NBA: Giannis is a budding superstar, but he’ll never be in the GOAT conversation
Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the fast track to one of the best ever to play in the NBA, and will soon be one of the faces of the league. However, can any other of the current “faces” be considered all-time greats?
When we think of GOAT’s, their should really be three people who come to mind, in all honesty. Kareem, Jordan, and LeBron.
It’s really difficult to throw any other player in the top three, in the same breathe as the listed above. The reasoning is simple. The bodies of work for the three players listed above is far ahead of anyone else. They deserve a gap separating them from everyone else.
All three off those guys dominated the NBA from the SECOND they stepped in the NBA for up to a decade, if not more. Combine that with awards, records, numbers, and eye tests; that gives you a loaded resume.
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Let me explain why Giannis, and many others are ruled out of that GOAT conversation. Jordan James and Kareem dominated from day one.
Giannis took time to develop; he came in the NBA averaging 7 PPG. Anthony Davis only 14 PPG. Those seem really respectable for any players in the NBA, let alone a rookie, but not if you are trying to put yourself on pace to be the greatest ever.
During their respective rookie seasons, Kareem averaged 28.8 PPG, Jordan averaged 28.2 PPG and LeBron averaged 20.9 PPG.
The sad truth and reality is that the NBA has had so much talent, and is going to keep setting to much more, which is going to continue to raise the bar. Look how much work LeBron has put in and to think it is still about a 50/50 split for people who consider him the GOAT between Michael and him.
The greatest of all-time is the greatest of all-time simply because they were the best. The best from the minute they stepped on a NBA court.
I’m not saying the likes of Giannis, Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry and many others can’t finish in the top 10 or 15 best players to ever play the game. It’s just going to be tremendously hard for them to do so.
Giannis challenging LeBron or Jordon for the GOAT would be incredible for the league, especially internationally. But because of the years that Giannis “wasted” early in development, it’ll be hard for him to do so.
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The only player who can legitimately challenge for that crown currently in the NBA is Kevin Durant.
Many of the other active superstars in the league likely have too much ground to gain in their careers. Eventually, though, someone will take that crown. Whether it’s someone in the NBA today – perhaps someone like Ben Simmons or Giannis himself – or someone in high school, it’s bound to happen. It always does. It won’t be easy, however.