<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">he next MJ: LeBron James or Dwyane Wade? That question is a jump ball By Dwain Price Star-Telegram Staff Writer Since Michael Jordan retired two seasons ago, basketball purists have been patiently waiting to anoint someone as the next MJ. At first, it appeared it might be Kobe Bryant. While Bryant does have exceptional skills, he comes up way, way short in image. But Cleveland's LeBron James and Miami's Dwyane Wade appear to have the styles and personas -- not to mention the games -- that one day could match Air Jordan on and off the court. It helps, too, to have crossover appeal. Both James and Wade are adored by all ages and all races. When Wade's wife showed up last month at an All-Star Game event in Denver without her significant other, actress Gabrielle Union told her: "You tell your husband that I'm a big fan of his." James, who'll face the Mavericks at 7:30 tonight at American Airlines Center, is the king of the endorsement world. The kid is everywhere, pushing everything from Nike sneakers to Sprite to bubble gum. But James isn't comfortable when people compare him to Jordan. "He's the greatest player that ever played the game of basketball," James said. "I'm miles and miles and miles, lightyears away from that. I just go and play my game." The hip-hop generation is fascinated with James and Wade. Their replica jerseys are hot sellers. In fact, last summer at a concert in Cleveland, James was even on stage singing background for Jay-Z. What's next? American Idol?</div> Source
the next MJ? THERE IS NO NEXT MJ...MJ was one of a kind... Jordan won 6 championships, Lebron hasnt even played a playoff game. just my opinion
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ they arent saying either of them will be exactly the same as michael or win as many championships as MJ did they are saying that they could be the best player in the game, win a few championships and transcend race and age like mike did. In that case Dwayne Wade will never be the next Jordan because unless LBJ gets injured Wade will never be the best player in the game
The article is asking which one is worthy of carrying the torch and being the heir apparent to Jordan.
"I believe there will be another Michael Jordan, but there will never be another Larry Bird" - Scoop Jackson Got to agree with this. But if you look at who's game is more resembelant of MJ's is definately Wade's. LBJ is more like a Magic or a Big O
except that Wade definitely needs to improve that jumper of his. Still, he's no MJ and never will be. I think the only player that even remotely resembles the Magic is Livingston. LBJ does remind me of Oscar though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ they arent saying either of them will be exactly the same as michael or win as many championships as MJ did they are saying that they could be the best player in the game, win a few championships and transcend race and age like mike did. In that case Dwayne Wade will never be the next Jordan because unless LBJ gets injured Wade will never be the best player in the game</div> I dont agree with you statement at all. I think James and Wade are on the same level, LeBron just has the more hype cause he was the #1 pick out of HS. They each have improved in there sophmore year, and quite honestly, I think Wade has a more complete game than James. As far as Wade's jump shot is concerned, there shouldnt be. Wade has definately improved his shot, consistantly hitting the 18-20 footer on a per game basis, following the same process MJ did to improve his career.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LBJ does remind me of Oscar though.</div> Maybe in terms of statistics, but their style of play was different. Lebron pushed the ball and is alot like Magic rather than Jordan. How can you say Livingston? I know the rook's not had all that much playing time the way Lebron did, but it's not fair to compare him because we have all not seen his game long enough. As for who has a similar game to Jordan, it's DWade.
not true <div class="quote_poster">Quoting briang8818:</div><div class="quote_post">"I believe there will be another Michael Jordan, but there will never be another Larry Bird" - Scoop Jackson Got to agree with this. But if you look at who's game is more resembelant of MJ's is definately Wade's. LBJ is more like a Magic or a Big O</div> NO Wade's statistics are more like MJs and LBJ's statistics are more like Magic or the big O. The styles of play are not neccisarily similar becuase Wade and MJ's styles of play are pretty different. I see LBJ as more of a hybrid between Magic and MJ <div class="quote_poster">Quoting pb1300:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont agree with you statement at all. I think James and Wade are on the same level, LeBron just has the more hype cause he was the #1 pick out of HS. They each have improved in there sophmore year, and quite honestly, I think Wade has a more complete game than James.</div> how can you say that they are on the same level when in EVERY SINGLE MAJOR STAT CATEGORY (ppg, apg, rpg, spg, TOpg, efficiency rating,) LeBron is better than Wade. Plus Wade's statistics are bolstered by having the Big Deisel around to help out. Where is your rational for saying Wade is on the same level and Wade is more complete? How much more complete of a season can you have than averaging 25 / 7 /7 which only 4 other players in the HISTORY OF THE NBA have done? Wanna hear some names? Havlichek, BIRD, OSCAR ROBERTSON and this little guy named MICHAEL JORDAN. Where is Wade a better and more complete player? His lack of three point range? His worse statistics?
Tough call for me. Both players have really shown what they can bring to the table and both have really carried their team. I mean LeBron has really carried the Cavs into the playoffs this season but Wade has made a couple of players better along with Shaq and also turned the Heat into one of the best if not the best team in the NBA. It may need more time to determine the answer to this question, but for now, I`ll go with Wade.
how? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting American Poet:</div><div class="quote_post">Tough call for me. Both players have really shown what they can bring to the table and both have really carried their team. I mean LeBron has really carried the Cavs into the playoffs this season but Wade has made a couple of players better along with Shaq and also turned the Heat into one of the best if not the best team in the NBA. It may need more time to determine the answer to this question, but for now, I`ll go with Wade.</div> how can you be the best player in the NBA and follow Jordan when you aren't even the best player on your own team?
Well like I said it was a tough call, but Wade to me has shown alot more leadership with Shaq then LeBron.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">How can you say Livingston? I know the rook's not had all that much playing time the way Lebron did, but it's not fair to compare him because we have all not seen his game long enough.</div> hey, we're talking about similarities, right? Livingston has looked spectacular the few times he's played, and he's looked pathetic on occasions. He's long, not the most athletic and his passing skills are definitely beyond those of most PG in the league as he can make passes anywhere on the court unlike many. Traits of the Magic. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe in terms of statistics, but their style of play was different. Lebron pushed the ball and is alot like Magic rather than Jordan.</div> eh, which Oscar have you seen? Magic did a lot of his passing on the post, played PF/C on occasions, wasn't necessarily the primary scoring option on his team. LBJ reminds one of Jordan because they're both athletic, explosive, drive to the hoop for dunks and layups and have good jumpers. Their passing/rebounding skills complements their scoring, not the other way around.
I do think that Livingston is the closer to Magic than LBJ is..... but i will reiterate that LBJ is a hybrid cross between MJ and Magic.....the best parts of each
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">how can you be the best player in the NBA and follow Jordan when you aren't even the best player on your own team?</div> Ive heard that statement before, and thats bogus. You can say that about nearly any player in this league when partnered with Shaquille O'Neal! Wade might be a couple of years older than James, but they both have the same amount of time being an NBA player, play in the East, and are learning at the same rate. Wade averages less shots per game, two less rebounds a game for someone who is 6 inches shorter, yet he averages 10 free throws a game, he is a great defender (#1 in blocks regarding guards), and demands double teams as much as Shaq does. And as much as Shaq helps Wade, he picks up his play and his points mostly with Shaq on the bench, when he is the main focal point for the opposition. In the games that Shaq has missed, Wade has averaged 31, 8 assists, 6 rebounds a game, shooting nearly 60% from the field. And I think Wade is a better clutch person, proven by stats and his highlight reel. I believe that if you put Wade on the Cavs, you are going to get the same personal numbers and team results as you would now with the team LeBron has to play with. I think they are on par as far as tallent. I do think that James is a great talent at his young age. But I do also think that when James is improved in a few years, Wade will have improved just as much.
Those two have very long ways to go before they are the next MJ. Ask me in 10 years not now. Everyone thought Kobe would be the next MJ too.
