Former NBA champion and renowned personality, John Salley, recently shared his candid thoughts on his illustrious career spanning multiple NBA eras and weighed in on one of basketball’s most enduring debates: the comparison between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Playing Through the Golden Eras
Salley, often known for his witty observations, chuckled when asked about playing with everyone in the NBA. “No, not everybody,” he corrected. “I played with everybody that’s important.”
He emphatically labeled the 80s and 90s as the “PRIME era of the NBA,” detailing the incredible constellation of talent he shared the court with. “I got to play against Dr. J and Moses Malone (RIP), Daryll Dawkins (RIP); I got to play with and against Michael Jordan, against Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar], Byron Scott… whom I will be coaching against,” he recounted, reflecting on his amazing career accomplishments.
The Tired Jordan vs. LeBron Debate
When the conversation shifted to the perennial comparisons between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Salley didn’t mince words about the debate’s longevity.
“It’s old because… [pauses] because it’s like, eras away,” Salley stated, emphasizing the time difference. “It’s 2022. Michael stopped playing in what? 2001? You know what I’m sayin’? And without Michael, there’s no Kobe; there’s no more of that style because they do a lot I think to emulate Michael.”
LeBron James: The Modern Magic
Salley took the comparison in a different direction, suggesting a different legendary mold for the four-time champion.
“Definitely! He IS Magic Johnson,” Salley asserted regarding LeBron James’ play style. However, he then introduced a nuanced view of Magic Johnson himself. “But Magic also had the Michael Jordan killer aspect. Magic is like a mixture of both.”
Ultimately, Salley offered a unique perspective on the true combined force in NBA history. “I always said that the best player that was in the NBA is Earvin-Larry Bird-Johnson because they’re like one person. They’re both so intense, that it was amazing.”
