For quite some time, NBA pundits and fans have been putting up LeBron James against Michael Jordan in the famous ‘GOAT debate.’ However, Jordan is not the only player with whom people compare James. The comparisons between LeBron and Larry Bird also enjoy similar popularity within the NBA circles. Recently, a three-time All-Star guard reignited this comparison by siding with Larry Bird. Turns out, Chicago Bulls veteran Dennis Rodman is the latest hoops icon to comment on the famous James-Bird clash.

Dennis Rodman, however, begs to differ from the veteran guard who sided with Larry Bird. Besides, while diving deeper into the comparison, Rodman gave his flowers to the recent NBA champion, Nikola Jokic.

Dennis Rodman disses ex-All-Star guard’s claim on LeBron James and Larry Bird

During his appearance on VladTV, three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas gave his two cents on a hypothetical one-on-one matchup between LeBron James and Larry Bird. ?Larry Bird would probably beat LeBron one-on-one,” said Arenas then. To substantiate his claim, Arenas pointed out that one-on-one games have a lot more to do with the dribbling skill set than overall athleticism.

Furthermore, he told the host that LeBron cannot fully make use of his strength and athleticism in such a matchup. But Larry Bird, according to Arenas, is a master of the aforementioned dribbling skill-set, and can therefore outsmart LBJ.

Recently, when the Chicago Bulls legend Dennis Rodman made his VladTV appearance, the host asked him to examine Gilbert Arenas’ comment about James and Bird.??If Larry Bird played in this era, I think he?d be in Europe… He?d be somewhere over there. His game was fit for Boston at that time, in the 80s. Today?s world, oh hell no. I?m not downplaying him cause he?s a great player at that time, as I was, but there?s no way,? said Rodman in response.

Shortly after dismissing Gilbert Arenas’ statement, Dennis Rodman brought Nikola Jokic to the conversation. Unsurprisingly, like most veterans, Rodman had nothing but great things to say about the 2023 NBA champion.

Nikola Jokic earns his stripes from Dennis Rodman

According to Dennis Rodman, Larry Bird won’t stand a chance against Nikola Jokic in this day and age. Rodman pointed out that Jokic is “slow,”?resonating with the popular opinion that the Joker is not athletic. However, ‘The Worm’ comfortably overlooked Jokic’s shortcomings and chose him over Bird. ?I think the kid from Denver is way better. Oh my god. He?s slow as hell,”?said Rodman.

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Rodman continued, “I think he?s better than Larry Bird. I mean, in this day and age, yeah.”?As Dennis Rodman has faced Larry Bird and his mighty Celtics on the court, Rodman’s opinion cannot indeed be overlooked. Besides, by choosing contemporary stars over Bird, Rodman, perhaps, has acknowledged how the game has changed.

Who do you think made more sense? Dennis Rodman or Gilbert Arenas? Let us know in the comments below.

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