Jim Boeheim: LeBron James might be better than Michael Jordan

It borders on basketball heresy to make the suggestion, but perhaps the comment carries more weight coming from Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, a longtime assistant on world championship and Olympics teams for USA Basketball.

In an interview on Colin Cowherd's radio show on Tuesday, Boeheim lavished praise on James, particularly his ability to defense all five positions. Asked how good James is, Boeheim invoked the hallowed initials MJ.

"I've always thought Michael Jordan was the best player that I've ever seen," Boeheim said, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard. "I always have and and I didn't think it was close. I'm not so sure any more. And I love Michael Jordan. I'm not so sure anymore. This guy is 6-foot-9 and 260 pounds, and he's getting better. He works on his game. His shooting is getting better. He's a phenomenal, phenomenal basketball player. I love this game, I love the history of this game. I know we've had great, great players through the years. He's like Magic Johnson with Michael Jordan-type skills as well."