The African adage “When there is equality, it is seniority that counts” serves as a backdrop to the ongoing debate about generational conflict in sports, particularly in Africa. Horace Grant, a former Chicago Bulls player, has paid tribute to Michael Jordan, acknowledging the impact of predecessors and emphasizing the differences in eras.
Grant emphasized that comparisons between eras are challenging, pointing out the significant rule changes in basketball between his time and the present. He highlighted the evolution of the game, the increased protection of players, and the change in physicality. Grant suggested that under current rules, Michael Jordan could have averaged 45 points per game.
His comments contrast with those of another former teammate of Jordan, Scottie Pippen, who previously claimed that LeBron James would have defeated Jordan if they had faced each other. Grant dismissed Pippen’s remarks, asserting that Michael Jordan remains the best player he has seen and played against.
The debate about comparing players from different eras is not unique to basketball, extending to football and other sports in Africa. The focus on individual achievements and accolades often overlooks the contextual differences, including changes in playing conditions, rules, and the overall evolution of the sport.
Grant’s perspective encourages recognition of the conditions under which former stars played, acknowledging the challenges and limitations they faced. It also emphasizes the importance of giving due respect to former athletes, preventing them from being relegated to the “dustbin of history” by the newer generation.
Ultimately, the ongoing dialogue around generational conflicts in African sports prompts reflection on the appreciation of past achievements and an understanding that each era contributes to the continuous cycle of renewal and progression in sports.
