Why do we as a society always feel the need to compare one person to another in the sporting world? As a society we are always looking for the next big thing that is going to happen in sports. We do not appreciate what is happening in front of our eyes. Today in sports we always compare either Kobe or LeBron, and before that Vince Carter to what Michael did for the game of basketball and his impact on the world at large. These comparisons to Jordan can weigh on a player and make them crumble under that pressure. One player in particular was Harold Minor, who was nicknamed “Baby Jordan” and was unable to live up to the hype and fell to the wayside in the NBA. Now there are some comparisons of Victor Oladipo, a forward from Indiana, to Michael Jordan.
We need to stop comparing players today to a possible counterpart that played in the NBA years ago. We should appreciate what these guys are doing right now for the game of basketball, and when they retire that is when we can begin these arguments. Why compare someone that has years left in the league to make an impact to someone that has already made an impact in the league and has been retired. In my opinon, there will never be another Michael Jordan. You cannot replicate the perfect storm of events and opportunities that came around during his time playing. So I believe that these arguments don’t need to happen because you cannot surpass Jordan. There are those that want to stir the pot and make these arguments, and I’m fine with that. But the arguments should take place after they are retired so we can truly look back on their careers at the same time.
But hey, we’ve got to give a job to Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless right?
Tyler I do agree that society sometimes does feel the need to always compare athletes. But at the same time sport is competition so there is a need to compare to find who is better at the end of the day. We do lose sight of the history that is being made though. But as fans it is our duty to enjoy the game and take it for what it is. I do agree that there will never be another MJ but at the same time without his legacy would we see the competitiveness we see in Kobe Bryant. I think society needs to rather hold them up to a certain light that current players want to surpass them to leave a lasting name rather than compare them. You make a very good point that we should not compare a current athlete with one who is retired; I mean it is not like the retired person can do anything anyways so it is not fair for them. Sometimes we have to be quiet and let history make itself.
ReplyDelete- Greg Gantt
DeleteTyler,
ReplyDeleteI feel comparing players from now to the past is over analyzed. However, I feel like this is a part of sport. This happens at every level comparing someone to the greats before them. It is an honor for LeBron to be compared to one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Or even Brittney Griner being compared to Lisa Leslie one of the greatest WNBA players. If one someone is a standout player, there life and career are under a microscope. From the way that they talk, to how they stand on the court is watched. Everyone wants to be the next person. You become the next person from being compared to people before you then surpassing them. I’m sure at one time Micheal Jordan was the next someone and many other greats.
Darion Delaney