As we approach Lebron James passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all time scoring leader, the question of who is the NBA’s Greatest of All Time (GOAT
GOAT
) intensifies. Usually, the debate is whether it is Lebron or Michael but very few times does Kareem’s name enter the field. However, with Lebron about to pass Kareem’s record there will be more focus on Kareem’s accomplishments, besides his scoring milestone. So perhaps this becomes more of a 3-way conversation.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the ... [+] Atlanta Hawks in the first half at State Farm Arena on December 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesDebating the GOAT is always lots of fun but first we have to define the criteria for determining the GOAT. Is it just NBA performance that include MVPs, Championships, All Pro Selection, All Star appearances, points scored, rebounds and assists? Does it include influence on the game of basketball outside the NBA, such as high school and college basketball. And should it include impact on the business of sport or even social activism.
I would argue that each of these 3 have a legitimate claim on the title of GOAT depending on the criteria you use. For Michael, he won 6 championships and was 6-time MVP. He never lost in the Finals and was always Finals MVP. Michael was the ultimate “winner” and competitor, whose philosophy was “give no quarter and seek no quarter” from opponents or even teammates.
He also single handedly supercharged the NIKE brand with his “Air Jordan” moniker and besides NIKE became the ultimate pitchman for brands from Coke to Gatorade to McDonald’s to Fruit of the Loom.
Michael’s charisma was also largely responsible for making the NBA aspirational. He fit in perfectly with David Stern’s image of the NBA athlete: well spoken, dapper and remarkably gifted athletically. During Michael’s tenure the NBA sored so much in popularity so that David Stern once whispered to me: “how are we going to survive without him”. Somehow David and his successor, Adam Silver, found a way to do so. When Michael retired the NBA had roughly $2B in revenue where Adam Silver recently announced that the NBA’s 2022 revenue would surpass $10B.
(Original Caption) Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls gets set to dunk the ball during the slam ... [+] dunk contest 2/8. Jordan won the contest.
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Lebron came along in a era when high school athletes could go straight to the NBA and he did so with lots of fanfare. From the beginning it was clear he was a man among boys—big, extremely athletic and a virtually indestructible body. He developed an extraordinary feel for the game and has been the model of consistency… Perhaps he did not have Michael’s passion and tenacity for winning from the beginning, but Lebron developed more of that killer instinct over time and was able to display it in many key moments, winning 3 NBA Titles and 4 MVP awards and a record 18 All Star appearances. Lebron is about to break Kareem’s scoring record, a testament to long term consistency and at 38 years old playing some of the best basketball of his career. It has been reported that Lebron spends $1M per year maintaining his physical conditioning with the latest technologies and whatever he is doing is working. Off the court, Lebron has had quite an impact as well. His sports marketing deals are numerous, and he has built a highly successful entertainment company. Lebron has also led a movement to shift the balance of power in the NBA more if favor of the players and is known for his social and political activism. Some applaud him for his courageous stance on social justice issues while others believe he sometimes fires off social media posts that rush to judgment without full investigation and due consideration of the facts.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #33, Center for the Los Angeles Lakers jumps to make a single handed lay up shot ... [+] to the basket over #18 Hot Rod Williams, Center for the Cleveland Cavaliers during their NBA Pacific Division basketball game on 7th March 1987 at the The Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 122 - 118. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Allsport/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesWhile Kareem is rarely mentioned in this GOAT conversation, his accomplishments are extraordinary and his impact on the game of basketball second to none. When Kareem was in high school, he was so dominant that the NCAA changed the rules of the game to prevent dunking the basketball because they felt he would dominate the game so much if allowed. Kareem adjusted to that rule change and developed his famous “sky hook”, the most unstoppable shot in NBA history. Moreover, when Kareem was playing no one was allowed to play in the NBA until their college class had graduated. So Kareem played 4 years at UCLA before entering the NBA. 2,325 plus about 750 as a Freshman, so roughly 3,000 points. With 4 more years in the NBA Kareem would have certainly extended his scoring record well beyond where it is now, likely over 40,000 points. He also may have even extended his number of 6 MVPs and 6 NBA Championships to go with his 15 All Star appearances. People may not recall, but Kareem preceded Lebron in social activism. He was photographed with Martin Luther King at age 17 and was front and center during many gatherings protesting racial injustice. He continues to be an accomplished author, social commentator and respected intellectual.
As the GOAT debate continues to simmer, my view is that it cannot be resolved in a truly objective manner. No one can agree on the criteria, context or what’s most important in settling this debate. Let’s just celebrate as Kareem says, “The Evolution of Excellence” and appreciate the one thing these amazing athletes share: that they are truly remarkable on and off the basketball court.
Leonard Armato, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/leonardarmato/2023/01/18/who-is-the-nba-goat-lebron-james-michael-jordan-or-kareem/
By: Leonard Armato, Contributor
Title: Who Is The NBA GOAT: Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Or Kareem?
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/leonardarmato/2023/01/18/who-is-the-nba-goat-lebron-james-michael-jordan-or-kareem/
Published Date: 01-18-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take you to become a NBA star?
To become a true professional NBA star, it takes a lot of dedication and time. Being a NBA star takes hard work, physical conditioning, skills development, and years. Most players spend three to five years studying in college before they are ready for the draft. Once they are drafted, players must perform well in the NBA. Doing so requires even more training and professional guidance from coaches and trainers. The ultimate goal of becoming a NBA superstar is not possible in a few short years. To reach these heights you must be dedicated, committed, and take the time. If you are determined and have the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and become a NBA Superstar!
Which team is the most successful in NBA basketball?
The answer to that question is subjective. Fans will continue to debate it for years. Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics hold the most NBA championships with 17 titles. Chicago Bulls enjoyed their peak in the 1990s when six titles were won under Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. The San Antonio Spurs won five championships in the last decade, while the Golden State Warriors took home four. The Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980s, Kobe-Shaq Lakers in the 2000s and LeBron James's Miami Heat team, which won back-to-back NBA championships 2012 and 2013, are just a few other notable NBA teams.
When did Bill Russell die?
"The great ones are the ones who play when it matters most." -Bill Russell
A legend lives for ever. Legends die when they stop playing.
However, those moments gave us a glimpse of the greatest basketball players.
Russell was born in February 1934 and died on July 31, 2022. In just 13 seasons, he won 11 championships for the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell is the recipient of five MVP awards as well as 12 All-Star selections. His passion for winning made him a great leader and defender.
He made the Celtics a great team and one of the most admired dynasties sports history. He was a tough competitor and an unselfish teammate, who inspired his teammates towards their full potential.
Russell inspired many generations of coaches and players. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. You will be remembered forever as one of the best basketball players.
Who is the greatest free throw shooter?
It is a question that is often debated by basketball fans. However, most agree that Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors is undoubtedly the greatest free-throw sapper of all time. With an amazing 402.
Karl Malone currently holds a record for the most free throws made over a career with 9,787 success shots. He also has attempted more free throws than anyone else at 13,188 attempts, resulting in a 74.20% success rate.
What rivalry does the NBA have?
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers hold the title of the biggest rivalry in the NBA.
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have met the most out of any teams in the NBA Finals, with 12 times. The Celtics won nine of those meetings. Their first meeting took place in 1959. They both excelled over the next years, especially during 1960s-80s, when they would encounter each other six times and then three times. The new millennium marked 2000, but the two teams still met twice within the same year.
Statistics
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
External Links
sbnation.com
nba.com
sports.yahoo.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
How To
How an NBA Getty Images photographer captures the perfect shot
This article will demonstrate how a NBA Getty Images Photographer can capture the perfect shot. First, choose the best location. Next, choose the best angle to take your photo. Finally, you must anticipate what might happen next.
- Step1: Selecting the Right Location
Select the right time and the place where you want to take your photograph in order get the best result. You risk losing the moment if you are surrounded by too much activity. It is important to not have people blocking your view. Try to find a spot in which they will not be able see you taking photographs.
As soon as you've found a good spot, start snapping away. It is always easier for you to move closer and not further back.
- Step 2: Picking the Best Angle
Once you have found the perfect location, think about the angle of the camera. This is the most important aspect of capturing a great photo.
You should choose a position that allows you to see the subject matter clearly without getting in the way. You can look through the basket hoops if you want to capture a basketball player performing a layup. This will give you a tight frame and eliminate any obstructions.
Next, look for interesting angles. Find one that reveals something about the athlete. While a low angle will show his height, a high angle will showcase his athleticism.
Framing is the final thing to consider. Framing is how things are placed within a frame. When choosing the right composition, remember to balance the foreground (what's closest to the lens) with the background (everything else).
- Step 3: Anticipating what might happen next
Always think ahead. You should always be prepared to respond quickly to any unusual activity, such as a person diving into the lane or a ball rolling towards the rim. Do not hesitate to shout "action" and "cut".
Once you have heard those words, stop the action. After that, wait for the action in order to move forward. If you freeze the scene, it will ensure that the shutter button is pressed with sharp focus.
These steps will ensure that you capture the perfect shot every single time. You will learn how to be a professional NBA Getty Images photographer, and you will take amazing photos that will last forever.
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