Image via Complex Original
It always happens. Older guys talk about how the good ole days were the best and how these young boys can keep up. We're not complaining though. It makes for good conversation about different eras and isn't that what sports is about? With LeBron's Mount Rushmore comments and Magic leaving Kobe out of his "great ones" tweet, we look back to find other instances of retired vets criticizing today's stars. Bill Russell was a bit offended by James' omission, Kareem questions Andrew Bynum's heart, and Michael Jordan thinks he would beat LeBron if he was in his prime. Check out A Brief History of Retired NBA Veterans Beefing with Young All-Stars.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James
Year: 2010
Beef: "I would not have teamed up with Larry and Magic. I wanted to beat them."
During the Summer of 2010 , "The Decision" was one of the most divisive events in the sports world. Everybody had something to say, but no one's voice resounded more than Michael Jordan's. After "The Decision," His Airness had some words for King James' choice to join Wade and Bosh in Miami:
"I would not have called Larry and Magic and say let's play together. I wanted to beat them."
Michael Jordan essentially called LeBron James soft. In his eyes, teaming up with the best is admitting that you can't beat the best. However true that may or may not be, getting chastised by the greatest basketball player ever has to burn hotter than that South Beach sun.
Since then, LeBron James has won two MVP trophies, and two Championship rings. We think Mike motivated him. That 61 he dropped on the Bobcats was a message.
Shaquille O'Neal vs. Dwight Howard
Year: 2012
Beef: Shaq says Dwight can't handle the big lights of LA.
When you look at Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard's respective legacies, they really aren't all that different. They were both at one time considered the most dominant centers in the NBA. They both don the 'Superman' monicker. They both breathed power into the Orlando Magic. Most importantly, they both won three Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Hold on, I'm getting something. It appears that last one was just Shaq. My bad.
If Dwight ran up the floor as quickly as he peaced out of Los Angeles, then maybe Shaq wouldn't have this to say:
''It was expected,'' Shaq said. ''We've all been in LA, and not a whole lot of people can handle being under the bright lights. Everybody wants to do it, but when you get there, there are certain pressures. I think it was a safe move for him to go to a little town like Houston. That's right, little town. I said it.''
Well damn Shaquille, why don't you tell us how you really feel? Is the big man of old trying to push Dwight Howard to be the best? Or is he still a little butthurt about No. 12 putting on that "S" cape and stealing his thunder? One thing is for sure, the Rockets (currently at 40-19) haven't looked this good since 2008. Let's see how Dwight handles the bright lights of the playoff arena.
Larry Bird vs. 2012 Indiana Pacers
Year: 2012
Beef: Bird calls Postseason play 'soft'.
Along with being a three-time champion and two-time MVP, Larry Bird is also the current team President of the Indiana Pacers. As a former NBA player and coach, Larry Legend won't accept anything but the best. A desk in the front office hasn't made him any different. Following a Game 5 rout during the 2012 Playoffs (115-83, courtesy of the Miami Heat), the Pacers found themselves on the brink of elimination. We ordinarily hear post-game comments like "they were the better team today" or "our guys just never got into a rhythm," etc.
However, my man Larry Bird went right for the jugular:
"I can't believe my team went soft," Bird told Wells. "S-O-F-T. I'm disappointed. I never thought it would happen."
It's one thing to take criticism from the media, it's a completely different thing to take it from a living legend, within the confines of your very own organization. Apparently the message didn't sink in, because the Pacers lost the series with the help of D.Wade's 41 points in a 105-93 loss.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and O.J. Mayo
Year: 2013
Beef: Said he would beat LeBron one-on-one.
Nothing but competitiveness for Mike in that video above. According to him none of these young cats can guard him except for Kobe because he stole all of his moves. This is what basketball video games were made for.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar vs. Andrew Bynum
Year: 2013
Beef: The Captian questioned Bynum's heart.
"I believe Andrew has always had the potential to help a team when he puts his heart into it. He just doesn't seem to be consistent with his commitment to the game. That can lead to a lot of frustration for any team that has signed him. When I worked with Andrew I found him to be bright & hardworking but I think he got bored with the repetitive nature of working on basketball fundamentals day in and day out...but they are the keys to long term success."
"In my opinion Andrew is the type of person who walks to the beat of "a different drummer". So we won't know the facts until Andrew decides to tell us what actually is the issue and shares his thoughts. Andrew has been up and down on (being committed to winning). There are times he wants to play, do a great job and he goes out and does it. Then there are other times where it seems like he's not focused. When I first started working with him, he was eager to learn," Abdul-Jabbar said. "He appreciated me shortening the learning curve. Once he figured he did everything he wanted to do in terms of learning, he didn't want me to bother him constantly going over the fundamentals."
Nothing but jewels from Kareem here. Bynum hasn't done anything to prove him wrong. He was picked up by the Pacers and is currently getting into game-shape. Let's see if he can be the piece Indiana needs to beat the Heat. With his championship experience and skill, he can definitely help them, but we won't hold our breath.
Charles Barkley vs. Dwight Howard
Year: 2014
Beef: "Not a great player."
Charles Barkley took a detour from his usual goofiness to give a serious assessment on Dwight Howard. Following a historic second half collapse from the Rockets back in January, Charles stated that he thought Dwight was a "good, not great" player. Charles always seems to lob general criticisms up in the air like a bottle rocket, but his tone this time was far from comical. If anything, it was just sheer disappointment.
Does Dwight even take something like this to heart? That's not just someone berating you after one game, that's someone challenging your legacy. At one point Dwight Howard could not be stopped, and even though he's on one of the best teams, and still putting up dominant numbers, he's allowing people to question his ability. At this point in his career, there should be no question. Sir Charles knows this.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar vs. LeBron James
Year: 2014
Beef: LeBron Leaving Russell off Mt. Rushmore
Even Kareem had something to say about LeBron. When asked about James' choices during a press conference, he said the following:
"It's impossible, I don't know what LeBron was thinking. He didn't even see Bill Russell play. He has no idea what Bill Russell did. Eleven championships in 13 years? Eight in a row? LeBron isn't going to get anywhere near that. I don't get it. And here he didn't want Bill Russell on his Rushmore. I think today's players have a very limited perspective on the game. LeBron has to re-think that. He needs to go and do some research and watch some old film, and hopefully he'll be impressed."
Kareem has never been one to hold his tongue. You ask him a question he's going to give you an honest answer.
Charles Barkley vs. Kevin Durant
Year: 2014
Beef: "No Killer Instinct"
Emmy Award winning analyst Charles Barkley has once again astounded the masses with his profundity. Following OKC's 103-81 loss to the Miami Heat on Feb. 20, Sir Charles allegedly stated that Kevin Durant (aka KD, aka The Slim Reaper, aka The Serv...nevermind) had "No killer instinct." Yup, he was serious. Moreover, this isn't the first time that the "Mound of Rebound," has dissed Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. It won't be the last, either.
Mr. Barkley's got a notoriously big mouth, and even bigger shoe. The way Kevin Durant is playing this year, Charles Barkley may end up putting one in the other.
Magic Johnson vs. Kobe Bryant
Year: 2014
Beef: Magic leaving Kobe off his list of greats.
After catching some heat for leaving Kobe off his tweet of "great ones" on Twitter, Magic tried to save face and tweeted a new list that included Kobe. Johnson has always been extra critcal of the Lakers organization, especially after selling his stake in order to buy the Dodgers. Magic had about 30 characters left but he did say earlier this year that Kobe should sit the year out. Maybe they're not as cool as we think.
Bill Russell vs. LeBron James
Year: 2014
Beef: LeBron Leaving Russell off Mt. Rushmore
Respect the king, LeBron. These young whippersnappers need to learn some manners. After leaving the greatest winner in American sports off of his "NBA Mount Rushmore," Russell had this to say:
"Hey, thank you for leaving me off your Mount Rushmore. I'm glad you did. Basketball is a team game, it's not for individual honors. I won back-to-back state championships in high school, back-to-back NCAA championships in college. I won an NBA championship my first year in the league, an NBA championship in my last year, and nine in between. That, Mr. James, is etched in stone."
Bill didn't have the same numbers as guys like Wilt and Kareem but they can't touch his winning ways.