In a discussion of the greatest athletes of all time, one name is a constant presence, being able to hold their own against any sportsperson from any sport. That name comes from the States, and from the world of the National Basketball Association, in which the star in question burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old, and managed to still be on the top of his game into his late 30s.
He's had just as much success off the court as well, however, having a net worth of over $3 billion. Of course, it is "His Airness", Michael Jordan. Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest ever in basketball, but he has shown he isn't arrogant enough to think like that, as he has named an exclusive club of four players that he believes could compete in his era.
Jordan began his rise in 1984, beginning what would be a 14-year legacy with the Chicago Bulls. He first left the Bulls, however, in 1993, but was enticed back a year later, having a further three years with the six-time NBA champions. At the end of that stint, his iconic number 23 jersey was retired by the team, and another franchise that he didn't even play for in Miami Heat, such was his stature. After a three-year absence, Jordan once again came back, having two seasons with the Washington Wizards, with whom he won two more All-Star awards.
It took just a year for Jordan to claim his first award in what would become a glittering career filled with silverware. It came in 1985, being named the prestigious Rookie of the Year. In the same year, he was named in the All-NBA second team, the second tier of the best players from an NBA season. He did find a spot in the All-Rookie first team and took home the first of 14 All-Star selections.
His full honours consist of; 6x NBA Champion (1991-1993, 1996-1998), 6x NBA Finals MVP (1991-1993, 1996-1998), 5x NBA Most Valuable Player (1988,1991,1992, 1996,1998), 14x NBA All-Star (1985-1993, 1996-1998, 2002, 2003), 3x NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998), 10x All-NBA First Team (1987-1993, 1996-1998), All-NBA Second Team (1985), Defensive Player of the Year (1988), 9x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 1985 Rookie of the Year, and 10x scoring champion.
Michael Jordan's career highlights (selected)
6x NBA Champion
6× NBA Finals MVP
5× NBA Most Valuable Player
14× NBA All-Star
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP
10× All-NBA First Team
10× NBA scoring champion
3× NBA steals leader
2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion
Clearly, recognition by Jordan is a huge honour that anyone would be pleased to have bestowed upon them. Even more so, to have him say that they could hang in his era. It's a rare privilege, but four lucky ones have made the list.
4 NBA Players That Michael Jordan Backed to Succeed in His Era
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant
The fallen Lakers legend was perhaps a shoo-in for a place among this elite roundtable. He donned the 24 jersey for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 consecutive seasons, and virtually took over from Jordan as the best of his era. Bryant picked up five NBA Championship rings for himself. He was named Finals MVP back-to-back in 2009 and 2010. He is actually above Jordan in the table of the most All-Star selections, having earned the distinction 18 times. Bryant has also scored the fourth most points in NBA history. Four All-Star game MVP titles, a place in the All-NBA First Team 11 times, with two more in the second team, and twice being named the scoring champion, and like Jordan, having his jersey retired all add to his legacy, which sadly ended far too early.
LeBron James
LeBron James
A fellow Lakers star, having moved to LA in 2018, he took over from Kobe as the Lakers' marquee player. LeBron already holds the record for having scored the most points in NBA history and for the most All-Star appearances, with 21 in a row since 2005. James is also the proud holder of four championship rings from 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020. He made the All-NBA First Team 13 times. LeBron also holds two more records: the joint for the most seasons played and individually holds the record for the most minutes played in league history. At just 18, he was drafted in the first round in the 2003 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan Spurs
Like Kobe, Duncan was a one-team man, as he called the San Antonio Spurs home for all of his 19-year career, from 1997 to 2016, and spent a year (2019-2020) as Spurs assistant coach.
His biggest achievements:
NBA Championships - 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
Finals MVP - 3 (1999, 2003, 2005)
Most Valuable Player - 2 (2002,2003)
All-Star - 15 (1998, 2000-2011, 2013, 2015)
All-NBA First Team - 10 (1998-2005, 2007, 2013)
Duncan, like Bryant and James, made the 75th anniversary team in 2021 and his number 21 strip is unable to be worn by anyone else at the Spurs.
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki
While not having had as many accolades as the other players in this list, and not being American, Nowitzki can thank his height for the success he did have, and maybe that's what led Michael Jordan to include him in this group, as he was seven feet tall. His 21-year stay with the Dallas Mavericks is also the longest tenure at one team in the league's history.
Biggest achievements:
NBA Champion (2011)
Finals MVP (2011)
Most Valuable Player (2007)
14x All Star (2002-2012, 2014-15, 2019)
Although he didn't have his domestic strip retired by the Mavericks, his national team did take note, so now no German international player can wear number 14 again.
Michael Jordan Related
Michael Jordan Broke NBA's 51% Rule With Banned Item & Was Fined $5k Every Game
Back during his NBA playing days, Michael Jordan would break the league's 51% rule every time he played, which was met with a $5,000 fine.