...Who Is the Greatest Basketball Player Of All Time? Michael Jordan vs. Lebron James; Air Jordan vs. King James; The Chosen One vs. His Airness. Who is the greatest basketball player of all time? Both are huge figures in not only within the game of basketball, but in the entire world of sports. Jordan has always been coveted as the best basketball player but the comparisons between him and James have escalated in recent years due to James’ dominance in all facets of the game, his first NBA championship title, and his three MVPs in his first 9 years in the NBA. However, I believe that Michael Jordan beats out LeBron James for the title of greatest basketball player of all-time because of his complete dominance of the game, and six NBA Championships. Dominance of the Game Michael Jordan’s dominated the game of basketball with his outstanding jump shot, great handles, hard work mentality, and his will to win. He dominated in every aspect of the game. He could shoot from anywhere on the court, his pull up jump shot was impossible to stop when he was rhythm. An example of this would be where in one game he scored an eye-popping 69 points with a field goal percentage of 62.2%. He handled the ball like a true point guard, dishing out assists whenever the opportunity arose. His 5.3 assists are an example of his excellent handles and ability to get the ball to his teammates. Jordan was one of the most exciting players to watch, his...
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...Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant COM/155 July 8, 2012 Oksana Vorobieva In today’s generation of basketball superstars, there is one distinguished player, Kobe Bryant that holds a reflection to another known superstar, Michael Jordan in his ability to play the game, offensively and defensively; however, they differ in their overall performances. Although sports fans attempt to compare the two players, many will agree that Michael Jordan carries the best offensive and defensive numbers, while Kobe Bryant holds the title of the youngest all-star to ever enter the National Basketball Association. Both Jordan and Bryant were offered huge endorsement deals, with Kobe Bryant taking the lead as one of the largest global brands, in basketball history. The game of basketball is a rewarding sport that allows its players to give back to the community. There is no competition, when it comes to giving back to the community, as each player is equally involved in charitable organizations. In the professional basketball world, sports fans will agree that Michael Jordan is the better player, while other fans are loyal to Kobe Bryant. When looking at offensive and defensive numbers, objectivity and a hard look at the facts leaves one conclusion without a doubt, that Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players in NBA history. He is famous for blocked shots, rebounds, and scoring an average of 30 points per game, during his career (Squidoo, 2012). As an offensive player...
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...Competitive Advantage and Pro Sports LaChandra Nicole Gaines MGMT 488 June 5, 2011 Ronald Morritt Competitive Advantage and Pro Sports Sustainable competitive advantage is the main purpose of an organization’s corporate strategy. Sustainable Advantage permits the preservation and development of a company’s competitive location within market (Strategy Fundamental: Determining Sustainable Competitive Advantage, 2010). Competitive advantage facilitates an organization to outlast against its competitors for an insignificant amount of time. Competitive advantage may originate in many forms. The competitive characteristic stems from the likeness of other alternatives (Strategy Fundamental: Determining Sustainable Competitive Advantage, 2010). I chose the Miami Heat as my pro-sport team to discuss competitive advantage. Because signing the very talented LeBron James to its 2010-2011 rosters, the Miami Heat established competitive advantage over all other professional basketball teams in the league (Waller, 2011). Alongside Dewayne Wade, the Miami Heat has the potential to bring home another championship to the city of Miami. There is a unanimous conformity that both Dewayne Wade and LeBron James are two of the best players in the NBA (Waller, 2011). The talents of James and Wade can dominate any team to secure a win for by making all the shots, rebounds, and playing aggressive defense. Both James and Wade signify sustainable competitive advantage for the reason that...
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...Air Jordan vs. King James Basketball may be the greatest game there is. Michael Jordan and Lebron James may be the greatest basketball players that ever played the game. Both Lebron and Michael wore the number 23, they both were endorsed by Nike and they both helped build a franchise. But one player destroyed the team that he helped build. While Michael Jordan and LeBron James are considered icons of the game of basketball, only Jordan demonstrates true talent on how the game is played. Michael Jordan has earned the nickname Air Jordan because of his leaping ability and awesome slam dunks that he made throughout his career and in the all-star game. Michael Jordan attended the University of North Carolina where he played basketball for the Tar Heels during his four years of college Jordan was able to win one NCAA National Championship in 1982. In 1984, during his senior year Jordan won the Naismith College Player of the Year. Which helped him set up for a great future in the NBA, in the draft that year Jordan was past up by two teams and was finally drafted third overall by the Chicago bulls. During his career span with the Bulls Jordan was able the help win six NBA Championships. The NBA Championship is the highest award a team can earn in the NBA it’s like the Super Bowl of the NFL. Jordan is also the only player in history to win all six NBA finals MVP that he has played in. Another fact about Jordan is he is the only player in any sport to play in the All-Star Game...
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...that by being one of the youngest most successful players in the NBA as of now. Growing up in a broken home LeBron never had a father figure to guide him certain directions in life He did however have a strong mother and relatives who tried their best to raise LeBron. All through his schooling there was some financial trouble in his family life but LeBron had the will to carry on. By middle school his mother knew he was a special boy, talented on the court and in his studies. As high school rolled in LeBron continued to get taller, stronger and better skilled than the other players around him; the coaches soon noticed him and he made varsity as a freshman. During his junior year he was already known around the country as the next Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson. The fans were so unbelievable that many of the games had to be played at a college stadium holding 17,000 spectators including numerous college and NBA scouts. It was at that point in his life where people realized that college was not for him but that he would advance directly to the NBA. (LeBron James,...
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...represent. For example, lets take a look at Nike. Nike has all types of products ranging from sneakers, polo shirts, sports gear, etc….but in this paper I’m mainly going to focus on the “Air Jordan” brand sneakers made by Nike, and how they are promoted. We will begin this topic with Advertising. Advertising is a form of communication designed to persuade potential customers to choose your product or service over that of a competitor. Nike has the “Jordan” brand very successful not just because of the name, but its successful advertising. Nike pushes the “Jordan” brand in section of the public most likely to purchase them, and that is the urban community. For example as a fairly young African American (33yrs old) I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan. I guess you can say, “I wanted to be like Mike”. So as I would walk through the mall, look at magazine all I would see is the world’s most famous sports player wear his own sneaker brand produced by Nike. So since I wanted to be like “Mike” then I would beg my mom to buy me a pair so I can be like my idol. Make a long story, Nike pushes to “Air Jordan’s” in the urban community… because they know as a company that a lot of young African American’s idolizes the man known as Michael Jordan. Every few months Nike will re-release an “Air Jordan” sneaker and when that time comes you will see flyers, posters, etc all around the area. A target market...
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...The Characteristics of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Felicia Clark Com/170 December 17, 2012 Shannon DeBord The Characteristics of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant MICHAEL JORDAN VERSUS KOBE BRYANT I am from Greenville Mississippi, we do not have a professional basketball team, so the Memphis Grizzlies are most of my families choice since they are close to us. I usually don’t route for the Grizzlies but I love going to the games to see other teams and players. I have seen several star players play the Grizzlies when I went to see them. The most prolific players were Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. They both had a totally different upbringing, however they were the same player during their career. I first saw Michael Jordan in December 2000 when he played with the Washington Wizards versus the Memphis Grizzlies. He was a shell of himself but still managed to outscore everyone on the floor. I believe he had 30 points, six rebounds and four assists. This was an outstanding score by a player in his upper 30s. Michael Jordan by far is the most amazing individual to ever play the game of basketball. His amazing career scoring average is 29.2 with his decline and second retirement in 1998. I first saw Kobe Bryant in 2005 when he played the Memphis Grizzlies. He played much better than Jordan even though he was still 10 years his junior when I saw him. He had 52 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. His outstanding play led all scorers that night and he...
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...times. Scored during his career more than 1281 goal in 1363 game. Played most of his career for the team Santos in Brazil. Was declared as a national treasure of Brazil to prevent his transfer to European teams. He retired in 1977. Michael Jordan: Full name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan, born in 1963. Declared as the greatest basketball player of all time. Nicknamed “Air Jordan” and “His Airness”, due to his leaping ability in performing slam dunks from the free throw line. Won 6 NBA titles in total, 3 consecutive from 1990 to 1992 and three other consecutive from 1996 to to 1998. Retired three times from basketball: first time in 1993 to play baseball, then returned in 1995 by just saying “I am back”, second time in 1999, and third time in 2003. Won the titles when he played for the Chicago Bulls. When he was still in middle school he was throwed out of the basketball team, as the coach told him he didn’t know how to play. Holder of the record of most points in one season: 3000 points and holder of the team most win in one season: 72 out of 82. Led the USA dream team to win the gold medal in Barcelona Olympics game Most decorated player in NBA: 5 MVP, 6 finals MVP, and 3 all star games MVP Michael Phelps: Full name: Michael Fred Phelps, born in 1985. Won 16 Olympic medals in total: six gold and two bronze in athen 2004, and 8 gold in being 2008. Hold the record for the most gold one by and individual in one Olympic Games: 8 gold in 2008. The second most winning...
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...Sam Bowie Sam Bowie, one of the toughest players ever. He was drafted in the 1984 draft. He was taken second overall by the Portland Trailblazers, yes second over the legendary Michael Jordan. Before he was drafted he had to get his legs X-rayed because he has a reputation of bad legs. The doctor took the mallet and hit his left tibia, he told the doctor it didn’t hurt but deep down inside there was pain that he hid. Sam hid this pain because he knew that if NBA scouts for the draft found out he would not be picked early in the draft. He was doing this for his job, a better draft pick is more money. The Trailblazers needed him a lot, so they could try and deal with Kareem Abdul Jabbar. He was destroying the west and the Los Angels Lakers were their biggest competition. When Sam came out of college he was expected to be a good star in the NBA but injuries limited him to play only in 511 games out of a possible 820. He was never able to make an All-Star game. He played in 10 seasons, never playing a full season, at most 79 games. The best season statistically would have to be his rookie year, the 1984-85 season. He played in 76 games, started 62 of those. He had 2.7 blocks per game, 10.0 points per game, 2.8 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game. He had a fracture in his shin in his last year of college basketball and hid it from NBA scouts, he just played through the pain. He broke his left leg the next season. He came back from a dangerous injury. The very next...
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...years. Throughout those years, there have been many players that have set records and many players that have broken records. Those players set the standards for what the fans think a basketball player should be, but many surpass expectations. There are many elite players in the NBA, besides the stats, the fans decide on who is the best. Many people have their picks and chooses but even though their may be somebody better, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are two of the best players in the league because they won more championships than any other player and they average more points per game than other players. Michael Jordan spent his college career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981. In the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, Michael made a jump shot as a freshman which caused them to win the game. Michael Jordan was then named the ACC freshman of the year after he averaged 13.4 points per game. After his junior year, he was the third over all draft pick in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. Jordan burst into the big game with a terrific first season, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP for winning the championship for the first time. Kobe Bryant had a very successful high school basketball career. He was recognized as the best high school basketball player in the country. After graduation, Kobe elected to enter the NBA directly after, becoming the first ever player in Los Angeles franchise history to make that transition. In...
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...Michael Jordan: Beyond an Icon Many people in this modern time would agree that we need someone in the sports world to step up and take a leading role. There are so many athletes out there today involved in scandals such as, affairs, taking of performance enhancing drugs, and even run-ins with the law. We need someone to step up not just as a role model, or some factory icon. But to bring back the integrity of the word athlete. Michael Jordan was the Chicago Bulls superstar who beat Charles Barkley and Akeem Olajuwon for Rookie of the Year back in 1985. He may be the greatest player to ever play the game. He even has six championship rings to back up his claim, including 3 straight from 1991-1993, and 3 more in 1996-1998. Michael was named the NBA Finals MVP in all of those titles. In 1991, Jordan's Bulls finally overcame the greatest impediment to their team's success, the Detroit Pistons, who had regularly eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs. In 1993 he averaged 41.0 ppg in the finals, for a record. This 6'6" guard is a NBA first teamer (10 times) He was once again an All-NBA First Team member in 1996. You can always pencil Mike in as the starting guard for the all-star game (13 appearances). He started for the ninth time in 1997, as the first player EVER to receive more than 2 million votes. In the 1997 Game he became the first player ever to record a triple double in the all-star game with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Jordan was not named MVP that...
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...that create the Nike Just Do It feeling for the competition. The consumer’s perception of brand influences their buying decision in sports industry, so Nike always has been able to position to customer’s expectation and athletic fantasy that is endorsed by real athletes. Its Products offer a wide range of choices for the individuals; from sports equipment, athletic shoes, to clothes. But this paper focuses on Nike athletic shoes- how it has created a distinct impression in consumers’ mind and differentiated its products from its competitors. Promotionally, it has continuously tried to target the world’s youth population through basketball most popular game around the world. Nike partnered with Michael Jordan to have his name Jordan shoes for basketball and designed Jordan I, Jordan II and followed by many more. Nike's marketing strategy is accepted to be an important component of the company's success. Nike is positioned as a premium-brand, selling well-designed and very expensive products. As same time Nike tries to lure customers with a marketing strategy centering on a brand image which is attained by distinctive logo and the advertising logo: “Just do it”. The external influence promoting the Nike is brand is the sports culture of people here in United States. Whether it may...
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...Anything Less Would Be Uncivilized Kristopher Moss DeVry University Anything Less Would Be Uncivilized When I was a child I loved to play basketball and one of my favorite players was Charles Barkley. Even though he had a reputation of being arrogant and playing a little more physical than you could probably get away with playing in the modern game, I appreciated that attitude and physicality he brought to the court. I always viewed it as his passion for the game. He always seemed to be angry and would often get into shouting matches with opposing players, referees, and even his own coaches. For that reason it seemed slightly absurd that Right Guard would chose him as a spokesperson considering that there slogan for many years has been “Anything less would be uncivilized,” and Sir Charles’ domineer on the basketball court was anything but. These ads could lead people to wonder, “If this is a product that can make Charles Barkley more civilized, imagine what it could do for me.” The ad takes place on a clear spring-like day. You can practically hear the birds gently singing as they fly jubilantly through the crisp, spring morning air. The overgrown grass smells of dew as it flourishes from beneath a broken down, tattered wooden fence. Wearing a vibrant red coat, yellow vest and while collared shirt and slacks, stands Charles Barkley in the foreground. A towering man, Sir Charles stands 6 foot 6 inches tall and sports a dark mustache and a completely shaved head...
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...LeBron Raymone James (/ləˈbrɒn/; born December 30, 1984) is an American professional basketball player with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) and weighing 250 lb (113 kg), he has started at the small forward and power forward positions. James has won two NBA championships, four NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, two NBA Finals MVP Awards, two Olympic gold medals, an NBA scoring title, and the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He has also been selected to 11 NBA All-Star teams, 10 All-NBA teams, and six All-Defensive teams, and is the Cavaliers' all-time leading scorer. James played high school basketball at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, where he was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar. After graduating, he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cavaliers. James led Cleveland to the franchise's first Finals appearance in 2007, losing to the San Antonio Spurs. In 2010, he left the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in a highly publicized ESPN special titled "The Decision". In his first season in Miami, the Heat reached the Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks. James won his first championship in 2012 when Miami defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2013, he led the Heat on a 27-game winning streak, the second longest in league history. Miami also won its second consecutive title that year. In 2014, the Heat reached the Finals...
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...The Dream Ride The dream was a race car, going in and out of turns, running into obstacles, and dependent on gas. This dream was one reserved only for the privileged, blessed, and special. Fortunately, I was one of them. I was meeting everyone. I was meeting Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Dick Vitale, Red Auerbach, Bill Cosby and Bob Costas. I was seeing the place where JFK was shot. I was standing on the grounds where Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. I was climbing the high walls of the German castle of Neuschwanstein. I was riding in a Good Morning America limo through Central Park, New York City. I was buying trinkets at the night markets in Taiwan. I was strolling through the Massachusetts Bay Colony, learning, searching, and becoming. And no, this wasn’t a dream. “Mick, it’s show time,” my brother yelled as the half-time horn made the buzzer and the New Jersey Nets raced past us into their locker room. My deep, soothing reflection on life quickly turned into an uneasiness in my stomach. We were about to perform in front of thousands of screaming fans and the nerves in my little seven year old body were kicking in. The two basketballs were still in my tiny arms, ready to go. The security guards ushered us out onto the floor. The music exploded, the crowd erupted, and Continental Arena was on its feet. The Hagen brothers, known as the “Whiz Kids,” were at it again, performing their “mini Harlem Globetrotter” routine at halftime of...
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