Happy Thursday everyone! When I rolled out of bed this morning and felt a chill grasp my foot and aggressively rise up my through my body, instantly shocking my brain and waking me up, I was upset. When I went outside and felt how much colder it was out there than it was in the house, I wasn’t shocked, but yet again, I was upset. Slightly later in the day (about ten minutes ago to be exact) when I saw the news that Scottie Pippen thinks LeBron has passed Michael Jordan, finally, I was both shocked and upset. But, is he right?
on ESPN’s First Take as a guest, Pippen had this to say regarding the never-ending comparison between LeBron James and his former teammate:
“The numbers don’t lie. He’s right there. He probably will never catch him in terms of MVP, but in terms of statistics, LeBron is right there. And when you look across the board — not just scoring — check his assists, check his rebounds … he’s probably ahead of Jordan.”
Is LeBron Really Statistically Better Than Jordan Through 15 seasons?
LeBron is now in his 15th season. Michael Jordan played a total of 15 seasons. So is LeBron really better through 15 years in the stat column?
Lebron James: 29576 points, 848 blocks, 1789 steals, 7713 assists, 7936 rebounds, .503FG%, 21328 FG attempted, 42314 minutes played
Michael Jordan: 32292 points, 893 blocks, 2514 steals, 5633 assists, 6672 rebounds, .497 FG%, 24537 FG attempted, 41011 minutes played
So as you see, in the points, blocks, steals columns, Jordan has the edge; while James is the leader in assists, rebounds, and minutes. None of this is really surprising. Jordan was arguably a better, more tenacious defender, even if he couldn’t guard as many positions as LeBron.
The fact Jordan has more points in less minutes is impressive, however, LeBron has never been the scorer Michael was. We all know that. LeBron is a better facilitator, and given he plays every position of course has more rebounds. Considering LeBron plays every position could also be a check mark in his corner.
Conversely, Jordan has near the same exact field goal percentage despite attempting over 3,000 more shots. That is perhaps the most impressive stat of all. Jordan also has a surprisingly large gap in the steals category and leads in the block category, these two facts are surprising to me. I would have thought LeBron would be much closer, if not lead, in the steals category, and have more blocks given he’s all over the floor guarding so many positions. That is one of his greatest assets correct?
This argument, could, and probably will, go on forever. Of course, beauty has always been in the eye of the beholder.
Give me Jordan’s rings, MVP’s, stats, killer instinct, and spirit any day of the week. You may say different, but I don’t care. And those on the other side of the aisle would probably say the same. The argument is as moot as they come. The only shock here is that Scottie isn’t standing beside the teammate who allowed him to wear any one of six rings whenever the fuck he pleases. This is as “SMH” as they come. Especially considering Jordan leads in just as many categories.
Not a good look Scottie.
