Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: NBA, Basketball, Michael Jordan, Lebron James
Ben McCrum
Donald Trump has no doubts about who the greatest NBA player of all time.
For decades, NBA fans have debated who the greatest basketball player of all time is, with Michael Jordan and LeBron James considered alongside players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Jordan won six NBA titles and five MVP awards during his impressive career, while James, who is still playing at age 40, has won four titles and four MVPs, while also becoming the highest scorer in the league's history.
Advert
But US President Trump is absolutely certain which of the two men is the best, and he's explained exactly why.
Trump has often spoken about his enjoyment of the NBA, with several outlets reporting that he is a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers, but during his last term as President, he called out the organisation for becoming too political.
Amid debates over players kneeling when the national anthem was played to support Black Lives Matter, Trump called Clay Travis’ Fox Sports radio show, via The Guardian, in August 2020.
Advert
The radio host took the opportunity to ask the Republican who he thought was the bettter player out of Jordan and James.
“Michael Jordan, plus he wasn’t political so people like him better,” Trump said.
Speaking more broadly about politics in the sport, Trump added: “It’s been horrible for basketball. Look at the basketball ratings. People are angry about it.
"They have enough politics with guys like me. They don’t need more. There was a nastiness about the NBA and the way it was done. The NBA is in trouble. Big trouble.”
Advert
Both Jordan and James have engaged with politics throughout their careers, with 'Black Mamba' speaking out about the “ingrained racism” of the United States after his retirement, while James has often criticised Trump and the racial injustice in the US.
Trump didn't hold back his call, stating that he believes it to be highly disrespectful if players dont' stand with the anthem is played, regardless of their reasoning.
“You have to stand for your flag, and you have to respect your flag and your country,” Trump added.
Advert
“You’re making millions of dollars a year playing a sport you’d be playing anyway, they’d be playing it on the weekends. And they have to respect their country."