THE ULTIMATE NBA DEBATE…GOAT? LeBron Vs Jordan - better player? One retired over 20 years ago… The other is in his 23rd season… (prepare for “Stat Heavy” analysis) FYI to learn about NBA stats go to : probasketballreference.com When comparing players, I focus on: - stats that are w/in his control (not teammates or coaching) - “averages” more-so than accumulated stats (playing longer doesn’t = better) - real stats over “voting awards” (Points per game vs MVP, DPOY, ALL-NBA) - Ignoring feelings / memories/ public opinion / reputations - personal (NOT team!) results. Jordan didn’t win six finals. The Chicago Bulls did. My pre-research predictions: - LBJ is “volume great” -MJ is “CLUTCH great” -excited to find out #truth LETS DIG IN! *MJ is well ahead of LBJ: PPG, STL/G, FT%, BPM, TOV%, WS/48, Def Win Shares/82 games *LBJ is well ahead of MJ: REB/G, AST/G, FG%, 3PT%, eFG% *So Close!: BLK, ORtg, DRtg, PER *Who’s MORE #Clutch ? FG% Last 2 min Finals: LeBron: 48.4% Michael Jordan: 48.1% FG% Shots for lead last 24 sec: Michael: 50.0% LeBron: 44.0% Playoff TS%: LeBron: 58.3% Michael: 56.8% Clutch TS% (5 min w/in 5 pts ): LeBron: 59% MJ: 57% Turnovers /100 Poss. (5 min w/in 5 pts): LeBron: 9 MJ: 11 *FINAL VERDICT (got a coin?😅) MJ’s scoring & defensive advantages (about 3 PPG + less than a half “DWS over 82 gms”) isn’t as impressive when you consider that MJ also took 3 more shots per game. Bron’s better fg% & 3pt% put MJ’s scoring advantage into perspective IMO. LeBron’s versatility, playing every position (well!), better REB + AST, unparalleled longevity, AND yes… basically equally CLUTCH as MJ! If you don’t like my choice, I’d love to hear why! Provided of course you have empirical evidence and not…emotional hyperbole unsupported by evidence. I am quite fortunate to have watched both careers and I’ve been simply blown away by each of them. It’s a photo finish, but #LeBron’s #MYGOAT! #NikeLeBron23 #NBAMyths #LeBron #MichaelJordan