When Michael Jordan ignored LeBron James in his top 5 all-time players: “Larry is far better than any small forward”

In a book published in 2009, Michael Jordan chose Larry Bird over LeBron James as part of his top five all-time players. Jordan gave a valid reason why he picked the Boston Celtics legend over the current superstar.

Selecting five best players of all time isn't easy, as there have been a plethora of players who have graced the court and left a great impact. Jordan was in a similar situation when he was asked over a decade ago about his all-time five. MJ was asked the question for the book "When the Game Was Ours" by Jackie MacMullan.

During that year, James was still with the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning his first MVP award.

"Larry was a debate. He still is," Jordan said. "People ask me all the time who my all-time five top players are, and when I start saying Larry, they interrupt me. They say, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. He can’t play with LeBron James!’

"I tell them, ‘You guys don’t get it. Larry is far better than any small forward who played the game, and to be honest, I’m still not sure if he is a small forward or a power forward."

More than a decade later, it looks like James has surpassed the accomplishments of those who came before him. LeBron is now a four-time MVP, four-time champion and 18-time All-Star. The 6-foot-9 forward has changed the narrative around him and became a winner and record-breaker.

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Allen Iverson gives Michael Jordan high praise

Michael Jordan, left, and Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson is one of the most recognizable faces in the NBA for his incredible talent and confidence. He's one of the few players from recent memory who got a chance to play against Michael Jordan on a high level. In a recent interview, Iverson gave his reason as to why he holds MJ in high regard.

"I never put nobody before Michael Jordan because of what Mike did for me," Iverson said. "I wanted to actually be like Mike. ... I wanted to really be like Mike. You know what I mean? He meant that much to me, and he's, like, a big reason for me being the Hall of Fame basketball player that I was.

"I never put nobody second, you know, besides Kobe (Bryant)."

MJ's impact isn't just on the basketball court, and everyone knows that. For Iverson, the stardom Jordan achieved allowed him to live out his dream as an NBA superstar. During his playing days, AI was a one-man entertainer. This gave him the chance to experience the things the Chicago Bulls star experienced in his career.