Commentary
Ariana Smith
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Michael Jordan celebrated his 50th birthday on Feb. 17. Coincidently his big 50th fell on the final day of the National Basketball Associations (NBA) All Star Weekend. Michael “Jumpman” Jordan was the topic of conversation all weekend.
Why was Jordan talked about so heavily? I mean, he hasn’t played in the NBA or participated in an NBA All-Star Game since the 2002-2003 season.
Jordan is still the topic of many conversations because throughout his career, he was chosen to play in the All-Star Game 14 times, but only played in 13 of the games due to an injury in his 1985-1986 season.
During his 14 All-Star Game selections, two of them came after he came out of retirement (2002, 2003). Jordan also boasts three All-Star Game Most Valuable Player awards (1988, 1996, 1998) and is a back-to-back All-Star slam-dunk champion (1987, 1988).
If you still need more reasons why, Jordan recorded the first triple double in NBA All-Star Game history. Today Jordan and LeBron are the only ones to score a triple double in the All-Star Game.
Jordan is the greatest player in NBA history and he has the statistics to prove it. Of course there are other former legends of the game, but I say that Jordan is the greatest. Many people think that if M.J. in his “prime” played today he would be of equal talent among the NBA’s top players.
Taylor Smith, a junior chemistry major from Mid-West City, Okla. said, “His I.Q. for the game and athletic ability would still allow him to dominate.”
When asked why is Jordan the greatest?, Kamron Robinson, a sophomore biology major from Saint Louis, Mo. said, “ He revolutionized the game and on the court he was willing to do anything to win.”
For example, let’s look at game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, also known as “The Flu game.” Michael Jordan raked in 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. He performed in the clutch despite his fatigue, nausea, and heavy sweating. His 4th quarter takeover performance led the Chicago Bulls to a series lead of 3-2. The Bulls then went on to win the next game to win the series at 4-2 and become 1997 NBA Champions. Jordan was awarded his 5th Finals MVP award for this performance.
Although Jordan is crowned as the best player in Chicago Bulls history, he had outstanding contributing teammates in Scottie Pippin and Dennis Rodman.
Levi Triplett, a Heritage Dining Hall employee remembers watching Jordan play.
“He could get all the rest of the players involved,” said Triplett.
When referring to the best players of today, mainly two names are argued. These two people would be LeBron “King” James and Kobe “Bean” Bryant. These players have their differences and similarities. Both are pure scorers and a force to be reckoned with. However, Bryant has more experience, a higher game I.Q., and works better in the clutch.
According to Michael Wilbon, a columnist for ESPN.com, “Jordan was a better scorer than Kobe, by about five points per game, was a better rebounder (6.2 to 5.3), a better passer (5.3 assists to 4.7) and shot a better percentage (49.7 to 45.4). Jordan shot 50 percent or better five straight seasons. Kobe has yet to record his first 50 percent shooting season. The one place Kobe is better than MJ is three-point shooting, yet Kobe’s career percentage from beyond the arc is 33.6 to Jordan’s 32.7.”
These statistics are true, five time NBA champion Kobe Bryant is the closest thing to equaling Jordan today. If LeBron James keeps playing like he has recently, he has a great chance of taking the Miami Heat back to the finals to capture a second consecutive championship. Also, if LeBron remains healthy and fit, he has the chance to catch up with Michael Jordan but until then, he and Kobe still have many things to accomplish in order to become the next Michael Jordan.
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