Michael Jordan, a name that never ceases to resonate in the world of basketball, has been the undisputed reference point over the decades. Whenever a player emerges who seems to defy the limits of the game, fans immediately compare their skills to those of the considered “greatest of all time” (GOAT).

However, currently, a player who has managed to match the aura that MJ showed in his time is LeBron James. With LeBron nearing the end of his career, the name of Anthony Edwards has started to enter the conversation. Yet, a recent comment by Edwards on the skills in the era of Jordan has sparked controversy, leading many to wonder: Why is Michael Jordan still relevant in the current era, despite the multiple players who have entered the league after him?

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas seems to have found an explanation, which he shared on Dwight Howard’s Above The Rim podcast. “It’s not real. It’s real today, but they only mention it when LeBron James’ name comes up. That’s the only reason Michael Jordan remains relevant,” Arenas boldly stated.

And, in a sense, he’s right. There is enough competition in the current league, but when fans or veterans need to compare skills and don’t find anyone in the current generation who comes close, they turn to “His Airness.” This could be why LeBron James stands in a league of his own, well above current talents.

“They’re battling the stats of the greatest, and once LeBron James solidifies as the GOAT, Jordan fades away,” Arenas added. Furthermore, the former Warriors player discredited the comment from the young Timberwolves player about Kobe Bryant, saying, “That’s why no one talks about Kobe as one of the greats, because he’s already surpassed. There’s no point in talking about the number three; only one and two matter.”

Michael Jordan or LeBron James?

The number one and two positions constantly alternate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. With the retirement of the Lakers star possibly near, does he truly deserve to be considered the GOAT of basketball?

The answer to this question is not simple, and the debate has been ongoing for years. However, if we look at the statistics, some conclusions can be drawn. LeBron James averages 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game in his career. He is a more complete player, with an imposing wingspan and a height of 2.06 meters. On the other hand, MJ was more of a pure scorer, averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His height of 1.98 meters and weight of 100 kilograms do not compare to LeBron’s 113 kilograms. Even in terms of wingspan, LeBron has an advantage with his 2.14 meters, while Jordan’s is 2.10 meters.

Regarding accuracy, Jordan was a volume scorer, driven by his instincts and hunger for baskets. LeBron, on the other hand, stands out for his precision, with a field goal percentage of 54%, compared to Jordan’s 49.7%. However, this also depends on the era, facilities, and game needs. And when considering these factors, there is no doubt that Michael Jordan remains the GOAT. Because, even though learning the game is much easier today for everyone, who made it global? MJ did.