LeBron James, the star player of the Cleveland Cavaliers, recently suggested that the NBA should retire the number “23” permanently, to honor Michael Jordan.
Jordan is perhaps the most recognizable human being on this planet next to The Beatles and Elvis Presley. No man has had a major impact, as of yet, in the NBA like “Air Jordan” did. He was a role model and inspired a young generation of athletes, proving that maybe if someone trained hard enough, they could be just like him.
An aura of invincibility always seemed to surround Jordan. The Bulls Dynasty during the 90s was unmatched. Six championships in eight years during the golden years of the NBA is a task that could probably never be matched again. Basketball is a team sport but without Jordan, the Bulls would have not been able to achieve that kind of success. If James is willing to stop wearing number “23” and switch to “6” next season, why doesn’t the NBA pay homage to Jordan too?
Although Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain are also considered basketball legends, the truth of the matter is that Jordan is in a class by himself. If all of these players would play at their prime in the NBA today, who would be the biggest threat? I think your answer would be Jordan.
You can’t forget the business side of the sport either. Kobe Bryant, James and future athletes have to thank Jordan for his ludicrous endorsement deals. Jordan might have set the standard, but every major player since then has cashed in.
If the NHL has retired Wayne Gretzky’s number, why doesn’t the NBA follow their lead? Gretzky is an icon in the hockey world. Upon his retirement in 1999, Gretzky
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