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Simone Biles’ Fiance Jonathan Owens Sides With LeBron James as He Gets Snubbed by NBA Legend From GOAT Status

Published 07/14/2022, 9:00 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The legacy of LeBron James is astonishing. Since he came out from Akron, James dominated the sport for a long time. His way of staying fit at age 37 is a testament to his dedication to the sport. But Ray Allen came up with his own theory. However, Simone Biles’ boyfriend, Jonathan Owens, thinks otherwise. 

 

Allen met a couple of fans who debated on LeBron being the greatest NBA player of all time. However, Allen put across some points on LeBron’s weaknesses. The comparisons between Michael Jordan and LeBron James come into fruition, and Owens has his say. 

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Jonathan Owens supports LeBron James

In the video, we see Allen explaining and putting across pointers on how James is not the GOAT. The fan discusses his scoring and passing skills as Allen questions James’ free-throw shooting, 3-point shooting, and dribbling ability. To these claims, Owens replied by specifying“I don’t agree with this. He’s not the best dribbler but can still get his shots at will.” So is Allen right in any way? When fans dive deeper into stats, they can get a much more detailed viewpoint from those claims. 

USA Today via Reuters

When you look at his free throw percentage, Michael Jordan stays at about 83.5%. And James has a free throw percentage of 73.4%. While comparing his three-point shooting to MJ, 34.6% compared to Jordan’s 32.7%. Despite these shooting numbers, he averages 54.5% for effective field goal percentage. 

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But, Stephen Curry’s heroics from deep changed the entire complexion of the NBA. He revolutionized the game with his long-range shooting, and nobody could stop him. However, in dribbling skills, James has his weak points. 

The question remains, is it necessary for NBA players to dribble?

Strengths outscored weaknesses

Players like Allen Iverson, ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich, Kyrie Irving, and Chris Paul are some of the best dribblers in the game. One thing you can associate dribblers with are they play mostly guard. Magic Johnson probably is the player who could play all five positions because of his unique physical attributes. Ray Allen himself was a shooting guard. James, though, is a small forward and a power forward. He is much more than an offensive machine. 

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Basketball is not always about the offense. Defense matters too. 

USA Today via Reuters

James averages 1.6 steals per game in his career and is famous for chase-down blocks and perimeter defense. Although he is 37, and some may see the lack of effort, he makes sure he gets ahead and swat the ball away to the stands. During the 2011-2012 season, James had a defensive rating of 97.3. It is staggering. Comparing his free-throw shooting, three-point shooting, and dribbling ability is not a fair argument to be judged as the GOAT. However, players and fans have their opinions. 

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For some, he is the greatest NBA player of all time for their generation. Jonathan Owens believes the same. 

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Post Graduation in Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the power forward, the respect he deserves.
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Edited by:

Deepakshi Chaudhary