Over the last few years, LeBron James has sneaked himself into the GOAT conversation. Michael Jordan is no longer considered the lone GOAT as James and his legion of fans have stirred up the debate.
Those who watched Jordan play, plus those who played with him, have defended the Chicago Bulls guard. Dennis Rodman is one of the most unspoken legends who have aired their thoughts on the matter. According to The Worm, if James played in an earlier era, he’d be an average player at best.
LeBron is an average player
“It’s really not a comparison,” Rodman told The Dan Patrick Show producer Paul Pabst. “If Lebron was playing in the late 80’s or early 90’s, he’s just an average player. But to do what Mike has done, seriously. Michael…what he did is more charisma, is more artistic and stuff like that. LeBron is more like…boom. There’s no flash to his game. He’s a great player, don’t get me wrong. He’s a hell of a player. I’ll give him that…to be his size. But for me…Scottie and Michael are one of the best one-two punches I’ve ever seen, dude. Seriously.”
Rodman’s opinion won’t sit well with his contemporaries. After all, those who have played in the 80s or 90s agree that James would still dominate the game. If the 80s and 90s are truly the most physical eras, then James’ brute strength, size, and speed would give him the upper hand over most of his foes.
Experts claim that his playstyle matches Magic Johnson’s. However, the difference is that James could score at will, given his supreme athleticism. His jump shot, too, has gotten better over the years.
Downhill guard
Gilbert Arenas, who has been a victim of LeBron in the playoffs several times, defended the Los Angeles Lakers forward against Rodman’s claims. According to Arenas, Rodman was a great defender but has not guarded someone with James’s size and ability.
“He’s a point guard; you were great at defending people back to the basket,” Arenas said. “He’s going downhill; your brute strength has no bearing on downhill guards.“
It’s a good point by Arenas. When the Freight Train drives to the hole, even the strongest centers and power forwards get pushed over. LeBron is easily one of the strongest players in NBA history. Rodman may give James a difficult time from time to time. But for the most part, LeBron will get to his spots and abuse The Worm.