Is SGA UKs version of Michael Jordan?

[Wildcats1st]

The only reason I ask is because UNC isn’t what they are without Jordan’s legacy.I know we all felt it would be AD he left the strongest legacy at uk. but he’s slid recently. Never won league mvp and 1 title. SGA is just hitting his stride. The first former UK player to be named league MVP. He averaged an incredible 32-33 points a game. He’s no where close to Jordan but he is looking like the best pro we’ve put in the league at least via Cal. If that 2018 team was a little tighter mentally they could have won it all. If you would have told them SGA was a future nba mvp that season is mds differently well maybe not bc cal can’t coach. We definitely shouldn’t have lost to kSU. Right now and out of the cal nba guys he brought in it looks like SGA will end up his best. I’m happy for SGA but we wasted alot of talent. Cal never knew what he had he just rolled out the balls.

 

[TFCats11]

Wake me up when he’s wearing 6 rings, top 5
AT in points, a few more MVP’s… Shall I continue?😂

 

[UK90]

Michael Jordan might’ve been the single most recognizable person in the entire world at his apex. And not just by sports fans, by everyone. Whereas most people even in his own country couldn’t pick SGA’s face out of a lineup.

So let’s just pump the brakes a bit. It’s awesome that a UK player finally won the MVP, but nobody should be making Jordan comparisons yet. Jordan was a whole different thing both athletically and as a global cultural icon.

 

[Skyguyb27]

Jordan is easily the greatest player of all time and he did it consistently throughout his careeer. Really there is no one remotely close to his skill level, work ethic, and athleticism. That’s why I don’t care for LeBron, he has all the skill in the world but doesn’t have the work ethic that Jordan did. Congrats to SGA but comparing him to Jordan is ridiculous.

 

[drcats2013]

No offense, but that is a laughable comparison, even in theory.

 

[bthaunert]

Michael Jordan is a brand...one of the most recognizable brands in the entire world (to the tune of $7 billion). As an example, my kid (9 years old and not really into sports) has known who Jordan is solely because of the logo, shoes, etc. He knows Jordan as a cool shoe or t-shirt to wear, not because he's the greatest basketball player of all time. His brand goes way beyond basketball.

No one will ever repeat what the impact off the court is. If Kobe and Lebron couldn't do it (or even be in the same stratosphere), no one will.

 

[BBNinSC]

SGA is Jordan/Kobe level with his mid-range game already. I thought the Thunder were too young to win an NBA title, but SGA is going to lead them there this season. They are really fun to watch.

 

[MidseasonTweaks]

Jordan is easily the greatest player of all time and he did it consistently throughout his careeer. Really there is no one remotely close to his skill level, work ethic, and athleticism. That’s why I don’t care for LeBron, he has all the skill in the world but doesn’t have the work ethic that Jordan did. Congrats to SGA but comparing him to Jordan is ridiculous.

I don't know about the work ethic part. I think it is more of an overall killer instinct that separates Jordan and James.

 

[Skyguyb27]

I don't know about the work ethic part. I think it is more of an overall killer instinct that separates Jordan and James.

I just remember him finishing a game with a fever and pushing through. But yeah his killer instinct was insane. I also enjoyed watching KB.

 

[Usmcincy]

Jordan is easily the greatest player of all time and he did it consistently throughout his careeer. Really there is no one remotely close to his skill level, work ethic, and athleticism. That’s why I don’t care for LeBron, he has all the skill in the world but doesn’t have the work ethic that Jordan did. Congrats to SGA but comparing him to Jordan is ridiculous.

Dude I’m not a big Lebron fan personally, but Lebron doesn’t stay out all night gambling and drinking the way Jordan did.

He eat sleeps and breathes hooping, and works tirelessly at his game when he could easily retire and make $100 million a year in passive income.

 

[Skyguyb27]

Dude I’m not a big Lebron fan personally, but Lebron doesn’t stay out all night gambling and drinking the way Jordan did.

He eat sleeps and breathes hooping, and works tirelessly at his game when he could easily retire and make $100 million a year in passive income.

And Jordan was still better and didn’t do the flopping crap LeBron does. His flopping is horrible. He watched to many Duke games growing up.

 

[MidseasonTweaks]

I just remember him finishing a game with a fever and pushing through. But yeah his killer instinct was insane. I also enjoyed watching KB.

I think at a minimum the work ethic is the same. I've never seen a player quite like James in terms of longevity and how he can still put up near MVP numbers at 40. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain that level. He just doesn't have what Jordan did at the end of the game in terms of that give me the ball and get out of the way type mentality.

 

[ukcatz12]

I think a lot of people are misunderstanding OP’s question. I don’t think they meant to ask if SGA is an equal or even close to an equal to Jordan. It’s more of a question of “in 15-20 years will SGA be thought of as the premier UK alum the way Jordan is with UNC.”

When you think of UNC you think of Jordan. Will the same be said for UK and SGA years from now?

 

[Skyguyb27]

I think at a minimum the work ethic is the same. I've never seen a player quite like James in terms of longevity and how he can still put up near MVP numbers at 40. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain that level. He just doesn't have what Jordan did at the end of the game in terms of that give me the ball and get out of the way type mentality.

He’s good because of his athleticism and skill but he isn’t the killer Jordan was for sure. Personally I never have cared to watch LeBron.

 

[ukcatz12]

Dude I’m not a big Lebron fan personally, but Lebron doesn’t stay out all night gambling and drinking the way Jordan did.

He eat sleeps and breathes hooping, and works tirelessly at his game when he could easily retire and make $100 million a year in passive income.

I’ve always found the hate of LeBron kind of funny. Considering the pressure he grew up with to be the next Jordan he’s done incredibly well for himself on both a personal and professional level. Never had any big scandal, is really devoted to his craft and is one of the best players of all time, has had incredible longevity like you said, and has been married with a nice family for a while now. He’s kind of in his cheese ball phase as a dad and it’s pretty funny at times.

He’s pretty much the model of what you’d want a successful athlete to be.

 

[Skyguyb27]

I think a lot of people are misunderstanding OP’s question. I don’t think they meant to ask if SGA is an equal or even close to an equal to Jordan. It’s more of a question of “in 15-20 years will SGA be thought of as the premier UK alum the way Jordan is with UNC.”

When you think of UNC you think of Jordan. Will the same be said for UK and SGA years from now?

I happy for him and MVP is a big deal but he has a lot of work to do to be held in such high regard as Jordan. To me, Kobe would be the closest on the respect of the great player list but that’s partially due to how much he did for the kids and community.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Wake me up when he’s wearing 6 rings, top 5
AT in points, a few more MVP’s… Shall I continue?😂

He definitely ain’t Michael Jordan

 

[Wildcats1st]

No offense, but that is a laughable comparison, even in theory.

How about this. Tell me our best comparison? Seems like SGA is from a small handful of players who suited up for UK and became an nba great.

 

[UK90]

It’s more of a question of “in 15-20 years will SGA be thought of as the premier UK alum the way Jordan is with UNC.”

Maybe by NBA fans. But I doubt UK fans will ever regard him as “the premier UK alum” simply because he was never on a beloved UK team. UK fans regard UK team accomplishments above all else, and the truth is his UK team is mostly remembered for having been a disappointing, dysfunctional, underachieving one.

I think most UK fans will always regard AD in higher esteem even if only for that reason.

 

[Wildcats1st]

I think a lot of people are misunderstanding OP’s question. I don’t think they meant to ask if SGA is an equal or even close to an equal to Jordan. It’s more of a question of “in 15-20 years will SGA be thought of as the premier UK alum the way Jordan is with UNC.”

When you think of UNC you think of Jordan. Will the same be said for UK and SGA years from now?

Exactly.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Dude I’m not a big Lebron fan personally, but Lebron doesn’t stay out all night gambling and drinking the way Jordan did.

He eat sleeps and breathes hooping, and works tirelessly at his game when he could easily retire and make $100 million a year in passive income.

You truly believe Michael Jordan didn't work on his game? I respect LeBron but this take is complete nonsense and just absurdity at the highest level.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Maybe by NBA fans. But I doubt UK fans will ever regard him as “the premier UK alum” simply because he was never on a beloved UK team. UK fans regard UK team accomplishments above all else, and the truth is his UK team is mostly remembered for having been a disappointing, dysfunctional, underachieving one.

I think most UK fans will always regard AD in higher esteem even if only for that reason.

This.

Plus, Jordan won a title at unc as well. He is their all time guy in part due to that on top of the obvious nba legend.

 

[preston-lemasterpiece]

Oh boy...

 

[preston-lemasterpiece]

Michael Jordan might’ve been the single most recognizable person in the entire world at his apex. And not just by sports fans, by everyone. Whereas most people even in his own country couldn’t pick SGA’s face out of a lineup.

So let’s just pump the brakes a bit. It’s awesome that a UK player finally won the MVP, but nobody should be making Jordan comparisons yet. Jordan was a whole different thing both athletically and as a global cultural icon.

I still say...if I could build a team around any player, it's Lew Alcindor circa 1969.
But yes in terms of fame Jordan is and probably always be #1. Not sure how Shai is even remotely comparable tbh.

 

[Usmcincy]

You truly believe Michael Jordan didn't work on his game? I respect LeBron but this take is complete nonsense and just absurdity at the highest level.

That’s not what I said. Dude said that Jordan’s the hardest worker and it’s not remotely close. It’s definitely close, and I think LeBrons grinded harder than anyone, considering he’s been playing at a stupidly high level for over 20 years now.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Maybe by NBA fans. But I doubt UK fans will ever regard him as “the premier UK alum” simply because he was never on a beloved UK team. UK fans regard UK team accomplishments above all else, and the truth is his UK team is mostly remembered for having been a disappointing, dysfunctional, underachieving one.

I think most UK fans will always regard AD in higher esteem even if only for that reason.

That’s the whole point of Jordan. He brought bandwagon fans to UNC. UNC merch is always the highest selling and yeah Jordan has a lot to do with that because of his greatness and automatically if someone becomes a Jordan fan they became a UNC fan. I know for crying out loud we have no player near Jordan. My question is SGA the closest? AD is finished he’s past his peak. SGA seems to just be hitting his. If they win the nba title and he has the mvp that will bring bandwagon uk fans. I know what uk fans expect but now we have a guy who is breaking the mold for UK players. He’s dominating and it’s not hurting UK. It’s bringing in more fans. More fans equal more recruits. Means more money in merch. We haven’t had a guy like SGA to dominate

the league other than AD to an extent. That’s all time. I know we as uk fans will always hold players who played on winning teams in higher regard and I agree. The problem is cal sucked and brought us talent but couldn’t get them to put their seal on the legacy. Think of that 2018 team wo SGA. We probably don’t make the tournament. If PJ Washington does his job and hits fouls shots vs kSU maybe we win a title. That team was stacked and cal had no idea. That was a massive choke job of a season. It felt that way at the time and as time moved it’s verified it.

 

[stuway]

Lol OP everything you post is borderline comical. Your sports takes are just flat out bad. You have to be a troll playing the long con game.

No way a real UK fan posts some of the insane nonsense you post. There is bo way in hell you're really a UK fan

 

[ccukuk]

I don't know about the work ethic part. I think it is more of an overall killer instinct that separates Jordan and James.

And flopping and crying and losing in the finals.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

SGA may be the most lethal in the game right now, but the comparison to Jordan is much like most comparisons to Jordan. Just look at SGA’s career compared to Jordan’s first seven years. It is not close.

If my math is correct:

SGA has 11,294 pts, MJ (with one injury shortened season) had 16,596

SGA has 666 steals, MJ 1,412

SGA has 2,362 assists, MJ 3,018

SGA has 370 blocks, MJ had 548

SGA has 2,211 boards, MJ 3,186

 

[ccukuk]

Dude I’m not a big Lebron fan personally, but Lebron doesn’t stay out all night gambling and drinking the way Jordan did.

He eat sleeps and breathes hooping, and works tirelessly at his game when he could easily retire and make $100 million a year in passive income.

And yet he’s 4 for 10 in the finals and nowhere near the player Jordan was.

 

[ccukuk]

That’s the whole point of Jordan. He brought bandwagon fans to UNC. UNC merch is always the highest selling and yeah Jordan has a lot to do with that because of his greatness and automatically if someone becomes a Jordan fan they became a UNC fan. I know for crying out loud we have no player near Jordan. My question is SGA the closest? AD is finished he’s past his peak. SGA seems to just be hitting his. If they win the nba title and he has the mvp that will bring bandwagon uk fans. I know what uk fans expect but now we have a guy who is breaking the mold for UK players. He’s dominating and it’s not hurting UK. It’s bringing in more fans. More fans equal more recruits. Means more money in merch. We haven’t had a guy like SGA to dominate

the league other than AD to an extent. That’s all time. I know we as uk fans will always hold players who played on winning teams in higher regard and I agree. The problem is cal sucked and brought us talent but couldn’t get them to put their seal on the legacy. Think of that 2018 team wo SGA. We probably don’t make the tournament. If PJ Washington does his job and hits fouls shots vs kSU maybe we win a title. That team was stacked and cal had no idea. That was a massive choke job of a season. It felt that way at the time and as time moved it’s verified it.

I disagree that he will bring fans to UK. Jordan played 2 seasons at uncheat and won a title with a game winner. I was a huge Jordan fan and despise uncheat.

 

[drcats2013]

How about this. Tell me our best comparison? Seems like SGA is from a small handful of players who suited up for UK and became an nba great.

To me there is no comparison. MJ is just another level. SGA winning this singular mvp at this time does nothing significant for the program. Just is what it is.

I still say AD is our biggest NBA name to date.

 

[Deli owl]

Different style of players but his accuracy and propensity to take the mid-rage reminds me of Rip Hamilton

 

[CastleRubric]

I lost track of the NBA a few yrs ago

Didn't AD wind up being near MVP?
I am actively surprised he never became MVP

Sorry - just curious

 

[preston-lemasterpiece]

I lost track of the NBA a few yrs ago

Didn't AD wind up being near MVP?
I am actively surprised he never became MVP

Sorry - just curious

Not really. Don't think he was ever top 5 in voting. Somehow.

EDIT: Ok he was 3rd in voting back in 2017-18. The issue with him is injuries. Often he misses too many games to even be eligible for the season awards

 

[swflakat]

The OP is NOT comparing SGA to Jordan on a skill basis. He seems to be saying will SGA be remembered as a UK alum along the lines of Jordan from UNC.

 

[cornbreadnmilk]

No. So many good UK players in the NBA that I don't think it comes down to a single one.

 

[rob_47]

Michael Jordan might’ve been the single most recognizable person in the entire world at his apex. And not just by sports fans, by everyone. Whereas most people even in his own country couldn’t pick SGA’s face out of a lineup.

So let’s just pump the brakes a bit. It’s awesome that a UK player finally won the MVP, but nobody should be making Jordan comparisons yet. Jordan was a whole different thing both athletically and as a global cultural icon.

This

 

[catturnedcock]

I think at a minimum the work ethic is the same. I've never seen a player quite like James in terms of longevity and how he can still put up near MVP numbers at 40. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain that level. He just doesn't have what Jordan did at the end of the game in terms of that give me the ball and get out of the way type mentality.

LeBron James has more playoff points, playoff clutch-time points, and playoff game winning shots/buzzer beaters than Michael Jordan.

 

[UK90]

That’s the whole point of Jordan. He brought bandwagon fans to UNC. UNC merch is always the highest selling and yeah Jordan has a lot to do with that because of his greatness and automatically if someone becomes a Jordan fan they became a UNC fan. I know for crying out loud we have no player near Jordan. My question is SGA the closest?

Not really. But I don't think we've ever had anyone close enough to it to even debate who's closest. What Jordan did for UNC in terms of increasing the school's global popularity, merchandise sales, brand value, etc. was something unprecedented that will never be replicated by any one player.

An obvious reason for that is there's never been another college player who went on to have such a global cultural impact. But also because SGA simply is not associated with UK in the same way Jordan was with UNC. That’s partly because: 1) he was from the state; 2) we saw him win a national championship there; 2) we saw him be NPOY there; 3) he constantly reminded us and pimped for UNC every chance he got; and 4) Nike and his marketing people went out their way to sell UNC as an integral part of the Jordan story.

EVERYBODY knew MJ went to UNC ...even folks in other countries who didn't know any other damn thing about CBB …because it was so linked to the MJ identity. Whereas the typical NBA fan probably never watched SGA at UK, and would have to be reminded where he played in college.