It's Finally Happening, NBA

  Nearly two decades have passed since we've seen the legendary Michael Jordan on the basketball court. And I'm not talking about the Jordan who played with the Wizards in 2002, let's be honest, that's not what we think of when we think of his greatness. I'm talking about the player and the man who led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in his time with the Bulls from 1985 to 1998, with a retirement in between. The player that revolutionized the NBA and game of basketball as we know it. Since his retirement, maybe a bit before, there seems to be a general consensus that Michael Jeffery Jordan is the greatest NBA player of all time.

It seems like, since Jordan's retirement in 1998, the NBA and society has been looking to crown that next person or "the next Jordan" and it hasn't really caught on, thus far. Not only as far as talent but popularity, more things factor into this than just putting up great stats. Allen Iverson was one of the  first guys that they tried to crown, but he never won a ring and he fell off near the end of his career, "team hopping" didn't really help his cause; Kobe Bryant, maybe comes the closest, but people thought he tried too hard to emulate Jordan, on and off the court; Lebron James is still in talks, maybe if he wins a title in Cleveland it'll help, but going to Miami and winning there with the "big three" hurts his chances of exceeding Jordan in the basketball world. The Jordan comparison conversation is one that's always brought up when people start talking about the next great player or whomever is the best at the time.

Lebron James, in my opinion, is still the best player in the NBA currently. However, there's a player residing in the western conference, current reigning MVP Stephen Curry might be a close second. Curry and the Golden State Warriors are off to 10-0 start and they don't look to be slowing down any time soon. He [Curry] is averaging 33 point (league best), five rebounds, and nearly six assists.

Currently, Curry has 1,243 (43rd all-time) and is on pace to make it into the top 30 by seasons end.

Known for his deadly three-point shooting and ability to shoot off the dribble like no other player, Curry is one of the most adored stars in the league by both the fans and media. After his underdog-like story - coming from a small division I school (Davidson) and some scouts saying that he might be too thin/small for an NBA player - it's almost hard for people to root against him.

Now, let me explain why I believe Curry could be the player to take the "Jordan" crown. All of the players that people wanted to be the next Jordan were all great players, yes. But, they all were missing key things, as I explained earlier. One thing that automatically would give Curry an early lead is his likability - he's a fan favorite, great with the media, and he's got a great off-the-court reputation and in a social media society that helps. Also, what's one thing Jordan did that took him to another level? he made the game exciting for the crowd/fans. Right now, Curry is doing that. It seems like every time he steps on the court there's a highlight about to happen. Think about it. Jordan revolutionized the game with his high-flying abilities, he wasn't the first person to dunk the ball, but it was the fashion in which he did it. He [Jordan] almost gave you the feeling like he was gliding or flying through the air. Stephen Curry does the same thing with his remarkable three-point shooting. Curry makes shooting the three-ball as easy as a lay-up, and does it with conviction. Curry has an assertive demeanor to his game that makes you feel like he's going to make every shot that he puts up.

The Warriors are off to the best start in franchise history and their confidence seems to be at the highest level. The season is still young, but it feels like this Warriors team, led by Curry, could be on the verge of another magical season and if Curry wins another ring in the next two years, especially in the arduous western conference, don't be surprised if the Jordan comparisons heat up around the media and social media atmosphere.

Do I think that there will be another player better than Michael Jordan? No, he did things for basketball that no player had ever done before him. However, we're moving into a new generation, the social media age and the people that are younger and seeing what Stephen Curry is doing and the fashion that he's doing it have never seen Michael Jordan play. And, let's be honest, the new generation mostly hear stories of Michael Jordan and know that he has a popular sneaker line. I don't know if Curry will surpass Michael Jordan, as far as being named the greatest player through a general consensus, but I do believe that if he continues to play at this level over the next several years he has a really good chance to be right next to him in the conversation.