NBA players’ poll shows Michael Jordan still edges out LeBron James as the GOAT, but James closes the gap significantly.

Credit: Fadeaway World

The ongoing debate over who holds the title of the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT) took an interesting turn in the latest player poll, with NBA players voting for Michael Jordan ahead of LeBron James. Out of the 133 votes cast, Jordan received 61, while James garnered 56, indicating a narrow margin between them. This marks the third consecutive poll in which Jordan’s lead has diminished, with James closing the gap significantly this time around.

In 2019, Jordan held a commanding lead over James, with 73 percent of the votes compared to James’ 11.9 percent. By 2023, Jordan’s lead had narrowed but still remained substantial, with 58.3 percent of the votes compared to James’ 33 percent. However, in the latest poll, the margin between them has shrunk to just 3.8 percent, indicating a shift in perception among players.

According to the Athletic, this shift can be attributed to James’ continued excellence on the court, even at this late stage of his career. Over the past 14 months, James has achieved remarkable feats, including breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, leading the Lakers to the West finals and an In-Season Tournament title, and becoming the first player to earn 20 All-Star selections.

Additionally, his statistical prowess, such as averaging at least 25 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds per game, further solidifies his case as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

As the debate rages on, it’s clear that James’ longevity and sustained success are reshaping the narrative surrounding his career. While comparisons to Jordan are inevitable, some argue that their respective journeys have diverged too much to make a fair comparison. James’ ability to maintain an elite level of play for over two decades has fundamentally altered the way his legacy will be remembered in basketball lore.

What Could Be The Possible Reasons For Michael Jordan’s Numbers To Drop So Much?

One possible reason for Michael Jordan’s numbers to drop in the GOAT poll could be the changing demographic of NBA players over time. As the league evolves, with new draft picks entering every year, there are fewer players remaining who directly witnessed Jordan’s dominance during his peak years.

Younger players may not have had the opportunity to experience Jordan’s impact firsthand or may not have been as influenced by his legacy compared to older generations of players.

Additionally, the passage of time may have diluted Jordan’s influence on current players. As the NBA continues to expand globally and new stars emerge, the significance of Jordan’s accomplishments may fade relative to more recent achievements. Younger players may be more inclined to idolize contemporary stars or players from their own generation rather than looking back at historical figures like Jordan.

Furthermore, the proliferation of social media and digital platforms has changed the way players consume and interact with basketball history. While Jordan’s highlights and accolades are readily available online, the immediacy of social media tends to prioritize current events and trends over past achievements.

As a result, younger players may not have the same level of reverence for Jordan as older generations who grew up watching him play live or on television.

Overall, the changing landscape of the NBA, combined with the passage of time and the evolving media landscape, could contribute to Michael Jordan’s numbers dropping in GOAT polls as younger players may not perceive him as the definitive greatest player of all time.