The NBA GOAT debate often refers to several criteria — rings, dominance, influence, and clutch moments all put together. And when you put everything together, one name stands out the most: Michael Jordan.
In a recent episode of Mark Jackson’s podcast, former NBA player Avery Johnson, who went toe-to-toe with MJ more times than he probably wants to remember, didn’t hesitate when naming the Chicago Bulls legend as the greatest player ever.
Johnson’s been there, done that, and he’s got firsthand experience with how Jordan dominated the game, not just with skill but with an aura that intimidated opponents.
“We can really peel back all of the numbers. You can even go with the eye test, but everybody else is a distant second behind Mike. And there’s no disrespect to it,” Johnson said.
The makings of the best
There’s a reason His Airness tends to rise above the rest. He had a way of convincing himself and everyone that winning was non-negotiable. He didn’t just want to win; he needed to win, and that mindset translated into one of the most decorated careers in NBA history. Five MVPs and the most-ever NBA Finals MVPs with six.
With his ten scoring titles, he may forever be hailed as the greatest scorer ever, and you start to see why MJ wasn’t just another player. He was also a 14-time NBA All-Star and a one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He holds the NBA records for career scoring averages: 30.1 points per game in the regular season and 33.4 points per game in the playoffs.
“But when you win six championships and you’re the MVP of all six, you never get to a Game 7,” added Johnson. “All the first-team… first-team defense, first-team All NBA MVPs—he did it with one team, and he had to go through the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. There was a lot more restricted freedom of movement and physicality, so it’s Michael.”
A storied legacy
One of those iconic Jordan moments came in his final moments as a Bull. In Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, the game was tied, and the clock was ticking down. Jordan stole the ball, dribbled up, and sized up Bryon Russell of the Utah Jazz before nailing a jumper that won the game and secured Chicago’s sixth NBA championship and a second 3-peat.
This was the same No. 23 who had already stunned the sports world when he abruptly retired from basketball in 1993 to pursue a career in Minor League Baseball. After securing that sixth ring, MJ retired for the second time and returned for two more seasons from 2001 to 2003, suiting up for the Washington Wizards.
Even in the twilight of his career, Jordan still managed to average 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over 142 games with the Wizards, making even the ceremonial stint of his career particularly memorable.