Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player of all time, and you won’t hear too many solid arguments otherwise. But there’s another hot sports debate currently going on right now regarding Jordan and LeBron James.
If the two players squared off and played one-on-one against each other right now—who would win?
It’s an interesting topic, and Public Policy Polling recently talked to NBA fans about it. They found that 34 percent of fans think Jordan would win.
There’s no such division when it comes to who NBA fans think is the best player of all time. 77% pick Michael Jordan on that question to only 14% who think it’s LeBron James. In fact despite his being 52 years old, 34% of NBA fans think Jordan could beat James one on one now — as in the year 2015 — to just 54% who think James would win despite being in the prime of his career.
Jordan is the GOAT, hands down, but it’s hard to overlook the age and size advantages James would have if they played. Let’s take a look at them:
- Size: James is 6’8″, 249 pounds, while Jordan stands at 6’6″, 218 pounds.
- Age: James is 30 years old and still in the end of his prime, while Jordan is 52.
If the two players squared off while in their late-20’s—which is impossible but still makes for a great debate—I believe Jordan would’ve taken it to James. But at his current age, it’s hard for me to back him.
Remember, when Jordan played for the Wizards during the end of his NBA career, he was reduced to shooting mostly mid-to-long-range jumpers. He didn’t have the quickness and explosiveness to get to the hoop, which is what made him so great in his prime years. If the two played right now, I think James would use his size to overpower MJ.
Who do you think would win if the two played one-on-one?
