Best American athletes of the 21st century, so far?

This came up on another thread, and I thought it was interesting question. Top of my head:

1. Tiger Woods
2. LeBron James
3. Tom Brady
4. Michael Phelps
5. Mike Trout

HM: Clayton Kershaw, Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Katie Ledecky, Patrick Kane, Shaq, Gabby Douglas, American Pharoah, Jimmie Johnson, Lindsay Vonn, Barry Bonds*, Phil Mickelson, Floyd Mayweather, Serena Williams, Albert Pujols, Lance Armstrong*

 

How is Serena an HM, and not a slam-dunk Top 5?


Add: Ashton Eaton, Simone Biles

UnAmerican adds: Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Chris Hoy

 

Albert Pujols?

 

Strong list, Dick.

Missing Federer and Nadal, though.

 

What are the parameters of "best"?

 

And I said James.

Why?

Because Tiger last won a major in 2008. James has done it longer for 15 years.

Brady has done it even longer. But as great as Brady is I don't think he has had the impact on his team that James has. The Patriots went 11-5 the year Brady was hurt. I think Belichick would have ensured that the Patriots would have been competitive. They went 11-5 the year Brady was hurt. When James leaves a team they suck.

Trout has not been able to lead his team to the post-season successes that James has. Baseball palyers have less impact on a game than basketball players but theseven straight trips to the NBA finals should count for something.

As for Phelps he is the greatest swimmer of all time. I have no argument against making him number 1.

 

Good question.

Most successful?

Most versatile?

Most athletic?

 

Simone Biles blows away Gabby Douglas in that category.

 

You’re right.

 

1. LeBron James
2. Tiger Woods
3. Tom Brady
4. Serena Williams
5. Mike Trout

 

1-2 (in any order) is Serena and Phelps.