The Next Jordan discussions - why?

[Chris_23]

During last two weeks it seems the season has arrived again. I visit quite many NBA-related forums, though rarely post anywhere else but here. Browsing through different (heated) discussions related to our beloved and favorite pro basketball league, there are certain seasons that seem to arrive at least once or twice per year.

Yes, the infamous Next Jordan discussions, curse etc.

It has been tied with very very many players around the league. In fact, Jordan is probably one of the two major sportsmen in all sports history to be tied that strongly to the 'Next' search (the other being Pele). All this began when Michael was still playing. Names like Harold Miner are known to few, but names like Jerry Stackhouse, Grant Hill, Anfernee Hardaway, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are from NBA basketball 101.

But I am not here to aimlessly rant about all this Next Jordan buzz in general. This year I have witnessed such a discussion twice. The first of such was about LeBron James and by Cleveland Cavaliers fans themselves. LeBron posted up an amazing season last year, that looks great as far as stats are concerned. LeBron is the newest addition in the next-Jordan talks along with Dwyane Wade.

This season however, while LeBron is doing well in statistics, he is not doing well on court. Out of all people in the world (completely different from Lakers fans for example) Cavs people have started to criticize young LeBron quite harshly. Yes, it is true that at times he just doesn't feel like playing. Yes, this may be somewhat a Vince Carter effect. Or, it may be coaches fault. I don't know, probably no one will ever know unless LeBron will do something stupid and start bashing his team in media, which would be very unlikely.

Nevertheless many of those fans who expected LeBron, who is in his fourth year, to rise to somewhere in hype and domination in the league like Jordan did. So far, not so good, and this drives Cleveland fans quite mad. I actually feel sorry for those who fall under next-Jordan plague, I hope what is currently happening will break LeBron apart from what Jordan was, and will give him room to be what -he- himself is. He is a wonderful player, one of the better athletes in the league right now and future MVP without a doubt.

The entirely other case is Kobe Bryant. Kobe has admired Jordans achievements for a long time, similarly to Wade, Jordan has had very strong influence on the player. Kobe is, along with Kevin Garnett, in my opinion the players with greatest workethic in NBA today. But, differently from LeBron who consistantly puts up great numbers, Kobe is dragged into next-Jordanesque discussions by individual achievements, like the recent 30 points in a quarter. And, not all, some Lakers fans call him the greatest of all time as a result as well.

But what is sad about all that is the simple fact that people tend to forget, or just want something new and amazing in the league that would inspire the basketball world Michael Jordan did. People tend to forget that Jordan posted 38 40+ point games in the playoffs (170+ in the career). Not to mention five 60 point games. He has scored 40 points nine games in a row, has scored 7 triple double games in a row. He also averaged 40 points per game.. in the NBA finals. Not to mention that he is considered one of the best clutch-performers ever in the league, the greatest competitor ever in the league who overcame emotional issues over his father, who overcame flu in NBA finals, fatigue in all late ninties perfomances, and with Wizards (where he scored 43 points as a 40 year old, first ever in the league to achieve that being 40+ years old). While I may get carried away by listing down different achievements Michael pulled off and while it is obvious I am Jordans fan, it is not my intent here to tag him the best ever. Others have done that for me, with stats or without stats (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2003-02-06-dupree-team_x.htm). Thats not the point of this thread.

What really makes me wonder is -why- are people looking for the next Jordan so much? Why is it so hard for fans to let Jordan be what he is, let his achievements be what they were, and move on? Why does it look like it's so hard to appreciate the game of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and others without having this silent thought in the back of your head that 'is this the next Jordan? is he better than Jordan?'. Would it not be -better- then? Or more vice versa? As a Jordan fan I wholehearedly -love- to see players in nowadays league, like Kobe and Dwyane, who have studied alot from Jordan and carry at least a little bit of 23's essence with them on court. The unbelievable streaks Kobe is capable of, the dominating drive of Dwyane Wade. The classic fadeaway jumpshots!

I absolutely love them, but whenever I see an amazing perfomance by Kobe or LeBron or Dwyane I always have a subtle fear when logging online and checking out NBA related forums, seeing another thread pop up that discusses if what this player did at that moment was better than Jordan or not. Why? Does it make Kobe's 30 point per quarter achievement lesser if he is not as good as Jordan was? Does it make LeBron's athletic play lesser? Or Wade's ability to take over the game and carry his team on his shoulders? Do you really cheer less for an amazing player if you consider him lesser than Jordan?

Would it -really- make fans feel better over those achievements if they believed their favorite player has surpassed Jordan?

There will not be another Michael Jordan. But there will be a player better than Michael Jordan. Or there has been a better player than Michael Jordan, or there is a better player. I personally don't love the hype, I love what he gave for the game of basketball. I remember myself running out of my house 6AM in the morning after 98 NBA finals (living in eastern europe) and playing the ball until late in the evening, attempting Michaels 'Shot' over and over again. Yes, Michael Jordan was in many ways bigger than the game, charismatic persona, ideal build for a dominant guard, workethic and beliefs, enough arrogance not to be abused no matter what. But he was just one man, one player that inspired so many basketball fans. But, he is also history. And, he is merely one man in a team. You may debate over what individual talent is capable of, but don't forget the teams influence. Bulls was built around Michael, and the Bulls are most likely the strongest dynasty in the history of the league, losing out only to the greatest, the Celtics.

It is just my foolish wish that some day, heroes of today don't have to be measured against the heroes of past, because quite frankly, it's not fair.

No matter if you are Kobe's, Lebron's, Wade's fan or not, and if you have tried to prove that your favorite is better, or will be the 'next', after every great achievement your favorite player has pulled off.. Next time when you see your favorite number 24 or 3 or 23 pull off an amazing perfomance, be just happy for what he did. Celebrate that and don't diminish it's value by thinking that Jordan did something better (or, indeed, try to prove that it's not the case). Basketball is not about that, Michael was not about that.

Anyways, here ends my rant, said what I wanted to say.

[J@3]

I think Jordan is somewhat a living example of how important the mental aspect of the game is. Alot of guys coming through the league would've been as talented as him basketball wise, there's been better shooters, better defenders, better leapers, better ball handlers etc and in some cases probably a few players who've had an edge over him in numerous categories, but without the once in a lifetime mental component MJ seemed to have when he played. It's also what separates the Kobe Bryant's from the Vince Carters, Tracy McGrady's etc... I believe LeBron even refered to it as a killer instinct, which is something he himself says he lacks.

[mAgoTT50]

lebron is bigger and stronger than mj was , but lebron lacks defense, if and when he learns too defend , i think he can bee as good as mj.

[Oznogrd]

Honestly about why everyones looking for the next Jordan: I think people are nostalgic for a player they can tune in for and be wowed consistently. Can you remember a night where you watched a jordan game and didnt go..."wait did he just do that?" at least once, if not 2 or 3 times per game? I saw jordan play for the wizards in exhibition his first year back. At 40 and some change years old, you could see this guy wasnt like the rest of the people on the court. He was fluid, he seemed to know just where to be...not a damn thing could stop him. I believe in that exhibition he scored 30+ and it goes down in my memory as one of the greatest things i've ever attended. I saw a legend, maybe even a god, of a sport perform. I mean i remember growing up watching Jordan in the same way i'm sure many of us did since most of us are approximately the same age. I cannot remember anyone EVER saying "i dont like michael jordan". The question is why is that? There are many stats and mentions of charisma and work ethic..And i even agree with Jae's point about the killer instinct...the fire from inside, that drives you to keep going, even when you're sick and tired of everyone and everything, just that, for lack of a better term; "x-factor"...and i think all of these contribute. It always annoys me when i hear the next jordan talk: no one ever will be him again. People should be allowed their own identities as was said, but acknowledge the influence of His Airness. I guess thats not really an answer, just my take on the situation.

[cyanide]

I think some people just miss what Jordan brought to the NBA. Jordan wasn't just about stats, but was an icon–a brand. His charisma, his championships, his work ethic and competitiveness, and his ability to dominate, is what made him so great. He nearly had no flaws.

I think over time, the whole "next Jordan" thing will fade off. You don't hear the next Bill Russell, Kareem, Magic, or even Wilt Chamberlain anymore. You start to see comparisions rather than the next [insert name here].

I've noticed that people are starting to realize that there never will be a next Michael Jordan. Even players are saying it. I recall Carter saying, "I'm not the next anything. I'm the next Vince Carter," or something along those lines.

Granted, Cleveland fans probably screwed themselves over by putting up too many expectations on LeBron. I've observed LeBron over the past few years, and really, I don't like him too much. He's an excellent talented player, but I blame his attitude. It seems attitude is a problem with these great players: Iverson in his earlier days, Vince and T-Mac with their former teams, Kobe and the rape/Phil/Shaq problems, and so on. Getting LeBron is what Cleveland fans should want, but they're looking for Michael Jordan when clearly, LeBron is not him.

[maes]

It's basically impossible to be another MJ because MJ brought basketball to the masses, and basketball is already a mass-market activity. There could be another MJ in another sport, perhaps golf or volleyball.

When growing up, i remember my grade school didn't have a basketball team (but it certainly had football & baseball), and remember trying out for the very first team they decided to create.

I believe now basketball is pretty much a standard sport in any school. I like that girl's basketball is also becoming more popular.

[Andrew]

I think over time, the whole "next Jordan" thing will fade off. You don't hear the next Bill Russell, Kareem, Magic, or even Wilt Chamberlain anymore. You start to see comparisions rather than the next [insert name here].

I don't think it will fade away completely though. While a lot of fans and sportswriters alike put little stock in the "next (player)" concept, there's a contingent of the media and fans who are eager to bestow that title upon someone from the new generation of players, recasting yesterday's stars with the players of today.

Perhaps it's just keeping in line with current trends. After all, Hollywood is big on reliving past glory with remakes these days. With the popularity of the sport and the NBA in particular during the 80s and 90s it's not surprising a lot of people try to promote NBA: The Next Generation starring Kobe Bryant as Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki as Larry Bird and LeBron James as Magic Johnson (also starring Steve Nash as John Stockton, with special cameo appearances by Shaquille O'Neal, Grant Hill and Cliff Robinson as themselves). Like a Hollywood remake, it's the same popular tale with the same popular characters, portrayed by today's stars.

I remember reading a column with very similar sentiments a few years back. I forget who wrote the article but it was about a memorable Lakers/Nets game that featured a great duel between Kobe and Kidd, a battle that was described as bringing back memories of matchups between Jordan and Magic. However, the descriptions went beyond mere comparisons. On the night, Kobe was Jordan. Kidd was Magic. The game was practically portrayed as a reenactment of contests from days gone by. Not an ideal way for today's stars and their performances to find their own niche in NBA lore, though I believe that's what the author was trying to achieve through that article.

Comparisons are always going to be there but today's stars need to be able to carve their own identity, establish their own legacy and succeed in their own way. After all, Michael Jordan was compared to Julius Erving early in his career but was allowed to become his own player. History will remember players like Kobe and LeBron much more favourably if they are allowed to stand by themselves, without any "next" tags. However, I'm not sure that will be allowed to happen.

[ThaLiveKing]

Look at D-Wade, we wants to win unlike the rest of his team mates this year!! He's just doing all the fucking work!! I feel sorry for him

[beau_boy04]

So many players been compared to MJ. I wonder what player Michael Jordan was compared to when he was playing. Only game that comes up to mind is Julius Erving. Now did MJ surpassed Dr. J as a player?

[Metsis]

Well, the next this and that is really irrelevant. I don't think that there can ever be a next MJ that truly fills the role... Just as things go on and time goes by, the memories fade and all we remember about MJ are his greatest moments. It's not like we find ourselves remembering all the missed buzzer beaters and all the bad decisions Michael made. It's not like he was the perfect basket ball player or the most talented around... MJ was really good though, but that mean streak sets him apart from the wanna be's... He is the father of basket ball. He is the man that made the sport into what it is and he is almost single handedly responsible for all the money that circles in the NBA today. There can never be an outbreak like that in basket ball. Like what maes said... That is why Michael Jordan will always be the man when looking at basket ball. It's like Wayne Gretzky in hockey. There will never be anyone like that.

I think Wade and LeBron, the two next MJ's, are stuck in quite similar situations... They barely have teams around them. Even MJ couldn't do it all by himself. He always had quality help on those championship seasons and it's not like he scored 60 points in every game... So if Wade or LeBron had good help right now, their teams would be doing better. Wade took over the finals last summer, but he can't do it for 100 games a year... Michael needed the help so he could be the deciding factor in those games that truly meant a lot in the play-offs. Pressure cooker situations are the ones that truly show the mental side of the game... If you don't have it, you won't win it...

But... The media has been more reluctant to use that "next" label... They are just comparing the players... Which is more honest and doesn't stack as much pressure on the young guys coming to the league. It is ridiculous to expect another MJ since we already have a couple exceptional people in the league. Namely LeBron and Wade. These two are young and could do wonders in their careers... It's not like these great people are born every day... The few exceptional people are few and far between... We just have to live with it.

[Chris_23]

So many players been compared to MJ. I wonder what player Michael Jordan was compared to when he was playing. Only game that comes up to mind is Julius Erving. Now did MJ surpassed Dr. J as a player?

That's exactly the thing. He was not tagged the next-this-or-that-player at all. He established his own game and that is one of the reasons why Jordan was such a success, and why nowadays so many next-Jordans exist. Why? Because Jordans formula was a formula of success, leadership, mental strength and amazing dominance in a game as a guard.

Yes, Jordan had it's influences. But he was not considered the next Doc J just because he was Jordans greatest basketball rolemodel. Sure, Jordan wanted to be able to dunk well and play amazingly well down below with poster moves like Doc J did, but that was about it. Jordan broke through in his rookie year as 'Jordan' and no next-this or that. Interesting fact is that he led his team in most categories in his rookie year if I remember right.

Same can be said about other historic players who have emerged with their own style of game. Like Magic, who, if he'd play today, would be most likely an MVP candidate considering that he averaged 20PPG 12APG and 7RPG per game for around nine seasons in a row. Magic was an amazing star, which is why people hope LeBron will emerge as something between Jordan and Magic, with ability to take over the game yet being epic in assists at the same time.

Same with Larry Bird who emerged with his own style of game. That is so with all true greatest players of all time in this league, who invented their own game and became the best in the league at the same time, while inspiring thousands.

That's why the next-Jordan thing always is something that forbids a player from becoming a true icon of basketball sorts. Because it more or less restricts the player, although merely in media, from emerging with something unique and entirely their own. You probably do have to reinvent the wheel in this sports to become something other than next-Someone-else.

There's a simple way to determine if a player is on a road to uniqueness, or is a copy, better or worse, of someone else. It is the mere question that you can ask when you see the player play: "Have I -ever- seen that before?". How many times have you seen Kobe's fadeaways and known it was Jordan who perfected that deadly weapon? How many times you've seen Wade drive and known it's so explosive and ends up with a free throw on top of an amazing play, just as one remembers certain #23?

Yes, you can argue that Carter did something of a sorts. He was alot more athletic compared to Jordan and emerged as the best dunker post-Jordan and had a style that was very different from Jordans grace of dunking the ball. This is also why Carter is today Carter, and not considered Next Jordan anymore.

Same can be said about other unique players, like Shaquille O'Neal for example, who's dominance and style of play and success as a result is very different from everyone before him.

[Owen]

y people want to keep comparin mj everytime
there will b no mo mj just like there will be no mo bron
every player has their advantage and disadvantage
so comparin is unfair for every player

[MaD_hAND1e]

In light of all the positive aspects everyone else has mentioned, I would like to point out that there is a bit of negative influence that Jordan indirectly brought to the game of basketball thanks to the media. That is, all the kids growing up watching Jordan began to want to play like Jordan in terms of his moves and thinking that because Jordan, as a guard, could beat any opponent, they should play basketball like that too.
I think this gave birth to a culture where you see more players thriving in individual success rather than team success.
These players only saw Jordan for his basketball skills and pretty moves, but failed to see his leadership, and the fact that Jordan couldn't have won all the championships by himself, but he did only because he could fire up and motivate his team mates.

[Chris_23]

lol, that would give Jordan -way- too much credit for what modern day basketball is

Nah, if you've seen Jordan play you'd know that it was a Team, not individual game that brought him success. He was just the one leading the team. Just take a look at any of late 90's Bulls games and you see how involved all players of the Bulls are.

I mean, Longley rocked in Bulls. They had near-perfect roleplayers that, after dissolving the Bulls team, never got to where they were with the Bulls again.