Ronnie 2K categorizes Michael Jordan & LeBron James into different tiers while addressing GOAT debate
The greatest of all-time debate involving Michael Jordan and LeBron James is timeless. Fans of both players have fiercely argued over the years about who deserves the GOAT title. Some contend that “His Airness” reigns atop the basketball world, while others are convinced “King James” holds that honor.
Ronnie 2K, the Digital Marketing Director of the uber-popular 2K Games, has a different take regarding the GOAT discussion. Known as Ronnie Singh in real life, the gaming guru appeared on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” to share his thoughts on the matter.
When asked by the ESPN analyst about who he considers the greatest basketball player, Singh named Michael Jordan. But he said something that will only add fuel to the debate.
“LeBron James might be the best player of all time, Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time," Ronnie said. "The best player is the most athletically gifted at extending his career. The greatest is you watch the guy play and there’s no question that in any era he would have been the greatest on the court.
"That killer instinct, taking over the game, Michael Jordan, 100%.”
(1:01:30 mark)
The conversation started when Stephen A. Smith asked why LeBron James got a 95 overall rating for 2K 25. Ronnie 2K explained that the figure also has an all-time context and added that one of James’ seasons will have 99.
The content creator also mentioned that Jordan’s 1995-96 campaign should get the same 99 treatment.
Michael Jordan’s era was more physical compared to LeBron James’ time, per Ronnie 2K.
When Ronnie 2K explained to Stephen A. Smith his GOAT take between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the analyst did not give in easily. Smith reminded the gaming expert about Jordan’s athleticism that forced the Detroit Pistons to create the so-called “Jordan Rules.”
The longtime sports talk show host insisted that Chicago Bulls opponents had to be more physical to slow down MJ.
Ronnie Singh responded to Smith’s comments:
(1:02:10 mark)
“Stephen A. that [physical play] does not happen in this era. They all hang out, they’re friends. They’re not gonna hurt each other. They’re not gonna attack each other on the air. It’s a different league.”
For Ronnie 2K, LeBron James has had more opportunities to show his athleticism than Jordan because of the NBA’s different rules. When “His Airness” played, attacking the rim meant getting hit hard.
The league had to change the rules to protect its superstars and to allow a more free-flowing game where skills and athleticism can be emphasized.