Kevin McHale explains what makes LeBron James different from Michael Jordan: "LeBron's a little bit of Magic and Larry, and just unique"
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LeBron James is often compared to Michael Jordan, as the two are the prominent names in the greatest of all-time conversation. But if you ask their peers, many of them say that the two are incomparable because they are two different players.
One of those who say that is Boston Celtics great Kevin McHale, who had his share of battles with a young MJ. During an interview with the Dan Patrick Show, the Hall of Famer explained why Mike and Bron are not alike.
"They're two different players," said McHale. "I mean LeBron is a pass-first guy. I've seen LeBron, he'll move the ball, and you'll do stuff. Michael was a scoring assassin. LeBron is a better passer and rebounder than Michael. Michael just had that late-game unbelievable drive, a great one-on-one player from certain spots on the floor. They're really different."
A combination of Magic and Larry
Bron has always been that 6'9" guy who loves orchestrating for his team and is an excellent passer. Although he could score and dominate in that way if he wanted to, King James prefers to make the right basketball play all the time, even if it means passing the ball to a wide-open teammate for the game-winner.
Meanwhile, Mike was one of the most prolific scorers of any era. He won 10 scoring titles and currently owns the highest scoring average in the playoffs. Unlike LeBron, Jordan never left the outcome of a game to any of his teammates, and he always took the last shot. What made him special was how good his shotmaking was during the clutch.
"I always say that LeBron's a little bit of a combination of Magic and Larry," continued McHale. "And just unique unto himself. Michael was just a phenomenal scorer with a gritty tough, you know you-take-no-prisoners attitude."
McHale would rather play with LeBron
As far as who between the two is the greatest player of all time, Kevin believes it's subjective and depends on who is holding the mic. However, if he were to choose who he wants to play with, he would pick Bron over MJ for 'selfish' reasons.
"Two of the top players that will ever play the game," added the two-time Sixth Man of the Year winner. " But it just depends on what you like. I always tell people if I was playing, I'd rather play with LeBron James. Cuz I if I probably made 8 in a row, he'd give me my night. If I make 8 in a row, Michael would say 'Hey you had enough, I'm gonna get mine now."
For a guy who was also known as the "Torture Chamber" because he put defenders at his mercy, playing with Jordan meant fewer touches. Scoring was the only thing Jordan did. With the versatile LeBron, McHale's offensive opportunities would be better.