The rise of social media is really a two-edged sword for athletes all around the globe. On one hand, it provides them a platform to showcase their talent to a wide range of people. On the other hand, it can also become a distraction for them at the same time.
Additionally, it allows them to connect with fans, which honestly is a good thing. But it also kills the mystery that surrounds our favorite NBA players. The biggest example of it is none other than the legendary Michael Jordan.
MJ is considered the GOAT by most fans around the globe. Of course, his achievements throughout his career play a crucial role in that. But another contributing factor to that status is the lack of social media in that era.
Most weren’t aware of what was going on off the court in the life of Jordan. It was a crucial reason why ESPN’s “The Last Dance” became as popular as it did among fans.
Anyway, Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant recently shared his two cents about what role did the lack of social media played in the legendary status of Jordan.
Via The ETCs with Kevin Durant:
“Everything is so accessible now. Michael Jordan was such a mystery back then. You couldn’t just open your phone and scroll through his whole life on Instagram or see his thoughts on Twitter. There’s so much coverage on us as players right now. That takes away some of that mystery, that lore that comes along. We’re so easy to touch and we get taken for granted for a while. So MJ dipped in and out of circles, rarely did interviews, kept to himself. I think that helped towards him just being this god-like figure in our game.”
As KD mentioned, the mystery around MJ and his life was probably a huge factor in why he was considered a god-like figure in the game.
So that’s another reason why Durant considered MJ as the GOAT. It is a well-known fact that the Nets superstar has been keen on giving MJ that label as he did when wishing him a happy birthday.
Moreover, recently the 2x NBA champion also shut down the GOAT comparisons between Jordan and LeBron James with a simple statement. He urged people to answer the reason to compare MJ and LBJ as if they are going to play against one another?
To conclude, although Durant considered the Bulls legend the GOAT, he has some pretty understandable reasons behind that stance.
