Reggie Miller reaffirms Michael Jordan as the GOAT, emphasizing his experiences against MJ and understanding younger fans’ preference for LeBron James.
Reggie Miller has always been vocal about his admiration for Michael Jordan, and during a recent appearance on the “Come And Talk 2 Me” podcast, he reaffirmed his unwavering stance. Miller, who faced off against Jordan numerous times during his NBA career, declared once again that Jordan is the greatest of all time (GOAT) and emphasized that he would never change his opinion, even in favor of LeBron James.
“To me, Michael Jordan is the greatest player. I will go to my grave with that. I can understand that because they don’t know MJ how you and I know MJ. They know LeBron, that’s their era and I get it.”
“I only played against LeBron his rookie year and he’s developed into a great player, but I didn’t see that development. Mike and I, even though he’s older than I am, we locked heads a lot.” (46:53)
This declaration came during a discussion where Mark Jackson’s son, Bluu, chose LeBron James as his GOAT. Miller, acknowledging the generational gap, understood Bluu’s perspective, noting that younger fans relate more to LeBron because they didn’t witness Jordan’s prime.
Miller showed a respectful understanding of differing opinions without attempting to change Bluu’s mind. Miller elaborated on his stance by reflecting on his experiences playing against both legends. While he acknowledged LeBron’s greatness and development into a phenomenal player, Miller’s personal encounters with Jordan shaped his unwavering opinion.
Having played against Jordan for 56 games over 15 years, Miller’s preference for MJ is understandable. His perspective is rooted in the fierce battles and firsthand experiences on the court. Although some might view this as partiality due to the limited direct competition with LeBron, it underscores the profound impact Jordan had on his peers.
Reggie Miller’s steadfast belief in Michael Jordan’s supremacy in the GOAT debate is a testament to the lasting impression Jordan left on those who competed against him. While acknowledging LeBron James’ incredible achievements, Miller’s loyalty to Jordan’s legacy remains unshaken, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he holds for the six-time NBA champion.
Reggie Miller On How He Was Shocked By A 19-Year-Old Kobe Bryant
Reggie Miller recently reflected on a surprising encounter with a young Kobe Bryant during an episode of “Come And Talk 2 Me.” The incident dates back to 1998 when a 19-year-old Bryant and Miller appeared on MTV’s “Real World.” The experience left Miller in awe of Bryant’s competitive spirit, even at such a young age. Miller recounted how Bryant’s intense mindset was evident from the start:
“I got this. All you need to do is throw the lobs. All good… I wanna destroy them. I wanna kill them… Who do they think they are to be on the same court with us?” (42:28)
Miller was taken aback by the youngster’s fierce determination and desire to dominate. The game had rules that heavily favored the MTV cast, with the NBA players having to pay $20 for each point they conceded while receiving only $10 for scoring. Despite these odds, Bryant’s resolve didn’t waver. He approached the game with a ruthless mentality, eager to prove himself and defend his pride alongside Miller.
Bryant’s performance and leadership during the game impressed Miller. The teenager’s ability to strategize and motivate his team showcased qualities beyond his years. This encounter was an early glimpse of the relentless drive that would define Bryant’s illustrious career.
Miller admitted that he didn’t expect such impressive leadership qualities from someone so young. However, Bryant’s performance during the MTV game and his subsequent rise in the NBA proved that his mentality was not a one-off but a fundamental aspect of his character.
This experience with Bryant left a lasting impression on Miller, who recognized the makings of a true champion in the young player. Bryant’s ability to inspire and elevate those around him was evident even then, setting the stage for his future success and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.