Former Michael Jordan Rival Weighs in on NBA GOAT Debate
By Matt Levine Newsweek
Updated May 29, 2025 5:34 PM
One of the biggest debates in basketball, if not all of sports, is who the Greatest of All-Time is within the NBA. The vast majority of fans, media members, and players all agree that the discussion is between NBA legend Michael Jordan and current Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
More NBA news:Michael Jordan Accidentally Crashes Family Vacation Without Them Realizing
James has challenged Jordan for the GOAT title in recent years, after taking over as the All-Time leading scorer in NBA history. But many still don't view him as the GOAT, at least not yet.
Pretty much everyone has an opinion on this subject, and many former players have weighed in on things as well. Now, a former rival of Jordan has made his opinion known as well.
Former NBA star Dominique Wilkins, who played against Jordan, has weighed in on the debate. Wilkins interviewed with Kyle Odegard of Esports Insider to give his thoughts on the matter.
"I don't believe in the GOAT and all that stuff," Wilkins said. "How can you say a guy is the greatest of all-time when they haven't played against some of the guys that were the greatest of their era? Like a Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell.
"But I will say this: Michael Jordan made six Finals and won six championships with the same team. And he won three championships after retiring to play another sport. Nothing like that has ever been done before.
"MJ did some things that no one will ever do. So if I'm going with the best player to ever play, that's where my mindset sits. I'm going with Michael. That's no disrespect to anybody, but I'm looking at what he accomplished in a short period of time."
Wilkins played against Jordan while on the Atlanta Hawks in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The forward got to see him up close and personal, likely leading to him picking Jordan in this debate.
More NBA news:Rich Paul Breaks Silence on LeBron James Remaining With Lakers
But he also pointed out the main reasoning for people on why Jordan stands alone as the GOAT, which is the six titles in six tries. James has four NBA titles in 10 tries, with many people pointing to his six losses as being the weak point in his argument.
Jordan averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 1,072 games with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. In comparison, James has averaged 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers.
More NBA news:
Lakers Listed as Potential Landing Spot For All-Star Center
Lakers Could Be in Position to Land Perfect Luka Doncic Co-Star
For more on general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
Lakers Listed as Potential Landing Spot For All-Star Center
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Shoe Brand Takes Massive Shot at Anthony Edwards
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Could Match LeBron James, Steph Curry NBA Finals Feat
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards Makes Bold Declaration Following Brutal Game 5
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM.