Towards the end of his NBA career, former Boston Celtics star Cedric Maxwell had the chance to match up with a young Michael Jordan on several occasions, so he knows first hand how good he was at that stage.
Despite facing the Chicago Bulls legend, Maxwell remained adamant that Jordan is not the greatest player of all time as many NBA fans and players would suggest. He actually gives the nod to LeBron James and laid out his reasons why.
In an interview on NBC Sports Boston’s “Arbella’s Early Edition,” the former Finals MVP explained what puts LeBron avove Jordan.
“LeBron James is the GOAT now,” NBA legend said. “He’s the GOAT because, not only on the basketball side, but social issues: He’s been involved in every social issue that we look at.”
“When somebody says, ‘Shut up and dribble’ — LeBron James has put his money where his mouth is, and that to me resonates. That’s why I think more of our players and more NBA people need to step up and find that same courage,” Maxwell added.
He also blasted Jordan.
“During this pandemic, Georgia opened up, and there was a shoe store that dropped Jordan’s shoes during that time,” Maxwell furthered. “And it showed all these kids with no masks on (trying to buy Jordan’s shoes). Did Nike need that kind of publicity? Did Jordan need that kind of publicity?”
Despite being in his 17th season, LeBron was putting up 25.7 points, a league-high 10.6 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game in 2019-20 and had the Lakers with the best record in the Western Conference.
