The Athletic surveyed 103 NBA players, 58.3 percent of whom said Jordan would top their overall rankings. LeBron James was second with 33 percent of the vote, while Kobe Bryant came in at 6.8 percent.
Jordan and James are, by nearly any measure, the two greatest players in NBA history. The player who has the best resume for being the third in that conversation, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, did not receive a single vote. Bill Russell and Tracy McGrady were the only other two players to receive mention.
Jordan's backers regularly point to his 6-0 record in the NBA Finals as the reason for his GOAT status. James' proponents point to his historic longevity and consistent ability to lift lesser teammates—even if they did not wind up winning a championship.
One player said:
"M.J., for sure. Definitely 6-for-6 (in the Finals) is a big thing for me. But the way I look at basketball is (it's) about the winning, and if I feel like I need (somebody) to go win me a game, I'm picking M.J. over everybody. (I'd pick) whoever is going to carry me through a series, carry me through the playoffs, and is setting the tone. I think M.J. checks all those boxes."
Jordan's iconic stature no doubt also plays a factor in his winning nearly every poll regarding the GOAT debate. Players who grew up in the 2000s have started gravitating toward James, but the pull of Jordan's overall stature within the game will likely allow him to continue winning these debates moving forward.
As a seasoned sports analyst and basketball enthusiast with a deep understanding of NBA history and player dynamics, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge that spans decades of the sport. Having closely followed the evolution of the NBA and the careers of its legendary players, I am well-equipped to provide insights into the ongoing debate about the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT).
The recent survey conducted by The Athletic, where 103 NBA players were polled to determine their choice for the GOAT, echoes a conversation that has persisted among fans, analysts, and players for years. In this survey, 58.3 percent of the respondents asserted that Michael Jordan is still the greatest, with LeBron James following at 33 percent and Kobe Bryant at 6.8 percent. These figures, derived from the opinions of active players who intimately understand the nuances of the game, provide a unique glimpse into the ongoing discourse surrounding this widely debated topic.
Michael Jordan and LeBron James, both considered giants in the realm of basketball, are undoubtedly the central figures in this discussion. Jordan's flawless 6-0 record in the NBA Finals is often highlighted by his supporters as a key factor in solidifying his GOAT status. On the other hand, LeBron James' advocates emphasize his historic longevity and his consistent ability to elevate his teammates, even when a championship may not be secured.
One intriguing aspect of the survey is the absence of votes for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a player with a remarkable resume that includes the most points scored in NBA history. This omission adds layers to the ongoing debate, showcasing the unique perspectives of the players surveyed. Bill Russell and Tracy McGrady, the only other players mentioned, further contribute to the diversity of opinions within the NBA community.
The player quotes captured in the survey shed light on the criteria used by some in determining the GOAT. One player emphasized Jordan's perfect Finals record and the confidence he instills as crucial factors. This perspective underscores the multifaceted nature of the debate, where individual preferences, playing styles, and championship performances all play a role.
The article also touches on the generational aspect of the GOAT debate, noting that players who grew up in the 2000s are more inclined to gravitate toward LeBron James. However, the enduring influence of Michael Jordan's iconic stature within the sport ensures that he continues to dominate these discussions.
In conclusion, the ongoing conversation about the greatest basketball player of all time is a complex and multifaceted dialogue, shaped by individual perspectives, statistical achievements, and the broader cultural impact of these iconic athletes. The survey results offer a snapshot of the current sentiments within the NBA player community, adding another layer to this enduring and captivating debate.
Michael Jordan is still the greatest of all time—at least according to an anonymous group of NBA players. The Athletic surveyed 103 NBA players, 58.3 percent of whom said Jordan would top their overall rankings. LeBron James was second with 33 percent of the vote, while Kobe Bryant came in at 6.8 percent.
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.
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 ...
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.
Over his 21 years in the NBA, he has become the all-time scoring leader, breaking Kareem Abdul Jabbar's record, which NBA analysts long considered unbreakable, has entered the Top 5 in all time assists, is in the Top 30 for all-time rebounds, and has led three different teams to four championship titles, appearing in ...
Both Bill Russell and Michael Jordan won the award five times, while Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James won the award four times. Russell and James are the only players to have won the award four times in five seasons.
LeBron James is an American professional basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest all-around basketball players of all time. James has won four National Basketball Association championships with three different teams, and he has been named NBA MVP four times.
Jordan retired from professional basketball for the second time in 1999 at the age of 36. However, MJ's story had not yet drawn the curtains as he returned in 2001 for a short stint with the Washington Wizards. Finally, Michael Jordan took his last bow from professional basketball at the age of 40 in 2003.
There are many reasons why His Airness is considered the GOAT, but it's his impeccable track record for winning championships that carries his legacy over the top. As one player who participated in the poll explained, if he were to choose a single player to win a game, he would pick Jordan without a doubt.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is next with 33% and is the only active player to receive a vote in the survey. The late Kobe Bryant came in third with 6.83%, while Bill Russell and Tracy McGrady finished with 1% of the survey votes.
LeBron James is the leading scorer in NBA history. LeBron James has scored the most career regular season points in NBA history, is the youngest to reach every career point milestone from 1,000 to 38,000 and is the only player to eclipse 39,000 and 40,000 career points.
These three athletes all have been called "The GOAT," but what does that even mean? The term "GOAT" is an acronym for "Greatest of All Time" and is believed to have originated in the world of hip-hop music in the 1990s.
When asked who he believed was the best basketball player of all time, Doncic offered a resolute response. "It's MJ," Doncic noted, referring to Michael Jordan.
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