Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the most iconic players in NBA history. It’s no surprise, then, that most discussions about the greatest of all time center around these two legends. Now, Indiana Pacers icon Reggie Miller has weighed in on the topic.
“LeBron, 22 years in, at 40, is about to be first or second team All-NBA. For him to be this good this long, you got to say he has the greatest career,” Miller said during a recent interview with All The Smoke. “But is he the best? Greatest and best, that’s two different things.”
Reggie then laid out a direct comparison between James and Jordan, highlighting what, in his view, separates the two. “I will say: LeBron has the greatest career, he has the greatest career. But Mike is the best,” the Pacers legend explained.
Still, Miller made it clear he’s not a fan of these kinds of debates. “Man, the tale gets told all the time—who’s the GOAT, who’s the greatest—between him and LeBron. I try to stay away from that,” he said. “I played against LeBron in his rookie year, which was my last year. So I don’t really have a point of reference.”
Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan is the best basketball player, according to Reggie Miller.
Reggie Miller on the criticism LeBron James receives
Continuing the conversation, Miller praised James for his unprecedented longevity. “We all wish we could be playing like him in year 22,” Reggie said. And he didn’t hold back when addressing those who continue to criticize the Lakers star: “They don’t want to give LeBron his due. He deserves that.”
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Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller names the greatest NBA player of all time
As for why James continues to draw criticism despite his undeniable achievements, Miller offered a theory. “LeBron has the greatest career and I think why a lot of old heads want to dog out LeBron is because they were never as good as he is this late in his career. And they want to get on him for that.”
Reggie Miller praises Michael Jordan
When asked what made Michael Jordan the best basketball player, Reggie Miller delivered a firm answer. “There was no weaknesses,” said the former guard. “I love tape. I’m watching. I’m always trying to find a tell. I’ve found a tell on everyone. Not him. I could not find a tell. Not one (expletive) thing.”
Miller then broke down what made MJ so elite. “There was no way to get around him, in front of him. He was just too strong. And then he had a 48-inch vertical. So you were never blocking his shot… His handles. And then he held the ball like it was a damn orange,” Miller explained.
“I equate it to this. It was like… maybe this is how centers felt going against Shaq. He was the Shaq of shooting guards,” said the Pacers icon, referring to Shaquille O’Neal. “Man, no weaknesses. None. Zero.”
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