USA Today reveals who is better between Michael Jordan and LeBron James

The NBA is celebrating their 75th anniversary here in the 2021-22 season as the league tips off later on in October. Over the history of the league several former UNC Basketball players have played in the NBA highlighted by the legendary Michael Jordan.

And with the celebration already beginning, one publication released their list of the Top 75 players in league history.

15 NBA writers from USA Today sites submitted ballots with their Top 75 players of all time earlier this week with the publication releasing the results. They then took those ballots and the average place for each player to compile the full list of their Top 75.

Jordan took home the top spot on the USA Today’s list of the Greatest Players in NBA history, as expected, but it unanimous.  Of the 15 ballots, Jordan finished first on 10 panelists list with LeBron James coming in second with four first-place ballots.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the other lone player that earned a first-place vote with Evan Barnes of the Memphis Commercial Appeal turning in his vote for the center.

Jordan edged out James who finished second, Abdul-Jabbar (3rd), Magic Johnson (4th) and Wilt Chamberlin for the top spot. Here is what the USA Today had to say about Jordan taking the top spot:

"Everyone has wanted to be like Mike for his basketball acumen, obsessive competitive drive and trail-blazing endorsement deals. Of course, no one can be like Mike. He led the Chicago Bulls to an undefeated 6-0 Finals record. He became the league’s most dominant scorer ever and one of the league’s top defenders. And he related to people of all backgrounds for his unmatched work ethic. Jordan’s track record isn’t perfect. He struggled initially with trusting teammates and spent his first six seasons without winning a title. His two retirements partly stemmed from burnout. And his demanding leadership style resonated with some and became off-putting with others. But that does not detract from Jordan’s successful quest to become the greatest basketball player ever."

For UNC fans, it’s not shocking to see Jordan take the top spot on this list. However, it’s a little shocking to see MJ be challenged a bit by James who received four first-place votes. One voter even had Jordan No. 3 on his list behind both James and Abdul-Jabbar which is even more shocking.

In addition to Jordan, former UNC standout James Worthy also earned a spot on the Top 75 list from the USA Today.

For more on former UNC Basketball players in the NBA, please check back with Keeping It Heel.