Michael Jordan Reflects on Longevity in NBA Amid Current Comparisons

Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the NBA, recently shared insights into the factors that contributed to his enduring career. Although his legendary status is often compared with contemporary players such as LeBron James, Jordan’s perspective on longevity continues to resonate.

Reflecting on his time in the league, Jordan cited two primary influences on his ability to perform at a high level over the years. “I think two things have to come in place. You have true love for what you’re doing, and you have to be very lucky in terms of health. If you have both of them, you can extend, you can play as long as you want. Cuz you got to put forth the effort,” Jordan stated during an interview with the late John Thompson, the esteemed former head coach of Georgetown.

Jordan’s passion for the game was undeniable, evident in his decision to come out of retirement twice, last playing for the Washington Wizards. Over 15 NBA seasons, Jordan maintained good health, missing only one regular-season game in eight different seasons. This fortitude contributed significantly to his sustained success on the court. John Thompson likened Jordan’s longevity to that of NFL legend Jerry Rice, who remained competitive well into his forties.

Currently, LeBron James is entering his 22nd NBA season and continues to exhibit remarkable performance levels akin to Jordan’s during his career. Recently, James led Team USA to a gold medal in the Paris Olympics, demonstrating prowess similar to that which earned him comparisons with Jordan.

Jordan’s final NBA season in 2002–03 saw him average 22.4 points per game over 30 games, a record for players aged 40 and over. Following that season, Jordan retired, leaving a legacy that future athletes like James aim to surpass. As LeBron approaches his 40th birthday, there is speculation about whether he can exceed Jordan’s scoring record for players in their 40s, having averaged 25.7 points last season at age 39.