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

[Dick Whitman]

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*

 

[Azrael]

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

 

[Sea Bass]

Albert Pujols?

 

[MisterCreosote]

Strong list, ****.

Missing Federer and Nadal, though.

 

[Songbird]

What are the parameters of "best"?

 

[LanceyHoward]

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*

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.

 

[Azrael]

What are the parameters of "best"?

Good question.

Most successful?

Most versatile?

Most athletic?

 

[Jake_Taylor]

Simone Biles blows away Gabby Douglas in that category.

 

[Dick Whitman]

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

You’re right.

 

[Guy_Incognito]

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

 

[Songbird]

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

 

[Slacker]

 

[Azrael]

Serena Williams

Ashton Eaton

Landon Donovan

Simone Biles

Michael Phelps

 

[justgladtobehere]

Serena Williams

Ashton Eaton

Landon Donovan

Simone Biles

Michael Phelps

Landycakes? He really tore up the MLS.

 

[Azrael]

Landycakes? He really tore up the MLS.

Hugely influential multiple record holder on the USMNT over the first 15 years of the century.

 

[Dick Whitman]

Landycakes? He really tore up the MLS.

“World’s tallest (little person)” was my reaction, as well.

 

[LongTimeListener]

Is Az doing "how a Euro would rank American athletes"?

You're missing all of the top five American sports.

 

[Dick Whitman]

Hugely influential multiple record holder on the USMNT over the first 15 years of the century.

Being "hugely influential" re: the USMNT would seem to be disqualifying about now.

 

[Dick Whitman]

Is Az doing "how a Euro would rank American athletes"?

A Euro who doesn't care about golf. A Finn, maybe?

 

[Azrael]

Is Az doing "how a Euro would rank American athletes"?

You're missing all of the top five American sports.

I think that's why Songbird's question is important. What are we trying to define here?

Also, Ashton Eaton is a two-time record setting gold medalist in an event that historically defines the phrase 'greatest athlete.'