Michael Jordan at 38… LeBron James at 38…
Even near the end, basketball is (and was) still at its best
The debate about whether Michael Jordan is the “GOAT” or LeBron James is the “GOAT” is going on right now in some bars, barbershops, and street corners somewhere in America. It goes on all day long.
This is not a debate. I don’t do that number.
I am just curious how Jordan handled 38 and how James is handling it right now. They were two of the best players in the league during the 38th trip around the sun. I am lucky: Jordan played in Washington, D.C. (Wizards) when he was 38. I am also tracking James’ current play. There are some interesting parallels.
Here we go:
Michael Jordan
Jordan played 60 games that year in Washington. He averaged 23 points per game, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds. He had a solid year on a mostly lousy team. He did have a knee issue during much of the season, but mostly, the team was not good, and when they had no chance for the playoffs, Jordan shut it down to begin to heal and to get ready for his final year. Jordan, at 38, had a 51-point game and games of 44 and 45. He also had 12 games with at least 30 points.
Jordan’s shooting percentage did plunge when he was 38. Some of this was due to…
