It's never going to get old, is it? We're muddling through the "dog days" of the NBA offseason, which means debates about who the greatest basketball player of all time is going to flood the internet and TV.
Often in the middle of this hotly debated subject is renowned talking head Stephen A. Smith, who has gone on record countless times saying that Michael Jordan is — and will always be — his GOAT.
SAS goes off again
No longer is Stephen A. only seen squealing away on ESPN's "First Take." He also has a podcast where he doubles down on the opinions he offers on national television; the only difference is that he gets a touch more unfiltered on his own show, which viewers love.
Recently, on his show, the talking head took live calls from fans. One caller riled Stephen A. when he restarted the timeless LeBron vs. Jordan debate. But the fan wanted to know why Smith considers it "blasphemous" to rank Jordan anything below No. 1.
Caller: "When somebody Jordan is No. 2 all-time, you say it's blasphemous; why is it blasphemous?
Smith: "You know what the hell my answer is going to be. [LeBron] lost six NBA Finals …choked in the finals against Dallas [in 2011]. That never happened to Jordan. He ain't choke in no finals."
At first, Smith may have been under the assumption that the caller was an older NBA fan. But when he found out the fan was young, he hilariously cackled, almost entirely scoffing at the person for even broaching the debate. The talking head lightheartedly mocked the fan by calling him "Anthony Edwards," as if he falls in the same cynical category as the Minnesota star, who recently dismissed Jordan's era for not being "skilled."
Related: “Jay could have said man, ‘I'm tired of your father’” - Rick Brunson reveals he was close to pulling Jalen Brunson out of Villanova
Coming around on LBJ?
Smith's defense of MJ as the best to ever lace up a pair of sneakers goes back to the beginning of his media career. He perpetually states that there is "nothing" James can ever do to eclipse the Chicago Bulls icon.
However, LBJ's continued play at an elite clip can't go without recognition, even for those in complete denial of his greatness.
"I used to think it was insulting to Jordan [to be compared to LeBron]," SAS conceded. "I no longer feel that way because that is how much my respect for LeBron has elevated. LeBron is the G.O.A.T. if you're thinking [about] longevity and durability. … But against Jordan at his best? My brother, you don't even know the half."
For most in Jordan's camp, the six-time champion's peak is what truly makes his career unparalleled. At his best, MJ rattled off a pair of three-peats as the NBA Finals MVP in each win. He secured 10 scoring titles and highlight-reel-worthy plays — too many to count. And here's the MJ stat of the day for you: He still holds the record for most consecutive games without three straight losses at 626, more than two times higher than the next closest player (Steph Curry).
"How old are you?" Stephen A. asked the caller.
"I'm 22," the fan replied.
SAS proceeded with taunting laughter and waved his hand in dismissal of the conversation. He already knew he wouldn't be convinced to think otherwise, but finishing on that note was a fun way to send the caller packing.
Related: Why winning the 1996 NBA Finals was the most precious for Michael Jordan: "I have a motivation either to prove something to myself"
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