The GOAT debate never really goes away, and it’s at its most interesting when former players speak up, especially those who actually shared the floor with popular GOAT candidates like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. This time, it’s Shane Battier.
Battier competed against Jordan when he was already with the Washington Wizards. But he was right there with LeBron, sharing two title runs together. Of course, it’s fair to take this with a grain of salt, but Battier gave his reasons for picking his former Miami Heat teammate over Jordan.
“LeBron did something twice that Jordan, I don’t think, could have done once. He won two NBA titles with Shane Battier as his starting power forward. No way—no way—Jordan could have done that. As great as Jordan was, LeBron dragged me across the finish line. The albatross had never been so heavy. And that… that is my story, and I’m sticking to it.”
LeBron is known for carrying teams and making those around him better. 10 NBA Finals trips and four championships back that up. Battier might be selling himself short, but his words reflect what so many who’ve watched LeBron already believe.
