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Since this is a running forum, I'd like to know how (I assume runners) look at the best of all time with distance runners. How does this compare with basketball greats?
My favorite runner of the past 30 years is Centro. He may not have broken 3:30 and I wouldn't claim he's in the conversation for the best ever but over the past decade, his performance at the USAs, Worlds and Olympics deserve to be acknowledged for his performances in championship races.
And, as maybe some will agree (maybe others not) if one factors in Kiprop and the 2012 Olympic gold (Moroccan guy) and maybe a few others, as being cheaters and removing them from these races (IMO, if someone is busted for doping, they're suspect, should receive a lifetime ban the first time and their previous performances removed - I know it's harsh but basically it's the only thing about track I don't like) Centro would have an even better record.
His 2016 Olympic Gold should be studied for its brilliance.
But back to the NBA - performances on the biggest of stages to me is what separates the very best from the rest. Looking at the all time stats leaders may serve as a guide but not much more. Benefitting from not playing in college, higher scores (the NBA eastern conference decades ago often saw scores in the 80s) and 3s - but what did each player do when it mattered most.
And with the exception of Russell, nobody else did what MJ did when it mattered most. That Phoenix team was stacked and Barkley was MVP and at the height of his career, with a great cast including an overlooked great in Kevin Johnson.
Jordan AVERAGED 43 PPG and if anyone goes back and looks at that series, it's the best series by a professional athlete I've seen in 40+ years of watching sports. Maybe Tiger Woods in 2000 (if that's the year) when he just dominated, if that's a comparison. Ali, in comparison, beating Liston, Foreman and Frazier 2/3, maybe others, is another. Edwin Moses...
Interesting discussion, but without defining what constitutes the BEST EVER, it's an argument. I'd choose performances in the championships, Olympics, etc. as my criteria. And comparing Jordan's Finals vs James' Finals, it's pretty clear who the better player is...