Tom Brady has revealed who he believes is the GOAT of basketball, and it’s certainly caused some discussion. The NFL star, who is almost unanimously accepted as the best in his own sport, has weighed in on one of the toughest and most talked-about GOAT debates in all of sport.
There have been many top-tier basketball legends for Brady to choose from. Larry Bird was famously one of the toughest and fiercest competitors in the NBA, winning three championships with the Boston Celtics and is now regarded as one of the best shooters of all time. In that category, Bird probably only plays second fiddle to Steph Curry. The modern-day American legend is one of the best point guards in history and has won four championships. A one-team man, Curry has spent all of his 16 seasons in the NBA playing for the Golden State Warriors, a rarity among superstars.
There are also legends in the debate for being the best ever from long ago. Wilt Chamberlain is still someone that people say is the GOAT, despite making his debut all the way back in 1952. His highlights include two championships and an NBA game where onlookers say he scored 100 points, and is officially regarded as the only 100-point game in NBA history. For most people, however, the debate comes down to two absolute legends from recent memory. Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Michael Jordan vs LeBron James
The NBA GOAT debate usually comes down to two names
Many people may expect Tom Brady to go with Michael Jordan. They’ve often been seen together at many events and meet-ups, and appear to have struck quite a bond. Also, Jordan is around the right age that Brady would’ve watched him growing up, and for many people, the times they most admire sports stars and athletes are during this time, so it would make sense. Brady has also praised Jordan significantly in the past.
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
“Michael Jordan was my… everyone wanted to be like Mike, so like, even when I see Mike today, I’m still like, ‘That’s Michael Jordan right there, you know’. And I just think he’s the coolest guy and, you know, I love his determination.”
Tom Brady's pick for NBA GOAT
Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady
USA TODAY
Despite the high praise and close bond, Brady went elsewhere for his ultimate pick in the name of current NBA player LeBron James. LeBron is 40 now, but is still performing at the top level, and even competes with his son on the same team. He’s had four championships, including a legendary 2016 run with his hometown side, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Brady appeared on a live show for LeBron’s show “The Shop” at Fanatics Fest and gave him some high praise as he weighed in on the debate.
“With the intensity that’s been on him, the Olympics, the different teams that he’s been on, he’s always done things the right way. He’s always risen above all the noise and B.S. and continued to deliver. So you’re witnessing the greatest ever, and I hope you guys all appreciate that.”
With such a huge figure in American sports making his opinion clear, it’ll be interesting to see if this sways anyone else’s feelings about whom the king of basketball really is.
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