2023 NBA Draft: Brandon Miller calls Paul George his NBA GOAT over LeBron James, Michael Jordan (2024)

2023 NBA Draft: Brandon Miller calls Paul George his NBA GOAT over LeBron James, Michael Jordan (1)

The debate about the greatest basketball player of all-time has been raging for a while now. The discussion often revolves around LeBron James and Michael Jordan, with some other names thrown in from time to time, but NBA Draft prospect Brandon Miller just pulled a name out of left field.

While meeting with the media ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft in New York, Miller was asked whether the GOAT debate was overblown. Miller said those arguments don't bother him because he actually thinks Paul George, not James or Jordan, is basketball's GOAT.

"No, because I actually don't think LeBron is the GOAT of basketball," Miller said. "My GOAT of basketball is Paul George. I grew up watching him, so it was never just LeBron."

“I actually don’t think LeBron is the GOAT of basketball... My GOAT of basketball is Paul George.”

Brandon Miller weighs in on the GOAT debate 👀

(via: @ScoopB) pic.twitter.com/mEqVz89PsM

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) June 21, 2023

George, currently a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, has had a tremendous NBA career to this point. However, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who considers him to be the best player to ever step on an NBA court.

In his 13 NBA seasons, George has averaged 20.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Unlike Jordan and James, George doesn't have any MVP awards or NBA titles to his name.

Miller might have some explaining to do when he meets James on the court next season, but for now, he is probably more worried about which team will call his name on Thursday. In his latest mock draft for CBS Sports, Colin Ward-Henninger projects Miller will go to the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 3 overall pick on Thursday night.

Brandon Miller's take on the greatest basketball player of all time has certainly raised eyebrows. Now, I don't want to dismiss anyone's opinion outright, but claiming Paul George as the basketball GOAT requires a closer look.

Let's break down the key concepts and players mentioned in the article:

  1. LeBron James: Often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James has an illustrious career with numerous accolades, including multiple NBA championships and MVP awards.

  2. Michael Jordan: Another name in the GOAT debate, Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in history. His impact on the game and six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls contribute to his legendary status.

  3. Paul George: The player in question for Brandon Miller's GOAT claim. Currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul George has had a successful career, but lacks MVP awards and NBA titles compared to James and Jordan.

  4. NBA Draft 2023: The context of the article revolves around Brandon Miller, an NBA Draft prospect in 2023. He expresses his unconventional view on the greatest basketball player, favoring Paul George over LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

  5. Colin Ward-Henninger and CBS Sports: Mentioned in the article, Colin Ward-Henninger provides a mock draft for CBS Sports, predicting Brandon Miller to be selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Miller's perspective, rooted in personal preference and childhood influences, clashes with the conventional wisdom of LeBron James and Michael Jordan dominating the GOAT conversation. The lack of MVP awards and NBA titles for Paul George raises questions about the criteria for determining greatness in basketball. It will be interesting to see how Miller's opinion plays out as he potentially faces LeBron James on the court in the upcoming season.

2023 NBA Draft: Brandon Miller calls Paul George his NBA GOAT over LeBron James, Michael Jordan (2024)

FAQs

2023 NBA Draft: Brandon Miller calls Paul George his NBA GOAT over LeBron James, Michael Jordan? ›

However, for the number 2 pick in the 2023 NBA draft Brandon Miller, those names are not at the top of his list. Instead, his favorite is Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George as his GOAT. "I actually don't think LeBron is the GOAT of basketball. My GOAT of basketball is Paul George," said the former Alabama star.

Did Brandon Miller say Paul George is the goat? ›

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller is a major fan of LA Clippers star Paul George, and recently discussed how George became his GOAT on the latest episode of Podcast P, which is presented by Wave Sports and Entertainment. "Indiana Pacers Paul George, especially when you dunked on Birdman," Miller said.

Who did Brandon Miller say was the goat? ›

"My G.O.A.T. of basketball is actually Paul George. I grew up watching him. So it was never just LeBron."

Who is the goat in the NBA 2023? ›

Additionally, Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett seems to agree. Garnett played against both Jordan and James throughout his career. In 2023, “The Big Ticket” said he thinks James is the greatest player in NBA history. “He's my GOAT in all of this: the business, the everything,” Garnett said on The Stephen A. Smith Show.

Who is the number 1 goat in NBA? ›

When it comes to who the GOAT is, 133 players cast their vote in this year's poll. The Chicago Bulls great Jordan took the lead with 45.9% of the votes, while Los Angeles Lakers star James got 42.1%. This is the first time in the poll's history that Jordan has had this narrow of a lead.

Who said Paul George is the goat? ›

Brandon Miller, who is expected to be a top 3 draft pick, had a much different answer. Miller was being interviewed by Scoop B, where he actually revealed that he thought Paul George was his GOAT of basketball.

What did Brandon Miller say about Jordan? ›

"I think [trash-talking MJ] kind of showed [the recruiting teams] another side of me," Miller said around the 24:40 mark. "I think me responding to him, I don't think he thought I was gonna say anything to him just because you know he is Michael Jordan. But you know, I did see him airball that free throw.

Who is the real goat in basketball history? ›

Legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain will always have their names thrown into the hat, but for the most part, former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan and current Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James are the two players that receive the most consideration for being basketball's GOAT.

Who is Michael Jordan's best friend? ›

Viewers saw George Koehler in action as Jordan's personal assistant and best friend. It was Jordan himself who insisted on referring to Koehler this way, which speaks volumes about their close-knit relationship.

Why is MJ the goat over LeBron? ›

The results of a new poll conducted anonymously among active NBA players show that Michael Jordan is still regarded as the greatest player in the sports history -- no doubt a byproduct of his six championship wins with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, as well as his five MVP awards and career scoring average north of 30 ...

Who is the goat, LeBron or Jordan? ›

In an anonymous poll by The Athletic surveying 142 NBA players, results found that the majority consider Michael Jordan the greatest player of all time (GOAT). And for the third consecutive time.

Who is Scottie Pippen's goat? ›

Despite his ongoing feud with his legendary former teammate Michael Jordan, Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen still recognizes his greatness. While speaking on the Today Show in Australia (4:05 mark), Pippen was asked if he considers Jordan to be basketball's GOAT and he didn't hesitate to answer affirmatively.

Who is the tallest NBA player? ›

The tallest NBA player ever is Gheorghe Mureșan, standing at an imposing height of 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm). Born in Romania, Mureșan played in the NBA from 1993 to 2000, primarily with the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the New Jersey Nets. His towering presence was unmatched on the court.

Is Michael Jordan the goat? ›

According to an anonymous NBA Player Poll, via The Athletic, MJ was voted the GOAT. Similar to LeBron, Jordan averaged 20 points per game in every professional season.

Who does Barkley say is the goat? ›

Has LeBron James Moved Closer Since Charles Barkley Claimed Michael Jordan As The G.O.A.T? The G.O.A.T discussion has entertained basketball fans ever since Michael Jordan hung up his basketball shoes. The conversation always brings out some great soundbites.

Who is Charles Barkley goat? ›

Charles Barkley says Michael Jordan is the GOAT.

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