Sports

Isiah: LeBron better athlete than Jordan

If you thought the Michael Jordan-LeBron James debate was over, you would be wrong. Yesterday, Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas offered his two cents.

Thomas said the debate over whether James is better than Jordan hinges on a few things, but Thomas said he believes the King is the better athlete.

“They’re both great players, and they’re both great in their eras,” Thomas told an ESPN radio station in Chicago. “In my era, we hadn’t seen an athlete quite like Michael Jordan. He jumped higher than everyone else. He was a little faster than everyone else and he was just the best athlete.

“LeBron James is the best athlete of today, and he’s probably a better athlete than Michael Jordan was. He’s bigger, he’s faster, he’s stronger.”

When asked who would win a head-to-head matchup, Thomas said there are many variables to consider.

“Had Michael Jordan not met Phil Jackson, would Michael Jordan be Michael Jordan today had he stayed with [Stan] Albeck and Doug Collins,” Thomas said. “They were great coaches, but I think Jackson had a lot to do with his success. LeBron right now seems to be in the right situation with the right coach with the right players and his talent is being exposed and is flourishing.”