Pippen: LeBron 'Probably Greatest Player To Ever Play Game'

I honestly think he misspoke, if he really thought about it he would take it back. If he said most talented or all-around talented player ever, he would have a case.

I don't believe LeBron is the best ever, but is close to the top 10. Though, I do believe in the annals of basketball history, he is in the argument for the most complete player ever, along with Larry Bird; Oscar Robertson; Wilt Chamberlain; Hakeem Olajuwon; John Havilcek; and Michael Jordan.

LeBron's passing ability is in the same league with the best passing point guards in the NBA, while most of them do not posses his scoring ability; his post game; and his intensity on defense. I'm pretty much repeating what Kenny Smith and an obscure ESPN radio analyst says about LeBron. He can see the floor better than most or even all point guards, for the fact that he has outstanding court vision and he's 6,9. Moreover, he is such a rare talent you cannot pigeonhole him into one role, like most players. Which is why I think it is silly to compare someone like Kevin Durant to LeBron.

On a team like OKC, and playing with a player like Westbrook, LeBron could compliment a player, like Russell Westbrook and possibly another scorer, and not have it as a big detriment to his overall game. I know Durant is a star player, but he is almost strictly a scorer, and nothing more. Durant had alot poor shooting performances in the playoffs that lost the Thunder several games. While LeBron had a few, but was still effective enough in other areas of the game to help the Heat win games.

 

Bird, Magic, and Jordan all impacted the social aspect of the game. In addition to being great players, they brought new fans and big money to the game. Even though LBJ has ads and billboards, I don't see him changing the way the game is viewed like those guys did.

To be Top 5 I think you have to revolutionize the game and to be Top 10 you at least have to revolutionize your position. I don't think he will revolutionize the game and although he's a walking mismatch, he hasn't revolutionized his position.

 

You laughed at Rodman and Kukoc like they were a joke or someone called them superstars. Exactly how many superstars do you think Leron is playing with in Miami? I can only count 1 and that is Dwyane Wade. Pippen was considered a superstar in Chicago.

 

If Lebron wins 7 rings as he predicted when he joined the current Heat he may end up being considered the best ever. Too early to say though.

 

The difference between LeBron being the GOAT is about 6 rings.

/thread

 

Lebron's ring values assuming he wins multiple with Wade and Bosh would be very low compared to MJ ones.

 

well to Lebrons defense, its easier to "revolutionize" when there wasnt nearly as big of market back when they played.. To me its harder to maintain the global marketing appeal Lebron with so many social interests nowadays.... Jordan is the biggest name ever in sports marketability but Lebron will be just fine in that regard in the NEAR future..In todays economy, its quite impressive how his Lebron brand is competing globally..So I dont think that should hinder true basketball fans perception of Lebron in regards to his place among the greats...

 

Lebron does it all. Nobody in NBA history has done what he can do. Let's break it down.

1. He can score at will
2. He handles the ball like a true PG, his hands are soft, vision is amazing and he keeps everyone involved. He isn't selfish AT ALL.
3. He rebounds like Rodman
4. He's stronger and faster than most everybody else on the court
5. He's the best defender by far in the league. Can defend big men (dirk) or small fast guys (d. Rose)
6. He's not clutch.... well this was the biggest knock on him and now we can no longer say that. THE KING IS CLUTCH.

He has it all. He may not be likeable but from a bball standpoint. He has it all.

 

"ring value"????....just another way of saying "**** Lebron right"

 

Stephen A Smith just went off on Pippen

 

By the logic at the top wouldn't Yao Ming be a top 10 player?

I assumed top 5 and top 10 was all about on court production.

 

I thought everyone around here was in agreement that Bosh sucks and that he cries after games?

 

pippen has been so jealous of jordan.

Lebron has he chance to go down as the GOAT SF but he's not Jordan

lol @ people comparing bosh to grant and rodman

 

He doesn't have the most important thing that you need when these type of discussions are debated and that is a ring.

Of course all that can change in June.

 

http://proxy.espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post?id=8143

great article here. MJ's stats blow out lebron. and i'm not even talking about rings

MJ will still be the GOAT when it's all said and done. it's so hard to overtake him b/c you MUST put up the stats, individual accolades, AND win.

 

Pip is going a little overboard, but when has a player ever lead a team to a title while leading them in points and assists, while also being their primary defender? He's also 2 rebounds away from leading Miami in that too.

 

Chicago Bulls record minus MJ in 1994: 55-27

Cleveland Cavs record minus LBJ in 2011: 19-63

That is the only argument needed concerning LeBron's supporting cast versus MJ's.

 

i sometimes wonder why i even post on this board

 

No, he's good friends with Jordan, at the same time he's always honest and speaks his mind. Its not out of the realm of possibility that Lebron could become the GOAT. Time will tell.

The real question is, can we safely shut the nail on the coffin of Kobe???

 

I don't expect that Pippen statue in Chicago to last for a long time....