Who is the Real GOAT?
By Byler Henry
What does it take to be great? How does one go about achieving greatness? To be great will not be an achievement that will be done overnight – it is hours of practice and patience.
There is a constant debate about who is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in the NBA. Many fans would say Michael Jordan is hands down the greatest of all time. Undefeated in the NBA Finals, winning 6 titles in 10 years. With LeBron making eight straight finals appearance, many are saying he is creeping up into the GOAT 
conversation. Bill Russell holds the record for most finals appearances in a row with 10. He has 11 titles overall within a 13-year playing career.
So, who really is the GOAT? There are fans who will say Michael Jordan and fans who will say LeBron James. This conversation will continue for years to come. Michael Jordan’s legacy is cemented while LeBron is still building his legacy. Michael Jordan is fourth on the all-time NBA leading scorer’s list at 32,292 points while LeBron is at number 7 with 31,038. Here are some career highlights and awards:
The NBA playoffs is a time where great players rise and show how they can win in pressure situations. During their playoff runs Michael Jordan has averaged more points than LeBron (33.4 to 28.9), but LeBron has scored more (6,911 to 5,987). LeBron James has a slight field goal percentage lead with 0.491 to Jordan’s 0.487, their 3-point percentages are the same at 0.332, while Jordan has the lead in free throw percentages at 0.828 to LeBron’s 0.743. LeBron leads in total assists with 1,687 to Jordan’s 1,022. It shows that both players can come through for their teams in pressure moments. So, who is the real GOAT? After comparing numbers and eye test, I will go with Michael Jordan; however, LeBron is not any less great. The rules of the NBA are different and not as physical as it was back in the ’80s and ‘90s. Can LeBron James one day be considered greater if he continues to pile up stats and wins a few more championships? That question remains to be answered. So, who do you think is the GOAT?
