Want to manufacture a controversy? Just ask a bunch of people to compare Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
ESPN the Magazine showed us all how it’s done by asking 26 current NBA players — a ridiculously small sample size, but just enough to create a story — who they would most like to see take the last shot with the game on the line. The vast majority of the players maintain their respect for Jordan’s clutch shot-making abilities. None picked James.
“That’s like ranking the shortest giant,” an anonymous Eastern Conference guard told ESPN. “I’d want the ball in LeBron’s hands at the end of the game, but I’d want him to pass to Kobe or Jordan for the last shot. And don’t forget, LeBron is not a great free throw shooter, either.”
Of the 26 players polled, 23 chose Jordan to take the final shot, while the remaining three chose Bryant.
However, six of those players also said they believe James will finish his career as the greatest player ever. So those six players don’t want the greatest player ever taking the last shot while the clock is winding down. Explain that, please.
