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Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
When you factor in size, strength, speed, agility, instincts, hand-eye coordination and stamina and durability to a lesser degree, is he the greatest specimen of all time?
There are guys who compete in the Olympics for specific events and may show all time athleticism in one category... and some of you might even mention decathlon athletes... but has anyone had the size/strength/speed/coordination like LeBron?
He has everything, and makes it look effortless. That's how you know's he an all-time great athlete. Considering everything, he's the best athlete of all.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
Wilt / Shaq / LeBron are by far the biggest genetic freaks that I can think of in terms of the things they could do at their size, while still being able to jump, and be quick.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
Bryan Clay is up there
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvHewtIfEVs[/url]
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
In football, Bo Jackson, Jim Brown, Deion Sanders, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and Adrian Peterson were tremendous athletes.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
LeBron's not that different from a guy like McGrady....but find me another Shaq.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Wilt Chamberlain, Deion Sanders... all excelled at multiple sports at a high level.
LeBron is a genetic marvel; as fast a guy that size as I've ever seen. But to categorize him as the greatest athlete of all time is a big reach.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=JMT]Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Wilt Chamberlain, Deion Sanders... all excelled at multiple sports at a high level.
LeBron is a genetic marvel; as fast a guy that size as I've ever seen. But to categorize him as the greatest athlete of all time is a big reach.[/QUOTE]
Dave Winfield got drafted by MLB, NFL and NBA.
That was a baaaad dude on a sports field.
[IMG]http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/484/457/dave-winfield.97277730_display_image.jpg?1344366932[/IMG]
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=JMT]Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Wilt Chamberlain, Deion Sanders... all excelled at multiple sports at a high level.
LeBron is a genetic marvel; as fast a guy that size as I've ever seen. But to categorize him as the greatest athlete of all time is a big reach.[/QUOTE]
You're saying LeBron couldn't excel at other sports? Come on...
Stupid argument against him.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Budadiiii]You're saying LeBron couldn't excel at other sports? Come on...
Stupid argument against him.[/QUOTE]
Prove that he can.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=The Iron Fist]Bo Jackson>>>Lebron[/QUOTE]
Pretty much this. He goes to my gym. His legs are the size of tree trunks (literally).
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=The Iron Fist]Prove that he can.[/QUOTE]
Excelling in other sports doesn't = better athlete anyways dude.
Sports have specific skill sets you develop in order to succeed. Not necessarily athletic traits. You mean to tell me playing BASEBALL at a high level = better athlete? Dude that's a skill driven sport. Again, stupid argument.
Name a guy with the size/strength/speed/stamina/coordination/durability/instincts that LeBron has.
He almost wins by default because he's so big and doesn't give up much speed while being much bigger and stronger than the Bo Jackson's of the world. And then add in the the god damn coordination/explosiveness/agility :biggums:
He has everything and displays it much more than any football player ever has.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
Iverson was quite the athlete too, he was an amazing football player in college, and could've played college and maybe found a fit in the NFL at some point.
Let's also not forget Charlie Ward. Dude was an elite QB for Florida State and was the starting PG for the Knicks for quite sometime in the 90's and early 2000's.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
Nope.
7-1 1/16th w/o shoes
7-8 wingspan
9-7" standing reach
11.5" hand spread
9.5" hand width
258lbs-327lbs
*4.6 40 in [I]barefeet[/I] @ 290lbs
*Convinced a HOF pro football coach he'd be the greatest football reciever of ALL TIME
*Ali stated after scouting Wilt practicing, that he'd be a tougher opponent and more [I]skilled[/I] than Joe Fazier in the boxing ring
*Worked out with Arnold, and even Arnold was in awe about his raw strength
*2 time big-eight NCAA high jumper, jumped 6-7.75 in the pre fosbury high-jump era - also was elite at the HS level in the 440, long jump, and in the NCAA also competed in triple jump
*Professional Volleyball player
*Owns the NBA record book to this day. Nobody touches his records even 50 years later, how many sports have had athletes with records for that long, let alone the NUMBER of records he has? He was so damn dominant at the sport of basketball people to this day desperately search for [I]excuses[/I] to explain his achievements.
[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDn7lBlbaC8/T1BIb5WnVRI/AAAAAAAADIM/n46efDf56To/s800/Wilt%2520Chamberlain%2520football.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fe4Ni9coRas/T0noVgi85OI/AAAAAAAADBM/_1tkKlTPhDI/s0/November%252028%252C%25201956%2520-%2520Wilt%2520Dunks%2520his%2520free%2520throws.jpg[/IMG]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvdsi6gLl8[/url]
Lebron also has the "multi-sport gifted athleticism" thing going for him. And has an insane body that is rarified in sports. Lebron actually is on par with Wilt in many things, perhaps even exceeding him in a few by small margins. But Lebron is [I]miles[/I] behind Wilt in terms of two very important categories.
Size, and strength.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Money 23]Iverson was quite the athlete too, he was an amazing football player in college, and could've played college and maybe found a fit in the NFL at some point.
Let's also not forget Charlie Ward. Dude was an elite QB for Florida State and was the starting PG for the Knicks for quite sometime in the 90's and early 2000's.[/QUOTE]
:applause:
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
The guys who were elite in multiple sports are the ones who immediately come to mind in any discussion involving "best athlete" ever.
Dave Winfield is one that people often forget, but he has to be in any discussion like this.
Winfield was a first-ballot baseball Hall of Famer, which is arguably the most difficult sport to achieve that honor. Amazing as a hitter, fielder and base-runner. A true all-around stud athlete.
But, that is just one aspect...
He was also the starting power forward on a National Championship Minnesota college team, drafted by the Hawks and later played for Utah...
And, just for good measure, he was also drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.
He is the only athlete ever to be drafted in three professional sports.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Budadiiii]You're saying LeBron couldn't excel at other sports? Come on...
Stupid argument against him.[/QUOTE]
No, what's stupid is assuming that he would when he hasn't.
Sorry that calling him a "genetic marvel" and "the fastest guy that size ever", but being unwilling to give him the unilateral title of Greatest Athlete Ever, hurts your feelings or somehow diminishes your LeBron-fueled fantasies.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=JMT]No, what's stupid is assuming that he would when he hasn't.[/QUOTE]
All state receiver in high school. You mean to tell me if LeBron dedicated himself to football instead of basketball, that he wouldn't be in the NFL right now? Obviously you can't confirm that he would be, but based on logic and reason, it's safe to say LeBron could excel at the very least, one other sport.
I'm more speaking on athletic traits than skillsets... there is a difference....
You can be an elite "athlete" without actually having many athletic traits. Ala Tiger Woods. Think a little man.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=eliteballer]LeBron's not that different from a guy like McGrady....but find me another Shaq.[/QUOTE]
Shaq is a monster athlete for basketball but in other sports he'd be just useless.
I think MJ, Lebron and some other athletic dudes in the NBA are freak of natures and could play plenty of other sports and not be too big and clumsy for it. I mean lot at a game like soccer, if you're 6-2 or taller you're usually tall and clumsy. Guys like Jordan and Lebron would have no problems fitting in.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=tmacattack33]No.
Probably some NFL safety or running back. Many have 40 inch verticals. Many can bench 325 + pounds. Many have 4.30 40 yard dash times.
Basically:
Lebron and all NBA players are where they are because they have skills. Lebron has good handles, an average NBA jump shot (which would be better than 99% of random people walking around the streets), and elite passing vision. That's why he's a super-star.
An NFL safety is where he is because he's fast as shit and strong as sh*t.[/QUOTE]
Being able to dribble a basketball efficiently and have passing ability require a high amount of coordination and instincts which is what really sets him apart. It's not just the raw stats like size, strength, and speed, it's the fact that he's so ****ing balanced and coordinated, while being incredibly explosive and displaying crazy stamina and durability. He's the best all around athlete ever. You can't really argue it if you sit back and factor everything in.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Budadiiii] He's the best all around athlete ever. You can't really argue it if you sit back and factor everything in.[/QUOTE]
You encourage others to "think a little"... and this is your take? :facepalm
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Budadiiii]Being able to dribble a basketball efficiently and have passing ability require a high amount of coordination and instincts which is what really sets him apart. It's not just the raw stats like size, strength, and speed, it's the fact that he's so ****ing balanced and coordinated, while being incredibly explosive and displaying crazy stamina and durability. He's the best all around athlete ever. You can't really argue it if you sit back and factor everything in.[/QUOTE]
Maybe on the ball handling part, but i wouldn't say passing vision is an athletic trait. It's more of a mental skill. And jump shooting is a very specific thing.
But anyway, it seems like we are just trying to find out who would be the best at all the major sports combined. And I'd go with Deion Sanders there.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=JMT]You encourage others to "think a little"... and this is your take? :facepalm[/QUOTE]
Dude, what the ****? Do you have an argument against it? Not like I'm going out on a limb by saying this, and everything said on here is just an opinion anyways.
What's your argument? Who measures up as an overall athlete like LeBron?
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
lebron is up there. he could have been an elite WR or TE in the NFL if he chose to be.
but i think Bo Jackson is just the best athlete i have ever seen. he just effortlessly excelled in everything he did.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=tmacattack33]Maybe on the ball handling part, but i wouldn't say passing vision is an athletic trait. It's more of a mental skill. And jump shooting is a very specific thing.
But anyway, it seems like we are just trying to find out who would be the best at all the major sports combined. And I'd go with Deion Sanders there.[/QUOTE]
Yah, people are confusing sport skill sets with athletic traits.
I bet Tony Romo and Sam Bradford are better at more sports than LeBron... but are they better athletes in the purest form of the word? Of course not.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
Best athlete of all time = [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thorpe"]Jim Thorpe[/URL]
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=DuMa]lebron is up there. he could have been an [B]elite WR or TE[/B] in the NFL if he chose to be.
but i think Bo Jackson is just the best athlete i have ever seen. he just effortlessly excelled in everything he did.[/QUOTE]
That's kinda a crazy thing to say.
Even if he was the nation's top WR as a WR his senior year of high school, he wouldn't be guaranteed to be at Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson's, and Larry Fitzgerald's level in the National Football League.
And he wasn't number one in the nation. He was apparently one of the best WR's [U]in his state[/U]...and there are 50 states.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Budadiiii]Yah, people are confusing sport skill sets with athletic traits.
I bet Tony Romo and Sam Bradford are better at more sports than LeBron... but are they better athletes in the purest form of the word? Of course not.[/QUOTE]
Huh?
So now we are discussing athletic traits in the purest form of the word?
Well then an NFL safety or running back is going to easily beat Lebron in this. They are faster, stronger, and many will be able to match Lebron's vertical. It's no contest.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=tmacattack33]That's kinda a crazy thing to say.
Even if he was the nation's top WR as a WR his senior year of high school, he wouldn't be guaranteed to be at Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson's, and Larry Fitzgerald's level in the National Football League.
And he wasn't number one in the nation. He was apparently one of the best WR's [U]in his state[/U]...and there are 50 states.[/QUOTE]
Yes but.... Football was never his main sport and he stopped playing after his sophomore season if I'm not mistaken....
Imagine if it was his main sport and dedicated himself the same way he did towards basketball...
all hypotheticals but I bet football was just a leisure activity for him.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Budadiiii]Excelling in other sports doesn't = better athlete anyways dude.
Sports have specific skill sets you develop in order to succeed. Not necessarily athletic traits. You mean to tell me playing BASEBALL at a high level = better athlete? Dude that's a skill driven sport. Again, stupid argument.
Name a guy with the size/strength/speed/stamina/coordination/durability/instincts that LeBron has.
He almost wins by default because he's so big and doesn't give up much speed while being much bigger and stronger than the Bo Jackson's of the world. And then add in the the god damn coordination/explosiveness/agility :biggums:
He has everything and displays it much more than any football player ever has.[/QUOTE]
Bo Jax was an all star with the best players of his era, and an all pro with the best players of his era. Michael Jordan tried baseball and didn't do shit. Dave Winfield was drafted by the three major sports leagues in america. Just because an athlete is gifted at one sport, doesn't mean he will excel at others because hes big and fast. Some of the best baseball players of all time weren't the fastest or strongest because thats a sport that requires incredible hand/eye coordination. So no, he doesn't almost win by default when there have been better athletes in history.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=tmacattack33]Well then an NFL safety or running back is going to easily beat Lebron in this. They are faster, stronger, and many will be able to match Lebron's vertical. It's no contest.[/QUOTE]
Specifically who?
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
Buddaii argues his point worse than anybody i've seen :facepalm
idk if this nikka could convince me the sky was blue
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=tmacattack33]Huh?
So now we are discussing athletic traits in the purest form of the word?
Well then an NFL safety or running back is going to easily beat Lebron in this. They are faster, stronger, and many will be able to match Lebron's vertical. It's no contest.[/QUOTE]
Stronger? No. Faster with a ratio to their height and weight? No. Vertical? Even if they do, LeBron is much taller and bigger wingspan so again they don't match up ratio wise. Like I said, LeBron wins by default because of his size and the fact that is doesn't deduct other traits as much as it should set him a part.
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=tmacattack33]Huh?
So now we are discussing athletic traits in the purest form of the word?
Well then an NFL safety or running back is going to easily beat Lebron in this. They are faster, stronger, and many will be able to match Lebron's vertical. It's no contest.[/QUOTE]
Only agree with a few safety and barely a few RBs. Just because they can deliver blows to players on their blind sides with gear on does not make them stronger. And lebron has them beat on the Endurance department and not even close when factoring his measurements (weight/height)
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=TheMarkMadsen]Buddaii argues his point worse than anybody i've seen :facepalm
idk if this nikka could convince me the sky was blue[/QUOTE]
I'm well aware of this. I'm terrible at explaining my point over the internet :facepalm
It doesn't help that I'm baked either
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=miller-time]Specifically who?[/QUOTE]
I haven't even been watching much football lately, but off the top of my head...
Peterson: [url]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=58020&draftyear=2007&genpos=RB[/url]
6'1 217 lbs
40 time: 4.37
Max Bench press is apparently 350 lbs
38 inch vertical leap
Patrick Willis: [url]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=17257&draftyear=2007&genpos=ILB[/url]
6'1 242 lbs
40 time: 4.37 as well
Can bench press 225 lbs for 22 reps
39 inch vertical leap
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Re: Is LeBron the greatest athlete of all time?
[QUOTE=Budadiiii]I'm well aware of this. I'm terrible at explaining my point over the internet :facepalm
It doesn't help that I'm baked either[/QUOTE]
:lol
i feel you man