Michael Jordan’s 5-time champion teammate lambasts LeBron James, new generation for load management 

Former NBA player John Salley did not hold back against the recent generation on the latest episode of the OG's Podcast.

Michael Jordan’s 5-time champion teammate lambasts LeBron James, new generation for load management 

Michael Jordan and LeBron James

Nowadays, the current crop of NBA players and analysts often talk about how the game is played in the league compared to the earlier generations. Former legends frequently criticize current superstars in public, citing everything from the over-dependence on the outside shot to the absence of physicality that characterized the 1980s and 1990s. However, load management is one of the most important subjects.

Former NBA player and legend John Salley recently sat down on the OG’s Podcast to talk about this issue. According to Salley, ‘load-management’ is just a new excuse for the current generation of players to take ‘rest days.’ In addition, he also slammed the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, LeBron James for not raising his voice regarding this matter.

YouTube video

The real difference, guys take days off now. I mean Michael was talking smack about Horace (Grant), ‘Man, he only play 65 games a year, of course he’s gonna be fresh.’ There is no way you were gonna get Kobe not to play a game, Michael not to play a game, or Isiah. They’ve not given up these minutes. So when I see guys talk about load, I don’t understand.

John Salley said on the podcast

The retired big man is by no means implying that today’s players lack talent. He is aware that his skill, athleticism, and offensive inventiveness have all improved. However, he believes that his thinking has changed. In the past, guys would turn up with bruises or other injuries, but they would still give it their all.

Now it’s nothing like this anymore, as players are instead rested as a precaution to avoid any injuries. Back in the day, as Salley claims, legendary players like the late Kobe Bryant and Micahel Jordan would push through injuries to feature for their side. Now, it’s the opposite.

As for Salley, despite never being the face of a team, the ‘Spider’ had one of the best seats to some of the greatest basketball players in history. He was a dependable big man with an extended wingspan and a high IQ, had a successful NBA career, and won four championship rings.

John Salley opens up about the moment he realized that Michael Jordan is ‘the GOAT’

Everyone has different perspectives when it comes to the GOAT in the NBA. Some pick the current Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, while some pick the Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. A few shouts also go to the late Kobe Bryant when it comes to the GOAT debate. However, John Salley knows who his GOAT in the NBA is and opened up on this.

I call my mother, and she says, ‘How is it?’ I say, ‘Ma, I just saw the greatest player of all time.’ ‘It took you this long to admit it?’ And I go, ‘Yeah, it took me this long, but I just saw him play in tennis shoes, no tape, no knee brace, no wristband, wearing sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a practice jersey—and he played like it was the Finals.’

On an appearance on Byron Scott’s Fastbreak Podcast, John Salley said

In addition, Jordan was in a class of his own. He wanted everything to be perfect, from his game to how his pre-match outfit. Something that Salley also acknowledged. He watched Jordan make sure everything was perfect, tie his shoes, and draw up his socks to the same height. One of the only things that may divert his attention from his goal of subduing his opponent was if his attire was even slightly different.

Another former NBA player made his case on the LeBron James-Michael Jordan debate

One of the main questions that often comes up amongst players lately is who is the greatest of all time in the sport. While most claim Michael Jordan, some claim LeBron James. Now, a former NBA player Larry Hughes made his feelings known on this matter. It’s important to note that, Hughes has played alongside both the players.

MJ is the greatest basketball player of all time, in my eyes. If we look at the Jumpman symbol, LeBron is right there on his shoe. That’s really how I look at it. He’s not too far behind. If I had to answer, then I’d say MJ.

Larry Hughes said

Interestingly, Hughes had the golden opportunity to play alongside both the players and learn from them. One thing he opened up about the two was the ‘attention in detail’ they had going into a game. Hughes observed that each of these great athletes demonstrated an unwavering capacity to adjust and outperform their rivals.