If I had to put a finger on it, I’d say it began in the mid 90’s. Michael Jordan altered what being dubbed great meant right before our eyes, all across the sports world, but especially in basketball. Greatness could no longer be just associated with spectacular numbers or longevity. Even winning was put on the backburner for championships. Some of the most successful teams/players of the past get forgotten because they weren’t able to “win it all.”
Early in Jordan’s career that was the biggest criticism. He could score, but a scoring champ could never win a title. History and six titles later tell us different. With so many titles pre and post baseball for Mike, we realize we were spoiled. He heightened his legacy while minimizing all his peers. Many of the best players from that era (Karl Malone, John Stockton, Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley etc..) get hit with the “but He never won it all” line. In his wake it became even rougher on star players. Everybody from Kobe to Vince Carter to T-Mac were not only compared to Mike, but cursed because they didn’t win titles like him. We wanted fast results. Kobe was able to make his own lane, but others never lived up. Then the new wave began with LeBron James. He suffered through probably the harshest criticism any NBA player ever received basketball related. He has since silenced most, with his domination the last two titles and counting. In a fast paced what have you done for me lately society we simply move pressure from player to player. The latest paper out of Oklahoma calling the league MVP Kevin Durant Mr. Unreliable is proof of that. While the ultimate goal is to win the whole thing, we have to respect and pay homage to greatness in every form. Thanks again Mike.
