The USA has been one of the greatest nations when it comes to playing a sport like basketball. They have produced many talented stars of the sport including the legendary Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant among others. However, Jordan and James are of two different eras. Jordan was a member of the 1992 ‘Dream Team’ whereas James was a member of the 2024 ‘Avengers’.
One thing was common on both sides: winning the Gold medal at the Olympics for their nation. However, former NBA star Tracy McGrady made a bold claim regarding the two teams. In a recent interaction with Rob “Lep” Lepelstat, McGrady asserted that the 1992 Dream Team is better than the 2024 Avengers and beats them on the ‘intimidation factor.’
The Dream Team is better… They had everybody on the court intimidated. That’s why they blew em’ out by 50.
Tracy McGrady said
This is a huge claim made by McGardy, as both sides have won the Gold and consist of a star-studded roster.
ClutchPoints’ @RobLep1: “USA Basketball just took home gold. How would you compare the 2024 team to the Dream Team.”
Tracy McGrady: “The Dream Team is better… They had everybody on the court intimidated. That’s why they blew em’ out by 50.”
MJ’s Dream Team or LeBron’s… pic.twitter.com/Mbdejp7sTK
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 12, 2024
Additionally, there is a significant difference in how the sport is played today compared to how it was in 1992. In 2024, basketball has evolved into a more sophisticated sport with extensive tactical preparation. Nevertheless, both squads should be given equal credit for their outstanding Olympic runs.
LeBron James lacks ‘fear factor’ of Michael Jordan
During an episode of ‘The BIG Podcast,’ Shaquille O’Neal shared his most recent opinions about LeBron James and his status as one of the greatest players of all time. O’Neal focused his remarks on the fear component, saying that James doesn’t inspire the same level of anxiety as previous famous players did when opponents faced them.
I’ve heard players say, including myself, ‘I feared [Michael Jordan].’ I’ve heard players in [Mario Chalmers’s] generation say they feared Kobe, I’ve never really heard any player say they feared LeBron.
Shaquille O’Neal said on the Big Shaq podcast
LBJ fans could well and truly argue with the statements made by O’Neal regarding James as the ‘fear’ factor alone cannot determine a player’s greatness.
However, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan were well-known for their “killer” style of play. That said, they frequently entailed vicious aggression on the opposition.
Those two were always in it for the kill. Also, they didn’t think twice about pushing anyone who got in their way, unlike James. Hence, O’Neal’s statement regarding James somewhat has a point.
