Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell spoke in a recent interview with Mark Jackson about the GOAT debate. Cassell noted that he believes only Michael Jordan and LeBron James belong in the debate, and for him, Michael Jordan is the best ever, while he showed respect to both legends of the game.
"In my opinion, it's between LeBron and MJ. I played against both. It ain't hard for me at all; [it's] Michael Jordan in my aspect. But that's no knock on LeBron. I don't think we'll ever see a Michael Jordan-caliber ball player ever... I don't think we're gonna see another LeBron James either."
"But what I'm saying is... the hardest thing in our league is score, and the thing I tell our young guys around here, how he [Jordan] scored, he scored so easily at times... that's what separated him, in my opinion, more than anybody in our league; he didn't exercise a lot of dribbles, he didn't."
Sam Cassell had the opportunity to play against both stars and was able to understand what makes both of them tick. And while he didn't disrespect LeBron James like many other players from his era do when speaking about Michael Jordan, he did note that Jordan was slightly ahead of him in the GOAT debate.
Cassell was able to play against both Jordan and LeBron in the playoffs. While Jordan and the Bulls swept Cassell and the New Jersey Nets, Cassell's Celtics were able to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in a thrilling seven-game series, before going on to win the 2008 NBA championship.
Cassell also had the privilege of coaching against LeBron James as an assistant coach, specifically during his final season with the LA Clippers, while James was with the Lakers.
No Clear Answer In The GOAT Debate
The answer to the GOAT debate is not as simple as which player is better. Given the strengths and weaknesses of their playing styles, careers, and resumes, it is quite a nuanced conversation that needs to be had, one that most fans probably wouldn't be willing to engage with as they have already made up their minds.
Michael Jordan is easily ahead when it comes to the list of accolades, as he has won 6 NBA championships and Finals MVPs, 5 regular season MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, 10 NBA scoring titles, and has been selected for 14 All-Star teams, 11 All-NBA teams, and 9 All-Defensive Teams.
Whereas. LeBron James has won 4 NBA championships and Finals MVPs, 4 regular season MVPs, an NBA Cup and Finals MVP, 1 scoring title, and has been selected for 20 All-Star and All-NBA teams, and 6 All-Defensive Teams. Additionally, James is the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
It is clear when looking at both of their resumes that there is no clear answer to the debate. While some fans will argue Jordan's championships put him ahead of LeBron, fans of James will argue that his longevity, along with him snagging the NBA's all-time leading scorer title is the reason that he is the GOAT.
At this point, the GOAT debate has become very subjective and will be until James decides to walk away from the sport of basketball. But until that day comes, fans of both players will be going hard for their respective GOAT.
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