Michael Jordan has gone back and forth as to who is the best player in the NBA. There are several players to choose from. Naturally, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are the first brought up. Some might make an argument for Kevin Durant. Others might say Derrick Rose is the best. However, after originally claiming Bryant as the best in the league, Jordan is now looking towards James, but only by default.
In February of 2013, Jordan said Bryant was the best player in the NBA. He noted that the Lakers star had more rings, noting that "five beats one every time I look at it." Since those comments, James has racked up another championship and another MVP title while Bryant sits out with a torn Achilles. Because of the circumstances, Jordan is now claiming James as the best.
"It's hard to pick. It's hard to say the best player," Jordan said, via the Associated Press. "You would have to say LeBron because of what he's capable of doing. Kobe is coming off an injury and you don't know where he is going to be at his age. I would have to say LeBron."
James has faced Jordan comparisons his entire career, but the NBA legend has never given him all the credit some might say the Miami Heat star deserves. In a recent interview, James recently said he would love to sit down with Jordan and gain some advice from the legend but has yet to do so. Jordan would welcome the opportunity.
"Sure, I would be willing to talk to a bunch of the kids," Jordan said. "And actually I do. I don't advertise it because I don't want it to be misconstrued or to be viewed as tampering with other stars. I'm in a more difficult position than other owners because it can be viewed in a different way. But I've always welcomed an opportunity to talk to anybody, LeBron included. I was very moved to see (Lebron) said that. But I'm not the type that is going to chase down today's athletes. If you welcome conversation or insight from me, I'm here and I'm always going to be receptive of that."
Jordan noted that he is always willing to help improve the game of basketball and give feedback when it is sought out. One thing Jordan is not looking forward to is a return to basketball. The legend killed the ridiculous notion that he would return for one night, noting that his body feels good but only enough to mess around at camps.
