Ever since LeBron James began dunking on fellow high schoolers at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron 15 years ago, pundits have been linking the basketball superstar to Michael Jordan. It may not be an apt comparison after all.
James, speaking ahead of the Cavaliers' game against the Celtics on Thursday, tried to pour water on the hype linking him to the Bulls legend, who won six NBA championships. James was asked about the two men's games at age 32. James will turn 32 on Friday.
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“No, (Jordan) was much more of a scorer, and at that point (he) did a lot of post work, but our games are just different," James said via Cavs.com (answer begins at 2:20 of the video). "His body is different, my body is different than his. You recognize the dominance in someone had at that age, but there’s no similarities in our game at all.”
Both players utilize(d) the fadeaway jump shot: James from the corner, and Jordan after crossing someone at the top of the key. James still doesn't think they are similar.
"Our shots are different," he said. "(Jordan) had much more lift in his fadeaway than mine. That was definitely a go-to move of his, but our games are completely different.”
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James' final statement is absolutely correct. Jordan was more like Kobe Bryant if a comparison needs to be made. At least they both shot from beyond the arc with regularity.
It would be unfair to say Jordan didn't pass the ball, but he didn't have the vision of James, nor did he have the ability to punish defenders and bully his way into the paint. Jordan relied on skill and silky shooting, while James is physically more imposing than many NBA players his size.
Hopefully this comparison can now be put to rest.