Nick Wright recently made a bold statement on “First Things First,” suggesting that Michael Jordan has the most to lose if LeBron James and Team USA secure the gold medal in the 2024 Olympic final against France. Wright’s argument hinges on the idea that, should LeBron lead the U.S. to victory, it would prompt many fans to scrutinize Jordan’s performance with the 1992 Dream Team, especially in light of LeBron’s continued excellence at an advanced age.
“The person with the most to lose, assuming Team USA wins, is one Michael Jeffrey Jordan. Because, well, a lot of people are, because of LeBron’s excellence in these Olympics, looking up that 92 dream team.”
“They’re like, hey, who was the only guy who didn’t play well? Who was the only guy who shot poorly from the field and turned the ball over and probably was out gambling in the casinos of Barcelona. And by the way, how old was he? And how old is LeBron? And how many golds?”
“Michael Jordan, there’s, listen, there’s no more documentaries to come.” (1:58)
Michael Jordan has the most to lose in the gold medal game tomorrow, according to @getnickwright. Agree? đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/X3SHSQAm0L
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 9, 2024
Wright pointed out that Jordan, who was in his prime during the 1992 Olympics, did not have his best showing statistically, particularly when compared to the legendary standard he set in the NBA. In Barcelona, Jordan averaged 14.9 points per game, but his efficiency was notably lower than his NBA standards.
He shot 45.1% from the field, which, while solid, was not extraordinary for him. Additionally, Jordan’s three-point shooting was a mere 21.4%, and he had several games where he struggled to find his rhythm, including a game against Spain where he shot just 3-of-9 from the field.
Contrast this with LeBron’s performance in the 2024 Olympics, where he enters the final leading Team USA in points (14.8 per game), rebounds (7.0 per game), and assists (8.6 per game) while shooting an impressive 67.4% from the field. LeBron’s ability to maintain such high-level play at the age of 39, in what could be his final Olympic appearance, only adds to his already legendary career.
Wright’s point is that if LeBron can lead Team USA to a gold medal at this stage of his career, it could prompt a reevaluation of how both he and Jordan are perceived in the context of their international careers. Jordan, who has long been considered the greatest basketball player of all time, could see his legacy challenged if LeBron continues to add to his already impressive resume, especially in such a high-profile event as the Olympics.
Wright’s comments add another layer to the never-ending debate over who truly is the greatest basketball player of all time, suggesting that Jordan’s status might be more vulnerable than ever if LeBron continues to achieve unprecedented success.
Nick Wright: LeBron James Is The GOAT
On the same episode of “First Things First,” Nick Wright passionately argued that LeBron James is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in basketball, citing his unparalleled accomplishments and dominance on the court. Wright emphasized that LeBron’s extraordinary achievements, particularly during the 2024 Olympics, solidify his status as the best player in the history of the sport.
“the more accomplishments, the more helps on the wall and the more evidence that this guy is simply literally and metaphorically built different than any other basketball player we’ve ever seen.”
“The fact that in a tournament of the best players in the world in a game on a team that is one of if not the most talented collection of players ever from start to finish of the tournament he has been the guy. That in the biggest spots against the best player not on his team, he said, I’ll guard him.”
“I’ll take on the three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, the finals MVP from a year ago in the fourth quarter. And we’ll get to Steph. While Steph was the best player in that game, LeBron has been the connected tissue of this tournament.”
“And in that fourth quarter… what he did was outplay considerably the guy that everyone thinks is the best player in the world. He is now the only player in men’s basketball history, well a game away I guess, to lead them in everything.”
“He leads them in points, rebounds, assists, no one’s ever done that and by the way shooting 67% percent from the field and turns forty in four months and so it is just further evidence that we’ve never seen a basketball player like this.” (0:40)
"The more evidence that this guy is simply, literally and metaphorically, built different than any other basketball player we've ever seen HAS to matter."
— @getnickwright on LeBron's GOAT case after Olympics Semifinal performance vs. Serbia pic.twitter.com/gZfYMkM17m
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 9, 2024
Wright pointed out that LeBron’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level, even at 39 years old, is something that sets him apart from every other player. In a tournament featuring the best players in the world, LeBron has not only been a key contributor but the driving force behind Team USA’s success.
Wright highlighted LeBron’s willingness to take on the toughest challenges, such as guarding Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP and one of the most dominant players in the game, during crucial moments in the semifinal game against Serbia.
Wright also noted LeBron’s unique accomplishment of potentially leading Team USA in points, rebounds, and assists throughout the tournament—something no other player in men’s basketball history has achieved. His efficiency, shooting 67% from the field, further underscores his dominance and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
According to Wright, LeBron’s ability to excel in every facet of the game, even as he approaches 40 years old, provides undeniable evidence that he is the greatest basketball player ever. Wright’s argument rests on the notion that LeBron’s combination of longevity, versatility, and leadership is unmatched, making him a once-in-a-lifetime talent who has redefined what it means to be the GOAT in basketball.
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