Michael Jordan takes the cake in this round.
According to an anonymous player poll done by The Athletic, 58.3 percent of the 103 players polled believe Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time. His vote count supersedes that of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell and Tracy McGrady.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 18, 2023MJ voted the GOAT out of 103 current players 👀
However, more players in today's era are starting to come around to James. Four years ago, The Athletic conducted the same poll for then-active players. The results had Jordan as the GOAT for 73 percent of those polled.
The gap is closing for James, who set the mark for the most career points in NBA history earlier this season. He surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabar and could close in on 40,000 points by the time he retires from the NBA.
About a week ago, Mike Greenberg made his case for Jordan on The Pat McAfee Show, saying Jordan would average 40 points per contest in today's era. He cited a multitude of facts and differences in the modern NBA that would benefit MJ.
RELATED:Mike Greenberg says MJ would average 40 points today
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He cited the NBA's shift to load management as a counteract to Jordan's persistence in playing all 82 games. Over his final three years with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan played in every single regular season game.
Greenberg also pointed to the difference in scoring value. Back in Jordan's era, scoring wasn't as much of a point of emphasis as it is today. However, Jordan consistently averaged over 30 points per game on "low-scoring games" compared to those today.
He also looked to the game's avoidance of the 3-point line in contrast to its importance today. Jordan hardly shot the 3-point shot but a boost in his usage from beyond the arc would certainly jet his point total, according to Greenberg.
"We got guys averaging 33 now," Greenberg said. "Michael Jordan never shot 3's because no one shot 3's back then. Michael Jordan's numbers should be viewed almost in the same context as Jerry West's."
It'll be interesting to see how Jordan's perceptions fare down the road. Certainly, more players who grew up watching James are entering the league, likely forming a bias against Chicago's all-time great.
I'm a basketball enthusiast with a deep understanding of the game and its history. My knowledge extends from the early days of the NBA to the current era, allowing me to analyze players' performances, styles, and the evolution of the sport. I've closely followed legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, and others, considering various factors that contribute to their greatness.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the player poll conducted by The Athletic:
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Michael Jordan's GOAT Status: The article highlights a player poll where 58.3 percent of 103 current players believe Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time (GOAT). This recognition underscores Jordan's enduring impact on the game and his widely acknowledged status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
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Changing Perceptions: The poll also notes a shift in players' perceptions over time. While Jordan remains a dominant figure, there's a growing acknowledgment of LeBron James, especially among players in today's era. Four years ago, Jordan had the support of 73 percent of active players, indicating a changing landscape in basketball opinions.
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LeBron James' Career Milestones: The article mentions LeBron James recently setting the record for the most career points in NBA history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This accomplishment positions James as a significant figure in the ongoing debate about the greatest player of all time.
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Mike Greenberg's Argument for Jordan: Mike Greenberg argues for Michael Jordan's prowess in today's NBA, suggesting that Jordan would average 40 points per game in the current era. He points to Jordan's consistency in playing all 82 games despite load management trends and highlights differences in scoring emphasis and the significance of the 3-point shot between Jordan's era and the modern game.
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Scoring Value and Evolution of the Game: Greenberg discusses the evolution of scoring value, emphasizing that Jordan consistently scored over 30 points per game in an era with different scoring dynamics. He also touches on the evolving importance of the 3-point shot in today's game, suggesting how Jordan's scoring might have been even more impressive with a different emphasis on three-pointers.
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Impact of Growing Up Watching LeBron: The article speculates on the impact of players who grew up watching LeBron James entering the league, possibly influencing perceptions and creating a bias against Michael Jordan. This highlights the generational aspect of basketball discussions and how players' backgrounds may shape their views on the sport's all-time greats.
In summary, the article provides insights into the ongoing debate about the greatest basketball player of all time, showcasing the dynamic nature of player opinions, changing perceptions, and the contextual analysis of player performances across different eras.
