18 replies to this topic

[JR Swish]

Ok IF Lebron, Jordan and Kobe entered the NBA in the same draft class's who would you draft at number 1 and why ?

[Raza 10]

Is this back at the time they were individually drafted or looking back now?

Looking back - Jordan, without explanation needed.
Back at the time - Lebron. There was a reason he was the first pick out of high school. The guy was a monster and there were no doubts about him doing well in the NBA.

[TeoTheGreek13]

Although LeBron is a facilitator too and unselfish, since there is not a big man in this OP, I can't go against MJ.

Michael Jordan please.
For various reasons.


***If I didn't know what they'd turn out to be like, I'd definitely go with James.

[The Logo]

If we had no idea about how their careers would pan out, I would draft Michael Jordan with the first overall pick. He scored the GW shot in the NCAA championship game for NC and averaged a triple double throughout high school and was more experienced than Pebron and Kobe. Then I'd draft Lebron because of his versatility and Kobe with the third overall pick.

[BayArea510]

Knowing how they'd turn out: Michael Jordan.
Based on their talent coming into the draft: LeBron James.

Even based on how they turned out, I can't be quick to choose MJ over LeBron, since LeBron still has much of his career ahead of him. Who knows, he could win 2-3 more MVPs and more rings making him a better choice (not trying to instigate a "can LeBron become GOAT" argument, IJS). And all of this is really subjective because these 3 players can help their teams in different ways. Based of dominance of their time, I think everyone would take MJ.

[Rio is G.O.A.T]

LeBron, just because of the all around ability he has.

[probskN]

All due respect to Jordan, but I would choose LeBron, and here's why:

1. Playmaking/All-Around Skillset - LeBron James is one of the better playmakers in the game today and I definitely think that he's a better playmaker than Jordan ever was. Jordan may have been the better player and scorer, but I think LeBron has more to rely on if his shot isn't falling: his point guard-like passing or his rebounding. LeBron will make plays in the clutch and throughout the game, which as a coach, I would love to see an unselfish player.

2. High School Draftee - Jordan didn't make his high school team in his freshman year. Sure the coach missed out, but LeBron was heralded as The King since his sophomore year. Jordan wasn't even number one overall out of college, while LeBron came in at the ripe age of eighteen, and there's definitely a reason for that.

3. Marketability - Yes, LeBron James is a more marketable player than Kobe or Jordan, but this is somewhat important because he has that million dollar smile. It sounds weird, but this a reason why a lot of teams draft guys, is their marketability and the amount of fans that would want to come and watch.

Sure, Kobe and MJ may have produced more championships by this point in their careers if they were juxtaposed with LeBron's, but I would still choose LeBron had I not known the outcomes of both of the other careers.

[Bob Loves Ariana]

LeBron whether I can see the future or not

[Bball_Jones]

If I knew what I know now? MJ.

If I had no idea about their careers? Probably still Jordan because he came out of college, that experience means a lot in my book. If I just saw the talent/potential of them all as youngsters I would probably pick LeBron.

[Costel]

On Paper, definitely Lebron

[WrongIslander 2.0]

If we had no idea how they were going to turn out I'd draft LeBron because he was an absolute freak.

[The Irving show]

I would choose MJ cuz I have a thing for players who can flat out score.

All due respect to Jordan, but I would choose LeBron, and here's why:

1. Playmaking/All-Around Skillset - LeBron James is one of the better playmakers in the game today and I definitely think that he's a better playmaker than Jordan ever was. Jordan may have been the better player and scorer, but I think LeBron has more to rely on if his shot isn't falling: his point guard-like passing or his rebounding. LeBron will make plays in the clutch and throughout the game, which as a coach, I would love to see an unselfish player.

2. High School Draftee - Jordan didn't make his high school team in his freshman year. Sure the coach missed out, but LeBron was heralded as The King since his sophomore year. Jordan wasn't even number one overall out of college, while LeBron came in at the ripe age of eighteen, and there's definitely a reason for that.

3. Marketability - Yes, LeBron James is a more marketable player than Kobe or Jordan, but this is somewhat important because he has that million dollar smile. It sounds weird, but this a reason why a lot of teams draft guys, is their marketability and the amount of fans that would want to come and watch.

Sure, Kobe and MJ may have produced more championships by this point in their careers if they were juxtaposed with LeBron's, but I would still choose LeBron had I not known the outcomes of both of the other careers.

LeBron is not more marketable than MJ.

[Okcthunder]

i would pick lebron james due to his all around ability

[Frosty]

Knowing how they turn out its obviously Jordan. He brought Chicago 6 titles and is clearly ahead of both the others. Not knowing I would have to agree Lebron would be the pick because his physical talents were evident from the start.

And how is Lebron more marketable than Jordan? MJ is the most marketable player ever..

[LeBron Said™]

LeBron James: Out of the other two he was actually a 1st pick...so why wouldn't they pick him first again?? Nobody knew Jordan or Kobe was going to be great but everyone knew LeBron James was going to be the next big thing. He is the better all-around player and probably the best player to build around out of the three. Obvious answer is LeBron.

[DJtheCap™]

It all depends on what city/market your hypothetical team is in.

Big Market (NY, CHI, LA, MIA, BOS) - You go with LeBron, because of his all-around ability and potential which is imo better than the other two

Medium Market (DEN, PHI, bay area, CLE) - Kobe because he's more likely to stick around than LeBron

Small Market (Charlotte, OKC, etc.) - MJ because of his loyalty and supreme marketability, lifting your team and consistently making it a contender

[RUDOLF.]

Jordan duh.

[ISOMELO]

It all depends on what city/market your hypothetical team is in.

Big Market (NY, CHI, LA, MIA, BOS) - You go with LeBron, because of his all-around ability and potential which is imo better than the other two

Medium Market (DEN, PHI, bay area, CLE) - Kobe because he's more likely to stick around than LeBron

Small Market (Charlotte, OKC, etc.) - MJ because of his loyalty and supreme marketability, lifting your team and consistently making it a contender

Kobe would not stick around with a medium market, I don't know what makes you say he would do so more than LeBron. Kobe has never played on a small market, while LeBron did it for eight years. Kobe would not stick with a medium market with average supporting cast as soon as things deteriorated in LA he asked to be traded, imagine had this happened in Denver or Cleveland.
Anyway if I knew Jordan would be the GOAT, I would definitely go with him. But not knowing anything I'd go with LeBron due to his immense potential at a young age. Really you can't go wrong with any of these picks, when James career is over I think he can be considered GOAT-worthy.
Also say James ends up with 3-5 rings, would you rather have James, 3-5 rings and 20 good years of contention, history and marketability for your team or 6 rings from Jordan with 14 years of contention, history and marketability for your team.

[Juke]

Jordan ofcourse.