Thompson to Introduce Michael Jordan at HOF Acceptance Ceremony: LINK
Lawrence Jordan: We all have had this argument. Every single one of us at some point in our sports fan maturation process. It was almost a right of passage on the playgrounds. "Who was better: David Thompson or Michael Jordan?"
This is a loaded question as each player made their marks in different eras. Thompson had an incredible college career apexing with the Wolfpack's victory over Bill Walton and his heralded UCLA team for the 1974 National Championship. Jordan also had a great college career, winning a National Championship in '82, but built and established his legacy during his professional exploits.
Recent history often skewed the debate at this time (late 80's through the 90's), due to Jordan throttling his way through the NBA, so many Thompson's exploits were just faint stories or hearsay. But, thanks to YouTube and the patient people who uploaded the videos, anyone can look up highlight reels of both players.
It is the ultimate sign of respect for Jordan to ask Thompson to do the honors for his NBA HOF Acceptance Speech. In many ways, Thompson's athleticism and style of basketball inspired Jordan's approach to the game, so it is in fact Jordan who is "doing the honors" with his invitation.
Imagine that...a UNC legend paying homage to a NCSU legend. Will wonders never cease?
So, for the record, the most common answer to the previously posed question is: "Thompson had a better college basketball career, but Jordan had a better professional basketball career." Too bad NCSU players could not get paid for shoes while in college - oh wait...(I had to get one barb in there).
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