When dissecting LeBron James’ illustrious game and NBA trajectory, inevitable parallels arise, often drawing comparisons to the iconic Michael Jordan or the legendary Magic Johnson. However, a surprising revelation emerged during the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy in California, courtesy of none other than Jordan’s Chicago Bulls teammate and fellow Hall-of-Famer, Scottie Pippen.
Pippen boldly asserted that LeBron’s most fitting comparison isn’t to the likes of Michael or Magic, but rather to himself.
“I was LeBron James before LeBron James. It’s not even close… I’m no slouch, but when comparing LeBron’s game, I’m usually left out.”
From the moment LeBron stepped onto the NBA hardwood in 2003 at the tender age of 18, enormous expectations accompanied him. Dubbed “The Chosen One,” he was earmarked as a potential candidate to ascend to the pantheon of basketball greatness, if not claim the throne outright.
In his early years, James garnered comparisons to Magic Johnson owing to his extraordinary court vision and his knack for delivering pinpoint passes despite his imposing physical stature.
However, as LeBron James began amassing an array of dominant statistics and accolades, the conversation swiftly shifted towards his standing in the perennial “Greatest of All Time” discourse, often positioned as Michael Jordan’s foremost rival. Yet, Scottie Pippen offered a dissenting viewpoint.
“They want to compare him to the greatest, whether it be Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson, but he’s more closer to myself. It’s natural for folks to say that, but if you look at how he plays the game and how I played the game, you’ll see more similarities with us.”
Pippen, himself a trailblazer as one of the original point-forwards in the game, embodied versatility on the court. Standing at 6’7″ with roots at the University of Central Arkansas, Pippen defied traditional positional boundaries, seamlessly assuming the roles of a point guard, shooting guard, and power forward throughout his career. His proficiency in orchestrating the offense and adept ball-handling skills established him as a pioneer in the realm of positionless basketball, a concept now ubiquitous in today’s game.
Despite Pippen’s undeniable brilliance, his association with Michael Jordan often relegated him to the shadows, overshadowed by Jordan’s omnipresent brilliance. Many argue that Jordan’s status as the GOAT inadvertently obscured Pippen’s individual brilliance, pigeonholing him as a supporting act rather than recognizing him as the exceptional player he truly was.
Consequently, Pippen finds himself conspicuously absent from the perennial debates surrounding Jordan and LeBron James, a testament to the enduring impact of his partnership with Jordan and the nuances of basketball historiography.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
