The GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan seems to never end. Each one has a legitimate case as being known as the best ever.
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If you ask former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy, LeBron has received unfair criticism. Especially when being compared to Jordan.
“LeBron’s gotten a little hate for a long time for a lot of different things,” Van Gundy said. “Whether it was his decision to come to Miami that he announced on TV, or whether it was bumping into Eric Spoelstra.
“Whatever it is, LeBron’s gotten a lot of hate for a guy who’s had the best career of any NBA player, ever. And we can argue who the best player has been in the NBA, but it’s hard to argue that anyone’s had a better career.
“The most amazing thing to me is, this guy has been a national figure since he’s been in eighth grade. What’s the biggest off-court controversy you’ve got on this guy?
“This guy has done nothing except represent the game of basketball and the league well. And yet, there’s this hate for him. I have never understood the negativity around him.
“I think a lot of it was: there are so many people out there who just revered Michael Jordan, and the fact that people would question, ‘Is LeBron as good?’ led to a hatred of LeBron instead of an appreciation of what he’s done. And I think that’s unfortunate.”
Van Gundy is correct about the unfair criticism LeBron has faced his entire career. Still, some of it was brought on by LeBron himself.
He chose to wear Jordan’s number, adopt his pregame powder toss, and he called himself The Chosen One.
