Goat debate unexpected turn
Full-time discussions in the NBA have long been a polarizing topic, often centered around Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Fans are divided into camps, defending their choices through ERA-specific arguments and comparisons that cover location, style, and environment.
Even Michael Jordan’s son, Marcus Jordan, is not immune to debate. Appearing in NBC Sports Chicago Bulls say Chicago On the podcast, Marcus was asked who he thinks is the best player in history. Not surprisingly, he named his father. But when asked who ranked second, his answer completely bypassed LeBron.
Why not consider LeBron
Marcus explained his reasoning clearly: “I can’t put him there until the end of his journey with LeBron. I might be going to Hakim [Olajuwon]. I’m just thinking about the people who really changed the game. “Marcus did not discredit James’ career, but said he would rather wait until the conclusion was made before putting him in the historical stage.
This decision means that, for now, second place belongs to Hall of Fame Hakeem Olajuwon.
The impact of Olajuwon on the game
Known as the “Dream”, Olajuwon is one of the most extensive centers in NBA history. Defensively, he can protect all five positions, protect the edges and destroy the surrounding game. On the offensive end, he has elite footwork, soft touch and reliable mid-range jumpers – rare in his time.
Over his 18-year career, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. His honors include 12 All-Star Trials, 12 All-NBA Honors, 9 All-Defensive Team Nods, two Defensive Player of the Year Awards and 1993-94 MVP.
He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, winning the final MVP for two years while Jordan pursued the baseball game. His average career barriers ranks third in NBA history.
Legacy is often overlooked
Despite widespread respect, Olajuwon is often spoken by the Guard and the forward-leading Goats. Marcus Jordan’s choice highlights an often overlooked fact: Olajuwon’s style is ahead of the times, making him effective in any era.
LeBron James is almost certain that his career will rank once his career is over. Before that, Olajuwon took a place – a reminder that the NBA’s rich history is full of greatness beyond the most common names in the Goat debate.
