The debate over who is the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) in basketball has raged on for years between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Both of them have established themselves as deserving winners with amazing careers chock full of MVPs, championships, and several breathtaking moments. The Athletic’s most recent player survey revealed how close the two legends have grown, with Jordan holding a razor-thin advantage in votes. In this article we talk about Why Did Devonte Graham Swap MJ for LeBron? The Truth Behind the GOAT Switch.
Devonte’ Graham Jokes About His GOAT Allegiance
Point guard Devonte’ Graham of the New Orleans Pelicans offered a lighthearted perspective on the GOAT controversy when he recently told HoopsHype “I was a player for Michael Jordan, the greatest of all time. He gave me money. He was unquestionably the GOAT when I played there. After I got traded, LeBron took over.” Jordan’s Charlotte Hornets were the team he played for his first two NBA seasons before being traded to the Pelicans in 2021.
Even if he was joking, it does bring up an intriguing point: why would a player decide to change teams and then decide who they think is the greatest of all time?
The Reasons Behind a GOAT Change
Following a trade, NBA players may have second thoughts about who the all-time great is for a number of valid reasons:
1. Loyalty to Current Team/Players
You want to get along with your new colleagues and franchise when you join a new squad. An easy method to achieve it is to show reverence for either the team’s best historical player or a current star.
2. Recency Bias
If you watch and practice with Michael Jordan every day for a few years, you’re probably going to rank him as the greatest of all time. However, you might be more exposed to other playing philosophies and grow to respect superstars like LeBron after switching teams. It is true that recency bias exists.
3. Personnel Changes
A shift in teammates, coaches, trainers, and internal discussions can expose you to fresh data, videos, and viewpoints that could refute or change your preexisting notions about the greatest player of all time. Changing circumstances bring with them changing points of view.
4. Scheme Changes
Getting on a new team requires getting used to new defensive and offensive schemes. Observing the game via new perspectives and personas can alter your perception of the abilities required to succeed in the sport throughout time.
For many years to come, the GOAT controversy will surely go on, with valid points made by both sides. But before labeling an NBA player a flip-flopper, ask yourself what changed in their environment that caused this GOAT switch to occur the next time they toss between Jordan and LeBron! Not all truths can be expressed in clear, cut terms. I sincerely hope you find this “Why Did Devonte Graham Swap MJ for LeBron? The Truth Behind the GOAT Switch” article helpful.
