With the airing of ESPN’s documentary “The Last Dance,” much is being made about players’ abilities to compete in different eras.
For those who do not believe LeBron James would be great in any era, Jeff Van Gundy has a simple message: “You need to be drug tested.”
“If you’re trying to tell me that LeBron James, with that athleticism, that skill level and that strength couldn’t be great back then… Man you need to be drug tested.”
– Jeff Van Gundy on how great players would be great in any era. pic.twitter.com/Ts0LR3OS1U
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) May 6, 2020
Van Gundy, who spent 11 seasons as a head coach in the NBA, specifically highlights James’ athleticism, skill and strength as reasons why the four-time MVP would dominate across basketball eras.
Van Gundy coached in the NBA in the ’90s and early ’00s, and he led the New York Knicks to a finals appearance in the lockout-shortened 1999 season.
Though the former coach noted the more physical nature of earlier basketball eras, he clearly believes that James would have no problem adjusting to more contact.
James’ all-around game would likely help in any era. The three-time NBA champion has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.
Since being drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, James has played 17 seasons in the NBA. The Akron native has dominated throughout his career, appearing in 16 All-Star games and being selected to 15 All-NBA teams.
