G.O.A.T.: MJ vs. MJ

Before I begin, let me be perfectly clear from the on-set…the Greatest of All Time Conversation is rooted in opinion. Regardless the information you may use to support your opinion (which having strong arguments and valid information is a plus and should definitely be present to make any argument credible and as a result your opinion validated) it is ultimately still…an opinion. With that being said, this blog has been spawned out of a great social network debate about the Greatest Player of All Time in the NBA. 

Facts: To even be mentioned in the conversation for G.O.A.T. there are a few “must haves” that legitimate players had to have. Those facts are: Statistics or as the layman would say “Numbers”, they must be a multi-champion, and they must pass the consensus test (when you say their name, there should not be much doubt as their ability to have that crowned place on them). Based on this criterion, the list is very short. You will hear names such as, Russell, Chamberlin, and West…but those guys are too early for what most of us in our mid to late 20’s and early 30’s can speak on. Our generation would include really two names Magic and Michael.

Numbers: Jordan’s numbers far surpass that of Johnson…if we were to measure them side by side, it ain’t even close. But if we did that we would be comparing apples and oranges. It would be imperative to compare their numbers to others who played their position; and without doing the research, I believe that they would fare well in most of the standard scoring and defensive categories by position with others who played during their eras (not to mention that Magic had his career shortened by the virus that causes AIDS and MJ retired for 2 years and then came back and then retired again…only to come back again.)

Winners: Mike won 6 rings to Magic’s 5. Easy to see right; but we have to look deeper. When you are a pivotal cog on your team and you are winning championships, you are usually in your prime. On average a player is in their prime mentally and physically between the ages of 27-30. So to really get a glimpse of the championship impact we must look at the titles won during these players prime, compare other great players who played against them in their primes and then we can draw a closer comparison. Using the 27-30 as the age definition of prime, then we can narrow the championship sample size to 3 for both greats (and I am not discounting Mike winning 3 straight two times but I would like to highlight that Magic went to the title game 7 times before facing Mike in 91 for his 8^th time to the big dance).  

Consensus Test: Now it is evident that both Magic and Michael played against great talent, but I think it is also just as evident that Magic Johnson, “during his prime”, played against better teams composed of better players than Mike did. See people will look at the individual talent of the Jordan Era during his time and automatically assume that he played against the tougher opponents and this is just not the case. The NBA was a different league during the Johnson’s prime years and the collection of talent top to bottom was on those teams were better…it just was.

In conclusion: One of my colleagues will argue Magic played with arguably the greatest center of all time; what he won’t tell you is that center was 39, 40 and 41 during Magic’s prime. What he would also tell you is that Mike came in playing with Oakley and Hodges, but again he won’t tell you that in Jordan’s prime of winning titles, that the other primary figures at that time were either heading into their primes as well or just coming out of them (see Paxson, Hodges, Pippen, and Grant). I will always say that Magic is the greatest to lace them up; but I will also never poo-poo on the Jordan homers who add to their argument, Jordan being the greatest by bringing up his shoe dominance with Nike along with their broad basketball opinions (need I remind you that the NBA was on tape delay before Magic got to the league..just saying). So while most of the people argue Jordan, just understand that while I won’t fight you on your opinion, the argument when you start to compare apples to apples, is much closer than you think.

Puppy Love

In honor of February, which not only host Black History Month, but also host one of, if not the most, overrated holiday known to man (Valentine’s Day) I would like to dedicate the next 28 days to reasons why black relationships fail. Now let’s not be so narrow minded; the reality is that most of the reasons that we will cover this month are applicable to all ethnic groups, but it’s just easier for me to speak from a “black perspective…go figure! If you have ever owned a puppy or just been in the presence of one, you know how “adorable” they can be. If you are around them for an extended period of time, then you will surely come to realize that while they have their adorable moments, they can become a pain the behind very quickly. The same applies to new relationships. Our new beginnings start out so fresh and everything is so cute but if these issues are not addressed, they will quickly turn into a complete waste of time and energy.  The following are 5 suggestions to help your young relationship mature…

   Extend Your Research- In the beginning most people are just trying not to “show” their flaws too early. You answer every call, stay up for hours, always trying to include the other person…stuff like that. What we often fail to do though, is play 21 questions. You need to ask everything under the soon. Get a feel for their future plans, the way they live, the company they keep etc. If you plan on having a more sexual relationship (which I highly discourage) you need to ask about their background in that area and absolutely, positively get tested…at the same time…at the same place…with results in hand. Just saying! Gather as much information that you can so that when you make relationship decisions, you are making the best decisions possible.

  Prioritize Your Time- When you can’t give a new puppy your undivided attention, you have to place the puppy in an atmosphere where they still feel safe and secure (i.e. a puppy crate). There are times where you have other things on your plate, but because you are in a new relationship, you try to make all of your time available to your significant other. This is ridiculous. Be honest about what you have going on, come up with a plan that will let them know when you will be able to see and talk to them again, and when that time comes, don’t be late or not call. You will reinforce the safety in being able to trust you in the relationship. Don’t stop your normal activity or put other commitments on hold, because you are in a new relationship.

Don’t Suffocate Each Other- My goodness…you NEED some alone time. You NEED time to still kick it with your friends. This staying on the phone until the wee hours or having to spend all your “free” time together is insane and will become obsolete as your relationship progresses. 

  Keep it Fun- Don’t neglect group outings and having fun with other people. When you find yourself not having enough variety in your relationship and always looking to each other to hang out with, it will be easier to start a pattern of very destructive behavior.

Set Appropriate Boundaries Early- If your last relationship failed because you couldn’t resist physical temptation. Meet outside of the apartment or set a “curfew” and actually hold each other accountable to it. Clearly communicate your expectations and define your terms. If a person is not agreeable or has a lack of understanding, you can’t expect them to just comply with your wishes or respect your boundaries.

The Secular Side of Gospel Music

Today’s blog is more reflective in nature. I mean embedded within are personal opinion, but this particular blog is meant to highlight an issue that has perplexed me for several years. I love music; specifically rhythm and blues, but I’m not really opposed to any genre; after all a good song is a good song. What troubles me is this “secular” tag that some super spiritual Christians apply to all non-gospel artists as well as the condemnation for which they try to cast on those who don’t listen to anything except “Gospel”.

Merriam Webster defines secular as “relating to the worldly…Not overly or specifically religious.” They also define gospel as “of, relating to, or being religious songs of American origin associated with evangelism and popular devotion and marked by simple melody and harmony and elements of folk songs and blues.” In my estimation these two definitions are more alike than not. They both focus on associations with worldly origins, associations with “religious” concepts and more importantly neither definition mentions or discusses any ties to the specific Word of God. The only difference is that gospel CAN BE, not necessarily is, tied to Evangelism.

Overall I feel like it’s not the artist or the music that should be questioned. I believe that it is the message that is being communicated in the music. While Alicia Keys may not have a song specifically devoted to Jesus on her album, she may be singing a song that is completely applicable and lines up directly to biblical principle. And on the other hand just because Kirk Franklin releases an album with songs that we believe are more appropriate for impressionable young minds, doesn’t mean that it is edifying the body of Christ or renewing the mind of Christians; who are challenged daily to live according to the Word that guides their faith. 

Let me be clear, I am not suggesting that “secular” music should be genre of choice but I am also certainly not suggesting that “gospel” music is without its share of biblical inaccuracy and equally damaging effects. For the Christian who consistently strives (because none of us are perfect, nor have the requirement to be perfect) to live a life pleasing to God, we should examine the words of the songs we enjoy to see if what is being communicated lines up with what we say we believe (which should be communicated by the Word of God). we should avoid, at all cost, falling into the trap of “judging” the artists who compose and perform music simply because they are not featured on Celebration of Gospel. At the end of the day for the Christian who chooses to pursue growth, any song without its root in the word or its theme not clearly supported by biblical truth is at best inspirational…and I can determine that your way of being inspired is better or worse than someone else.