The magic that Michael Jordan and 'Star Wars' have in common

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The magic that Michael Jordan and 'Star Wars' have in common image

Has any NBA talent been able to surpass Michael Jordan's ability? Originally answered on Mar. 1st, 2016.

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Answer by Chris Lynam, basketball fan:

No one can really match Michael Jordan, the persona — even if someone surpasses Michael Jordan the basketball player.

Here's what I mean.

Michael Jordan is "A New Hope." Think for a second about "Star Wars." If you love it, it means so much to you that you won't even include it on your "best of" lists. It's a given, it's exclusive, and it is sacred.

"A New Hope" was a game changer. It didn't just revolutionize science fiction; it revolutionized special effects, sound, costuming, set design, music, and drew in audiences across every demographic.

Just like Jordan. "Star Wars," like Michael Jordan, was, and still is, a phenomenon. 

Jordan had the perfect backstory — from getting cut from his high school team to hitting the game-winning shot in college. Jordan redefined athleticism. Every dunk contest, unstoppable fade away jump shot, gravity-defying drive to the basket, and game-winning shot set a new, untouchable benchmark to add to his legacy. He redefined competitiveness; the championships, the retirement and comeback, the game where the flu nearly kept him in bed, but he still played at the highest level. Jordan added to his legacy. He redefined the game. He wasn't some composite of Jerry West and Dr. J — he was Michael Jordan. He redefined the shooting guard position, resurrected the NBA, and became the stone statue of what a player should be.

We love "Star Wars" for how it made us feel. For how it dazzled us, spoke to us, and yet allowed us to dream. The same way that Jordan dazzled us, made us feel great, and inspired kids to attempt ridiculous Jordan-like shots that would make any old school coach boil over. 

Among the "Star Wars" community, many believe that "The Empire Strikes Back" is the best in the saga, but there couldn't be a saga without the original.  

Just like Jordan.

There were sci-fi movies before "Star Wars," and there were basketball players before Jordan -- many successful, but none quite as impactful.

There are sure to be players as talented as Jordan: Steph Curry, LeBron James, and probably some kid who just got cut from his basketball team and is working his butt off.

But the only way to appreciate a sequel is to recognize the original.

Michael Jordan is "A New Hope." You can't touch the original. Even if Steph Curry ends up being "The Empire Strikes Back."

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