Quarantine boredom sent me down memory lane watching the athlete that imo is the GOAT of all GOATS.
Michael Jordan.
Elite leader, refuses to lose, check.
Elite defender, check.
Tenacious fiery with an iron will, check.
Elevates players around him, check.
To me, the most important of all, the epitome of clutch. There is literally no other athlete on this planet that is as clutch as 23.
Going a step further I’m going to build my team, and I’m only going to do one per position. 1-5. I’m not going for cohesion, just who I think is the best at their position to ever play the game.
1: Magic Johnson. Loathed him and his team but the man could ball.
2. Michael Jordan. There aren’t enough superlatives to be able to adequately describe this player imo.
3. Kobe Bryant. (Barely over LeBron) Loathed him and his team but respected the hell out of his game. To me he’s the second most dynamic playmaker to ever play in the NBA. RIP Mamba, and baby Mamba.
4. Kevin Garnett. This is a personal fandom pick. Loved the way he played the game, and molded my game directly after KG. Mean, nasty, tenacious and very physical. Played with a passion that was infectious and enthralling to watch. I’d go to war with KG.
5. Shaq Diesel. Watching this man among boys, destroying rims and opposing players, was exhilarating. A true force of nature.
Coach. Phil Jackson. Triangle offense, like 36 titles. Nuff said.
Who’s your GOAT ladies and gents, and who’s your 5? The reason I spent hours upon hours of practicing alone, rain or shine. Trying to be like Mike.
I was unable to ever fly like Mike but I did fly and had the tongue out in honor of Mike every game, without even realizing. Was able to attain the nickname White Chocolate and made traveling all star squads but that’s as far as I could carry my love, my flame. Tumor surgery took some of my twitch and I wasn’t the same. Such is life. ?