Greatness in the NBA is a multifaceted concept, measured based on individual perspectives. The definition varies depending on the attention given to specific attributes of greatness. Rarely does one athlete in NBA history check all the boxes that pundits and fans presume to define greatness. Often, there’s an inclination either to undermine the value of outstanding achievement, deeming it an outlier, or to firmly defend the Aristotelian concept of total excellence, known as “arete.”
Arete manifests when performances surpass normative expectations, reaching exceptional heights. It can arise from a single move, a series of plays, or the longevity of a career. When debating the greatest player or team, achieving a collective understanding benefits all NBA enthusiasts. It aims to dispel ambiguity and establish a universal standard relevant today, one resilient to scrutiny.
The variables and parameters involved seem overwhelming, considering the enormity of the NBA’s history. A thorough examination often leads to debates about the legitimacy of early championships won by the Boston Celtics, the magnitude of Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance, the most valuable player in any given season, and the greatest player to grace the hardwood. With so much to factor in, a strong consensus remains elusive. However, despite the challenge, defining the definitive attributes of greatness is crucial for setting expectations and establishing a collective mindset.
Certainly, the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of the game, coupled with business acumen, post-career decisions, and the era in which players competed, contribute to the discourse on greatness. Further refinement of these discussions can enhance the algorithm. However, the insatiable urge to preserve the narrative of the pursuit of greatness impedes the NBA community from reaching an agreement.
The chase fuels engagement, sustaining interest and preventing indifference and stagnation from creeping in. Conflict, disagreement, and subjective arguments are inherent to the NBA’s allure. The league’s decision-makers could clearly define greatness but have chosen not to. They prefer to keep us in suspense, unsure if or when we’ll ever comprehend the essence of an MVP winner, the identity of a great championship team, or the undisputed greatest player in NBA history. Instead, they provide lists that ignite debates, fostering engaging discussions.
The allure of launching perspectives on why a team or player should be considered the greatest is too enticing to pass up. The league desires this engagement, and fans willingly participate without extending their awareness beyond the immediate conversation. The prospect of evolution can be frightening, yet eventually, we adapt and accept the present situation. What’s bothersome is the evident opportunity to articulate and collectively agree on what defines greatness in the present. Over time, sensibilities evolve, warranting a revision of what constitutes NBA greatness. If the will exists, so does the path to evolution within the sport—a prospect worthy of consideration.
