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Reading: Jason Williams Selects LeBron As The GOAT, Explains Why Jordan Benefited From Illegal Defense Rules In The 90s
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Jason Williams Selects LeBron As The GOAT, Explains Why Jordan Benefited From Illegal Defense Rules In The 90s

Jason Williams Selects LeBron As The GOAT, Explains Why Jordan Benefited From Illegal Defense Rules In The 90s

Jason Williams' endorsement of LeBron James over Michael Jordan as the GOAT ignites discussion on the impact of defensive rules.

Vishwesha Kumar
Mar 13, 2024
7 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

Jason Williams recently made headlines by selecting LeBron James as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) over Michael Jordan. Williams’ choice sparked debate among basketball fans, but he offered a compelling explanation for his decision.

“I’m going with LeBron. I just think when this question comes up the question that needs to be brought up in this question is the illegal defense situation. “

“The illegal defense situation back when MJ played man when he had that ball on the wing, all he had to worry about was the primary defense not even worried about the primary defender because they had no chance. The secondary, he’s looking for where the help’s coming from. And back then, the help had to come from the weak side block.”

Williams pointed to the illegal defense rules in the 1990s as a key factor in his choice. He argued that during Jordan’s era, the defensive strategies allowed for easier scoring opportunities, as defenders were limited in how they could guard the primary offensive threats. Jordan, he noted, often faced single coverage or predictable defensive schemes, making it easier for him to dominate offensively.

“Well, now, you put LeBron out there on the wing, he got a guy at the block, ball side block, got a guy at the ball side elbow, and the primary defender.”

“So he gets a lot of slack about not taking the last shot because he makes the right basketball play. If two guys is on him, he got to make, make, pass the ball. Where MJ only had the one guy. Now, don’t get me wrong, if MJ had three guys on him, he’s probably still gonna make that shot. But give me LeBron James, bro.”

Jason Williams picks LeBron as the GOAT and breaks down how Jordan benefited from illegal defense rules in the 90s🔥
pic.twitter.com/21QoeMuuhI

— 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) March 13, 2024

In contrast, Williams highlighted LeBron’s ability to navigate modern defensive schemes, which are more complex and versatile. LeBron, he argued, faces double teams, help defense, and constant defensive adjustments, yet still excels as a playmaker and scorer. Williams praised LeBron’s basketball IQ and decision-making, noting that he often makes the right play by passing to open teammates when facing intense defensive pressure.

Williams also emphasized LeBron’s versatility, noting that he is capable of leading his team in all five statistical categories. This, combined with LeBron’s ability to thrive in the face of modern defensive challenges, led Williams to choose him as the GOAT. This isn’t the first time Williams has expressed his preference for LeBron over Jordan. He has previously praised LeBron’s all-around game and suggested that Jordan would struggle to score in today’s NBA due to more sophisticated defensive strategies.

Williams has also taken sly shots at Jordan’s legacy, suggesting that he wouldn’t have won his six titles without the support of teammates like Scottie Pippen.

While Williams‘ opinion may be controversial, his analysis sheds light on the evolving nature of basketball and the factors that contribute to greatness in the sport. Whether fans agree or disagree with his assessment, Williams’ perspective adds depth to the ongoing debate about the GOAT in basketball.


Michael Jordan Would Have No Trouble Playing In Today’s NBA

Contrary to the belief that Michael Jordan would struggle in today’s NBA, there are compelling reasons to suggest that he would excel in the modern game. While it’s true that Jordan played during an era with different rules, including illegal defense restrictions, it’s important to consider the evolution of basketball and how Jordan’s skill set would translate to the contemporary style of play.

One of the most significant changes in today’s NBA is the emphasis on spacing and perimeter shooting. With the rise of analytics, teams prioritize three-point shooting and floor spacing to create efficient scoring opportunities. While Jordan’s career three-point percentage of 32.7% may seem modest by today’s standards, it’s worth noting that he played in an era where the three-point shot was not as heavily emphasized. 

Moreover, Jordan showcased the ability to knock down threes when necessary, shooting above 35% in four seasons and even surpassing 40% in one season. This demonstrates his adaptability and suggests that he could thrive in today’s perimeter-oriented game.

Additionally, Jordan’s scoring prowess, athleticism, and basketball IQ are timeless attributes that would undoubtedly translate to success in any era. His ability to create his own shot, attack the basket, and dominate in isolation situations would make him a formidable offensive threat in today’s NBA. Furthermore, Jordan’s relentless work ethic and competitive drive would ensure that he remains at the top of his game, even in a league that has evolved since his playing days.

Moreover, Jordan’s defensive skills would still be highly valuable in today’s NBA. His ability to lock down opposing perimeter players, anticipate passing lanes, and provide help defense would make him a versatile and impactful defender in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes.

In conclusion, while the NBA has undergone significant changes since Jordan’s era, his unparalleled talent, work ethic, and basketball IQ would enable him to excel in today’s game. Jordan’s adaptability, scoring ability, and defensive prowess would make him a transcendent player in any era of basketball.

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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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