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Dirk Nowitzki Answers Michael Jordan vs LeBron James Question in Just 2 Seconds

Published 11/10/2022, 3:10 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks legend, is now the newest one to chip into the LeBron James vs Michael Jordan debate. The 2011 NBA Champion and legend was recently called in on an interview, talking about life with the Mavericks and post-retirement. In the rapid-fire question segment, the 44-year-old-took almost no time in answering his favorite among LeBron James and MJ. 

The 14-time All-star was very sure as to who he thought was the greatest of all time. Well, the question was, who did Nowitzki think was better than the two? But there’s no other implication in the answer.

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Dirk Nowitzki on Jordan vs LeBron 

Dirk Nowitzki is one of the few players to have played against both Jordan and James. So in theory, he’s one of the ideal ones to answer the question properly. Although the Dallas legend played against the comparatively less threatening Jordan, he still understands the greatness of the players involved. Compared to that, Nowitzki played many games against King James, which could be considered as prime LeBron James.

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In a recent interview, Nowitzki was asked to choose between the two legends, and without hesitation, he took the name of ‘His Airness’. The Dallas Mavericks’ no. 41 was confident in his answer and his demeanor showed no signs of confusion.

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In the plethora of NBA stars that were asked the same question, there are many answers which are confusing. Shaquille O’Neal always maintained that Jordan was better among the two, but recently has given a condition to his answer. O’Neal said he’d be forced to rethink his answer once James breaks the 40-year-old record of the All-time top scorer. 

Nowitzki was drafted into the Mavericks in 1999 but missed out on the opportunity to play against Jordan as he retired. For the Dallas legend, Jordan was a hero, and once mentioned how disappointed he was to miss out on playing him. Well, keeping in mind his love for the Bulls no. 23 his choice might still be a little biased.

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But as fate would have it, Jordan returned to the NBA in 2001. Nowitzki’s dream was no longer just a dream.

Nowitzki on LeBron James

The Dallas legend’s love for the Bulls no. 23 doesn’t imply that he didn’t admire LeBron James. The 14-time All-Star once mentioned that he’d be ringless if he faced LeBron after 2011.

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Watch This Story: Charlotte Hornets traded Kobe Bryant, Milwaukee Bucks shipped off Dirk Nowitzki other draft day trades that altered the NBA’s history forever

Ultimately crediting the slight edge of experience that they had over their rivals.

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Written by:

Shankha Shuvra Das

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Shankha Shuvra Das is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Economics and has extensive experience in freelance content creation, especially in the field of technology. Shankha's passion for covering the sport of basketball stems from his love for the NBA, which he has been following closely for several years now.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana