Jordan’s importance in NBA history is cemented by the fact that he was the first to be a championship-level franchise player from the guard position. And he wasn’t one of these make-shift, small forward sized guards placed in the two position to exploit a clear height advantage. Sure, he was 6’5″ – 6’6″ with otherworldly athletic ability, but he gained just as much of an edge from intensity, intelligence, basketball IQ, and sheer, unadulterated hard work.

So, it was almost blasphemous for many to hear the comments ringing from ex-teammate Scottie Pippen’s mouth on the Mike and Mike show:

“Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to ever play the game. I may go so far as saying LeBron James may be the greatest player to ever play the game.”

It’s a debate that Kobe Bryant, whose skill level is equal to, if not better than MJ, will ultimately lose at the culmination of his brilliant career. In fact, it’s a debate that he has probably already lost to the vast majority of NBA watchers. And there are two major reasons why that’s that case:

1.  Jordan was so far ahead of his peers, both physically and mentally.  The man was clearly in a class of his own.  Players such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas – guys who will go down in the annals as some of the best ever – were second-class talents compared to him.  And as ridiculous as that sounds to say, it is an absolute truth. 

2.  After he reached his full level of NBA maturity, think of a moment where Jordan failed on the hardwood.  Ultimately, you can’t.  Jordan’s story is about as American as apple pie.  He didn’t make his high school team as a freshman.  He became a part of a championship team in college.  He was drafted into the NBA and struggled to achieve team success, encountering many humbling bumps and bruises along the way.  He finally mastered the concepts of team basketball, while maximizing his athleticism to fulfill the potential that any GM would wish his employees would strive to achieve.  We can only picture Jordan as a success.  But on the flip side, we’ve seen Kobe fail.  To this point in his career, LeBron James’ personal accolades have been complemented by team shortcomings.

The debate has even reached the silver screen. In a clip from the upcoming movie, “Bad Teacher”, an adult is pitted in an argument with a kid about the subject. The scene concludes with the adult citing Jordan’s six championships as the final point, and thus ending the debate.

And while team success certainly says a lot, there was probably a similar outcry from the older generation when Jordan fans – who probably favored today’s Kobe or LeBron fans – claimed that he was the best of all-time. That was clearly a knock against Boston Celtics’ legend Bill Russell, whose interior domination led Red Auerbach to 11 NBA titles – and included multiple defeats of perhaps the league’s most intimidating force ever, Wilt Chamberlain.  And, of course, we know that rings doesn’t define the ‘best ever’ – because Robert Horry has seven.

Does LeBron have the mental muscle to be labeled the NBA's best player ever?

So what am I saying?

I’m saying basically what Scottie Pippen said. And if you carefully read it, you’ll realize that he really didn’t say much at all.

Michael Jordan is probably the best scorer to take the hardwood. It’s not a definite, and he’s right in that regard. The list of accomplished ‘scorers’ is long, and includes many players that you may or may not want on your team. You could get a bucket from George Gervin, Allen Iverson, Jerry West, or Elgin Baylor just as easily as you could from the legendary MJ.

Also, LeBron James may be the best player to play the game. He probably won’t be, but there’s a legit chance of him becoming that.

As antagonists, we can’t help but pit the hot, thriving players against those that we hold in the highest esteem – in any sport. We wonder if Peyton Manning is better than Joe Montana, or if Albert Pujols can break the home-run record, or if another hockey player will ever surpass the greatness that was established by Wayne Gretzky. It’s inevitable, and unfortunately, it’s something that the best athletes have to endure.

Now that LeBron James has reached the first of his Finals that he’s expected to win, the heat is really on. The scrutiny, which unofficially began when he was placed on the cover of Sports Illustrated with a title of “The Chosen One”, will continue to hound him for the remainder of his NBA career.

As fans, let’s enjoy what he does. And whenever the Jordan debates come, don’t write them off as ridicule – but rather as a rare compliment that only the best of the best can receive.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author