Last year when Scottie Pippen said that LeBron James might be better than Jordan, the world nearly exploded. So naturally, Pip backtracked and hit us with a “see, what I meant was…”.

But now, that question seems to more relevant. At least, Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim seems to think so. After serving as an assistant coach to Team USA, Boeheim had the chance to see LeBron up close and personal and apparently was in awe.

He was a guest on Colin Cowherd’s radio show and had this to share.

He’s a leader. He gets on the court, he tells people what to do … this guy can guard five [positions] … put him on anybody, he can guard him. I always felt Michael Jordan was the best player I’ve ever seen … I didn’t think it was close … and I’m not so sure anymore … this guy is 6-9, 260 pounds and he’s getting better … I know we’ve had great, great players through the years. He’s like Magic Johnson with Michael Jordan-type skills as well.”

Before you go crazy, I think cooler heads can attest that this can be debated rationally now that LeBron just came off one of the best basketball years ever. It’s not a matter of “who has accomplished more?” It’s a matter of “who is a better player?” I’m not taking sides, just laying it all out there.

[dap: TheBigLead]