But almost all of those stats have major caveats. Take playoff minutes for example. Not only has LeBron popularized the concept of “load management” (a technical term for sitting out games in order to stay fresh for the playoffs), LeBron also spent the majority of his career in the east—which, for a decade, offered the easiest path to the finals we’re likely to ever see. Jordan didn’t sit out and save himself for the playoffs, and he played in a much more competitive conference.

Points and wins are largely a factor of the deplorably weak east. They also indicate a high usage rate. Etc. etc. etc.

Stats like that just don’t tell the total story.