’t broken up the team in ’98? We’re talking about a team that could’ve potentially (likely?) won for a decade straight. That’s a remarkable achievement.
As good as Lebron is (and he’s the best player in this year’s playoffs), he had quality teams in Cleveland the past couple of years which couldn’t get over the hump. Give him Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh and it takes a little luster off the greatest ever label for me. They would have to win multiple championships with Lebron winning the MVP multiple times for me to put him in Jordan’s league.
It’s also easy to get caught up in the moment when you see Lebron doing it right now as Jordan seems like a distant memory. I think that’s what Pippen is doing.
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- verylastime - May 27, 2011 at 1:07 PM
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LeBron is hands down one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen. There will always be arguments to who “the greatest” player ever was. The problem with crowning one is that most of the greats have never played against each other or were at different ends of their careers if they did.
As for Lebron, he has all the tools – shot blocking, rebounding, guarding, passing, shooting. And on top of all his natural gifts, I understand that he really works hard to hone all those basketball skills.
Having watched Miami take the Bulls, I now understand where LeBron was coming from. DRose is a very good player but he can’t win in the playoffs with what they have put around him. (an aside I was really surprised at Noah’s play – expected more). LeBron had the same problem in Cleveland; he had to do it all himself. I do wish Lebron hadn’t done “The Decision” as a prime time event — it was just in bad taste.
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- baboushka - May 27, 2011 at 1:21 PM
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I too lived in Chicago for the 6 championships. I am a huge fan of all 3 players (Jordan, Pippen and James). But I think there is a Scottie agenda on this one. Notice, he hedged his comment by saying “Lebron gets everyone involved” much better than Jordan. And that makes him a better “overall” player. History may prove him right about this. I think Magic Johnson was a much better overall team player than Jordan too.
Well that was Scottie’s role when he was on the Jordan led Bulls. He was a “Point Forward in the mold of Lebron and Magic. So IMO, what he is implying is that He, Scottie, was better than Jordan too. Maybe a little latent jealousy is playing out here. But Scottie earned the right to this opinion with 6 rings with Mike. But a better Basketball player? No way on all three counts. I completely disagree with Scottie on this. Who was the Best Basketball player on the first Dream Team? Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan was actually 27 when he won his first Championship. So he and Lebron are at the same relative point in their peak years. Now anyone tell me they would take Lebron James at 27 over Mike at 27 and I will sell you a bridge in the Sahara desert. Lebron is bigger and stronger, with much better ball handling skills than Mike. Mike is quicker, mentally tougher, better scorer, better defender (maybe a tie here) and much more gifted athletically in terms of creating space for his shots/offense. Mike has an assassins heart. Lebron is searching for it. He will find it. But it is in Mike’s DNA. Lebron is a Wolf. Mike is a Tiger. If I was a GM knowing what I know about both players right now. I know who I would take at 21 years old, 27, years old, and 35 years old. It’s Michael Jordan.
If Fatso Jerry Krause hadn’t prematurely broken that team up, They would have won at least 2 more Championships before Michael retired. And here is something else about the 2. Mike at 27 would bully and intimidate Lebron into submission with superior 1 on 1 skills, just like he did with Pippen at practice and Kobe Bryant when he first came into the league. Over time I believe Lebron would rise to the challenge because he is so gifted in other areas (just like Magic). But he would struggle mightily against Mike with both at 27.
So I think Scottie is wrong. And will still be wrong 10 years from now. But Lebron could have the stuff to go on a big run in Miami. He just isn’t better than Mike. Jordan’s game was a combination Jerry West, Connie Hawkins and Dr. J. Lebron’s is a combination of Magic Johnson, Scottie Pippen and Clyde Drexler. When he learns to post up his man like Magic, Barkley and Dirk, I’ll be glad to revisit this question. Because that is what can take Lebron’s game to a level past Mike’s
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- hazebronso - May 27, 2011 at 1:31 PM
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I’m going to make this simple – Jordan for 6 straight years did not miss a shot that he needed … Not one single shot he needed
Now i love Lebron – he has the ability to make this game easy yet because of todays lack of game knowledge he makes the game harder than what it should be … what i mean is that Lebron has the ability to get to the rim whenever he wants yet is all to satisfied shooting an “espn highlight fadeaway”
MJ mastered the easy bucket – 15 footer at the elbows of foul line … whenever he needed a shot it was automatic …. If Lebron utilizes this type of thinking then yes he will have the opportunity to be the best ever.
6 straight yrs without missing a needed shot!
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- dirtydavis - May 27, 2011 at 1:35 PM
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Is Scottie still butt hurt because he failed to win a ring without Jordan? Didn’t this clown form his own version of the big three in Houston?
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- cleareye1 - May 27, 2011 at 4:10 PM
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It has to have been tough to be in the supporting cast to a player like Jordan. It still must eat.
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- bballerjones - May 27, 2011 at 1:53 PM
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It’s been well known that Scottie has always carried a torch for MJ’s accomplishments and accolades. He always wanted to be the Bulls “THE BULL”! But with a face like that plus a voice to match who would make Pippen a marque guy? Except, of course at HALLOWEEN! All that being said, the Pipsqueak may have something there — in about 10 years! Right now Lebron couldn’t scape the paint off Jordan’s houe(s). Jordan had the quickest half-step, first-step any step in basketball. He could make the knees of SUPERMAN go weak with his moves! Besides, the man was pretty! He could dress down an opposing player AND dress(and still does)for success. I’ve seen Lebron bring down an opposing player but I have yet to see that man dress. I mean DRESS! Does he have anything besides sweats? No! LJ has nothing on MJ…Not yet! Like I’ve said give LBJ ten more years and a few rings then we’ll see. In the mean time….ZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!
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- hnirobert3 - May 27, 2011 at 2:03 PM
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dirtydavis – May 27, 2011 at 1:28 PM
No you lame… Was DFish ever the alpha dog for the Lakers? Take a sit son… men are speakingdirtydavis – May 27, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Did Robert Horry ever led his team to the finals? Was he the focal point of the offense? You’re a joke
___________________________________________I try and not resort to some of the petty things that people say to eachother on the boards, but you’re an idiot. Ever heard of sarcasm? Your break at Chuck E. Cheese is up, go back to work.
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- dengle62 - May 27, 2011 at 2:15 PM
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Jordan worked with what he had and won 6 championship. Lebron simply got himself traded to a team so he could try and win a ring. When you look at all the people that Jordan worked with in those 6 ring years, there were a variety of players that together championships. Think of them, Kerr, Paxson, Longley, and the list goes on and on.
His style both on and off the court speak to Jordan’s ability and his showmanship.
Lebron has a long way to go to make it to Jordan’s caliper. Give him 5 more years and a few rings, then we can talk. I agree with others, Pippen really got great because of Jordan. Never the other way around.
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- cordae - May 28, 2011 at 10:11 AM
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1. How do you work up to someones “caliper”
2. Jordan didnt “work with what he had” you act like he just molded his cast into a championship team, he did not. Pipen didnt arrive until Jordans 7th year, and he was the missing piece. Stop saying that because its not true. Jordan didnt just hit the ground running with titles, as everyone before you has pointed out…
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- mogogo1 - May 27, 2011 at 2:16 PM
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Maybe rather than speculating whether Jordan has slipped from best to second-best ever, Pippen should worry a bit about his own legacy. Because while Jordan remains at the top of the mountain, Pippen’s status has been in freefall. Note he’s not just in the Hall of Fame but he was also named one of the top 50 players of all time in ’97. If you make that same list today there’s no way he makes it.
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- slopmcflop - May 27, 2011 at 3:04 PM
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Really? Look, Scottie Pippen was the man. There is a reason he is in the HoF and selected to that top 50 list. He’s one of the greatest players this game has seen. I’m not really sure what has happened in the past 14 years that would make him fall off that list.
Yes he played second fiddle to Jordan, but there wasn’t a player in the league that would be top dog when sharing the court with MJ, the greatest who ever lived.
Don’t discredit Pippen’s abilities just because he has an opinion.
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- mogogo1 - May 27, 2011 at 4:36 PM
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Other players came along is what happened. Guys who weren’t on that list include Kobe, LeBron, Duncan, Nash, Garnett, Iverson, Nowitzki… And those are just the guys who have MVP awards.
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- jordinh - May 27, 2011 at 9:19 PM
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Very good point. If they did an updated list, Pippen would not be there.
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- damnskins703 - May 27, 2011 at 2:35 PM
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Lebron being better than Jordan? Ahahahaha Damn please give me some of that u smokin Scottie, sounds like Ur just jealous that your not gettin any credit for those rings Jordan won…. After what Lebron did to the Cavs he wi always be a trader in my book he did his city dirty.
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- barkley4life - May 27, 2011 at 2:50 PM
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and after how you spell traitor trader… you will always be illiterate and asinine.
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- devoncloud - May 27, 2011 at 3:16 PM
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I love LeBron, dont get me wrong but come on here… He is no Jordan. He may be able to get there, but right now I don’t think so. He is a leader like Jordan, however Jordan was also a student. LeBron is not a student, and thinks he knows it all now. The problems that he had with Wade prior to the playoffs is a perfect example of this. LeBron is a better player than Wade, but that is not to say that Wade does not have a treasurechest full of knowledge that could help LeBron grow…. he seems like he’s not interested. I don’t think that fares well for his chances to be “Jordan like”.
Jordan Played college ball while Lebron did not… this means more experience and more coaches givng Jordan more tools in the shed to work with (not to mention a broader spectrum of Basketball coaching styles). And let’s not forget a very HUGE factor in this too, which is one of Jordan’s coaches was Phil Jackson which is something LeBron will never have and a big reason why Jordan was Jordan.
With all that said, LeBron has some growing up to do. He needs to have a “Kobe” type of moment where he realizes he is not the shiznit of Basketball and could learn a thing or two from others to help him get better. He has the talent… I am not sure he has the brains.
And Lastly, Pippin I believe is still on crack not to mention not very thankful. Like LeBron, Jordan was good at getting his team involved and got the ball to them. Unlike LeBron however, Jordan not only fed his teamates the ball, he had a way of getting them to play on his level. The truest of all leaders in the sport if you ask me. Pippen is an example of this. Thought of as one of the best in the sport while playing alongside Jordan, he amounted to close to nothing without him.
