Latest news with #75thAnniversaryTeam
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Former Michael Jordan Rival Weighs in on NBA GOAT Debate
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. One of the biggest debates in basketball, if not all of sports, is who the Greatest of All-Time is within the NBA. The vast majority of fans, media members, and players all agree that the discussion is between NBA legend Michael Jordan and current Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. More NBA news: Michael Jordan Accidentally Crashes Family Vacation Without Them Realizing James has challenged Jordan for the GOAT title in recent years, after taking over as the All-Time leading scorer in NBA history. But many still don't view him as the GOAT, at least not yet. Pretty much everyone has an opinion on this subject, and many former players have weighed in on things as well. Now, a former rival of Jordan has made his opinion known as well. Former NBA star Dominique Wilkins, who played against Jordan, has weighed in on the debate. Wilkins interviewed with Kyle Odegard of Esports Insider to give his thoughts on the matter. "I don't believe in the GOAT and all that stuff," Wilkins said. "How can you say a guy is the greatest of all-time when they haven't played against some of the guys that were the greatest of their era? Like a Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell. "But I will say this: Michael Jordan made six Finals and won six championships with the same team. And he won three championships after retiring to play another sport. Nothing like that has ever been done before. "MJ did some things that no one will ever do. So if I'm going with the best player to ever play, that's where my mindset sits. I'm going with Michael. That's no disrespect to anybody, but I'm looking at what he accomplished in a short period of time." CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 20: Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Bob McAdoo pose for pictures after the introduction of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage... CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 20: Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Bob McAdoo pose for pictures after the introduction of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. More Photo byWilkins played against Jordan while on the Atlanta Hawks in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The forward got to see him up close and personal, likely leading to him picking Jordan in this debate. More NBA news: Rich Paul Breaks Silence on LeBron James Remaining With Lakers But he also pointed out the main reasoning for people on why Jordan stands alone as the GOAT, which is the six titles in six tries. James has four NBA titles in 10 tries, with many people pointing to his six losses as being the weak point in his argument. Jordan averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 1,072 games with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. In comparison, James has averaged 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers. More NBA news: Lakers Listed as Potential Landing Spot For All-Star Center Lakers Could Be in Position to Land Perfect Luka Doncic Co-Star For more on general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Michael Jordan's Agent Appears to Take Subtle Jab at LeBron James
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The timeless GOAT debate between two of basketball's most iconic figures—Michael Jordan and LeBron James—has entered yet another chapter. More NBA news: Lakers Superstar Luka Doncic Reportedly Turning Page With Conditioning Plan Jordan's long-time agent, David Falk, spoke with Abe Madkour of Sports Business Journal about various topics. Of course, the topic centered around Jordan at one point. Falk was asked who he believes is the G.O.A.T. He quickly answered Jordan. After that, he was asked about his No. 2 on his list, for which he then answered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Kobe Bryant. Falk was then asked for his opinion on Lakers superstar LeBron James. The 75-year-old said that James might be among his top 10 players of all time and threw some shade at the four-time NBA champion. Michael Jordan and LeBron James interact after the presentation of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. Michael Jordan and LeBron James interact after the presentation of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by"Probably," Falk said, before delivering the quote of the day: "I really like LeBron," he said. "But I think if Jordan had cherry-picked what teams he wanted to be on and two other superstars, he would've won 15 championships." Michael Jordan's longtime agent, David Falk, doesn't rank LeBron James as a top-two player of all time 'I really like LeBron, but I think if Jordan had cherry-picked what teams he wanted to be on and two other superstars, he would've won 15 championships.' (Via @SBJ ) — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 21, 2025 More NBA news: Knicks Star Karl Anthony Towns Drops Epic Hype Video Before Eastern Conference Finals The debate surrounding the greatest basketball player of all time continues to stir passionate responses from fans on both sides of the Jordan vs. James discussion. Much of the criticism aimed at Falk stems from his deeply rooted traditional views on the game—views that often reflect an older era of basketball. The legacies of Jordan and James have taken very different paths, each marked by unique challenges and triumphs. Jordan, selected by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, spent the majority of his career in the Windy City. Though the early years were filled with postseason disappointments, the Bulls eventually assembled a championship-caliber roster around him. Jordan then led the team to six titles during the 1990s, cementing his legacy with an unmatched run of dominance. James, on the other hand, began his NBA journey in Cleveland. Despite individual brilliance and a few deep playoff runs, the Cavaliers couldn't provide the necessary support for a title push during his first stint. In search of a better chance to win, James left for Miami in 2010—a move that many argue helped usher in the era of modern super-teams. He went on to win two championships with the Heat, followed by a historic title with Cleveland in 2016 and another with the Lakers in 2020. Both players have achieved greatness in different ways, but Falk, as Jordan's long-time agent and advocate, continues to steer the G.O.A.T. conversation in favor of his client, the five-time NBA MVP. More NBA news: Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins First Ever MVP Award, Beats Out Nikola Jokic For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gilbert Arenas on the biggest difference between Dwight Howard and Joel Embiid: "Dwight was an animal"
The dominance Dwight Howard once held in the NBA might never be fully appreciated, especially since he was left off the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. But Gilbert Arenas, in his trademark blunt and unapologetic style, recently tried to shed light on just how terrifying D12 was in his prime. He painted a picture of physical dominance rarely seen today, describing how defenders braced themselves for the beating their bodies would endure whenever they were assigned to guard the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Advertisement One such example involved Malik Allen, who went to great lengths to protect himself against Howard, something which "Agent Zero" is fear that the likes of Joel Embiid can never instill in the hearts of the opposition. Arenas on just how strong prime Dwight was Sure, "The Process" resume sparkles. He's already led the league in scoring twice, something Dwight never did. On paper, Embiid looks like an unstoppable force when he decides to impose his will on a game. But Arenas insists that what the eight-time All-Star brought to the core - especially in terms of raw, physical dominance - is something that makes him far superior to prime Embiid. "Like Dwight goes hard," Arenas said. "You know, like a little rubber-like for yoga blocks, he had to tape a yoga block to his chest. I believe that it was Malik Allen… Malik Allen had to wear that rubber thing, had to tape it. He just had this bulge out because when Dwight… the elbow was messinghim up and it was hurting the dude. When the practice was over, Dwight was (doing) 500 pushups; Dwight was an animal." However, the manner in which Evan Turner reacted to the victim being Mark Allen, speaks volumes about the admission. The latter wasn't an all-time big man but he wasn't a slouch either, being 6'10" and 225lb. Yet when he went up against Howard, he made sure to take precautions to keep his body away from long-term harm. Advertisement Related: 'His dad's been trying to get him out of here for a while' - Andre Iguodala says Klay Thompson's dad had been asking his son to join the Lakers for years Joel Embiid needs to toughen up If the 2023 MVP truly wants to be mentioned among the game's legendary big men - the kind who were not just stars but undisputed alphas - he has more to prove. It's not just about numbers; it's about impact. Howard led a team to the NBA Finals by his fifth season, something Embiid hasn't yet done. More importantly, Howard was durable. Embiid, on the other hand, is constantly shadowed by injury concerns. If he wants to elevate himself into that elite tier, he'll need to stay healthy and dominate consistently with his raw strength, something in the same way Nikola Jokic is doing in today's game. Advertisement That being said, Arenas' comments also highlight how former players often see the game from a deeper, more experiential angle. They can spot how Joel might be a statistical juggernaut, but he doesn't strike the same fear in the opposition's hearts as Howard did, during his prime years. That fear was felt when Howard was playing defense as well. Not only did he have the ability to defend most centers one-on-one without any help, but he was also a terrific help defender as well. Most guards knew he was operating in the paint defensively and that is where most of Dwght's blocks came from. Related: Dwight Howard on how his stint with Kobe Bryant negatively impacted his legacy: "How Kobe reacted and him being who he is, people took that"
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Trade Idea Sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Rockets in Three-Team Deal
If Giannis Antetokounmpo requests a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic proposed that the Houston Rockets acquire the future Hall of Famer in a three-team deal. Vecenie proposed the following trade idea between the Bucks, Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers: Advertisement Bucks get: Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, Donovan Clingan, 2025 first (via Phoenix), 2027 first (via Phoenix), 2029 first (most favorable of Milwaukee, Portland or Washington), 2028 and 2030 Milwaukee swap rights extinguished Rockets get: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jerami Grant Trail Blazers get: Alperen Sengun, Jock Landale Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Monday that Antetokounmpo is open to leaving the Bucks, who have won only one postseason series since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games. The Bucks signed Antetokounmpo to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023. Antetokounmpo, 30, will make $54.1 million next season. Advertisement A member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks for the Bucks this season in 67 games. Milwaukee lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (34).© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The Rockets made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2020. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round in seven games. Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, a one-time Finals MVP, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time All-Star. The superstar swingman has career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks. Advertisement Antetokounmpo doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Athens native has made no firm decisions yet about his future. Related: Report Reveals What Giannis Antetokounmpo Hasn't Done Yet Amid Trade Rumors
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant Makes Strong NBA Career Statement Without Hesitation
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has had a historic career in the NBA. He has made 15 All-Star appearances, is a four-time scoring champion, a one-time MVP and a two-time champion. Additionally, he has been named the NBA Finals MVP twice and was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, which recognizes the top 75 players in NBA history. Throughout his career, Durant has achieved numerous milestones, but one moment stands out to him. While some of the special nights were when he won the MVP award or when he secured one of his two NBA championships, he revealed on X that there is a particular moment he cherishes that is not often discussed. Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Andre Roberson (21).© Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports It was of a moment when he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was on May 15, 2014, when the Thunder took on the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals. Advertisement In that game, Durant was exceptional. He shot 12-of-23 from the field, including five-of-eight from three-point range, scoring 39 points while also grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out five assists. The Thunder won the game 104-98, despite having been down by as many as 16 points in the first half. This performance came just one game after the Thunder dramatically turned around Game 5 against the Clippers. In that game, OKC was trailing by seven points with only 49 seconds left. Durant hit a three-point shot to narrow the gap, and after the Thunder got a defensive stop, they made a layup to cut the lead to two points with 18 seconds remaining. Clippers guard Chris Paul attempted to anticipate a foul and shoot a full-court shot for three free throws, but Russell Westbrook stole the ball. Westbrook was then fouled while attempting a three-pointer and made all three free throws. Reggie Jackson also stole the ball from Paul after that, helping the Thunder secure a 105-104 victory. Although OKC ultimately lost in the conference finals in six games to the San Antonio Spurs, who went on to defeat the LeBron James-led Miami Heat in five games in the NBA Finals, that moment in Durant's career remains one of the most memorable. Related: Kevin Durant Reveals What Makes LeBron James So 'Special'
