In a highly contested seven-game series, the NBA Finals are over. I know this because it is almost the 4th of July. The Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs left it all on the court. The Heat has earned the title of “World Champion.”

The Heat’s Lebron James was clearly the MVP of the series and the beat goes on about who can compare with the escapee from Cleveland, OH. And, that’s the problem. There are a few athletes that are not comparable to anyone else. I am not saying they are the all-time greatest. I am saying that comparing them to anyone else is a wasted motion. Their skill, talent and ability are unique. Their package is different than any other. Lebron is one of those.

No one that’s played the game of basketball can compare to him. At 6’8”, 265 lbs, his skill sets, speed and agility are amazing. Just as Wilt Chamberlain stands alone at 7’2”, 285 lbs. with great strength and speed. There is no comparison. Greatness has another element, the intangibles that can’t be quantified. How they do what they do best regardless of the circumstances. That’s a topic for another time.

Anther that fits in the “can’t compare” category in basketball is Oscar Robertson, the “Big O.”  At 6’5”, 225 lbs. with the skill of a 5’ 10” point guard and the cat feet of a ballet dancer and the wingspan of a seven footer, he was the King of the Triple-Double. He was also the best defender at his position when the mood struck him. No comparison.

A few other players of the great round-ball game that you might want to throw into the mix are Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. However, it might be their results that got them on the list, which is not what I am talking about. I am sure I have left one of your favorites off the list which is fine. It is your list.

Every sport has its un-comparables. In football, there is the amazing running back, Jim Brown, of the Cleveland Browns. I say there are lots of great running backs but no one like him, ever. How about Usain Bolt in track. I didn’t see Jesse Owens in person, but I have seen most of the other great ones. Bolt cannot be compared.

In boxing I have two. Mohamed Ali and “Sugar” Ray Robinson. Reams have been written about Ali. Enough said. Ray Robinson was the best boxer ever. He performed as a middleweight and hit like a heavyweight complemented by Fred Astaire footwork. Let’s throw in Michael Phelps in swimming, Wayne Gretsky in hockey, Tiger Woods in golf and Bjorn Borg in tennis. Someday, maybe, we can have a beer and argue the merits of our lists.

The last one on my list is baseball’s Mickey Mantle. Fastest player, home to first, in the league from either side. 18 years old in Yankee Stadium and he hit a homerun that hit the top of the stadium. Best throwing arm in the league. A triple crown winner.

 

Let them stand alone in their uniqueness. It has been a privilege for me to watch them.