In any conversation about the greatest athletes of all time, one name is almost always mentioned, capable of standing alongside any sportsperson from any discipline. That name comes from the United States, and from the world of the National Basketball Association, where the star in question exploded onto the scene as a 21-year-old and remained near the peak of his powers into his late 30s.
He's enjoyed just as much success away from the court, too, having a net worth of over $3 billion. Of course, it is "His Airness", Michael Jordan. Jordan is widely considered the greatest ever in basketball, but he has shown he isn't arrogant enough to see things only that way, as he has named an exclusive group of four players that he believes could compete in his era.
Jordan began his ascent in 1984, launching what would become a 14-year legacy with the Chicago Bulls. He initially left the Bulls, however, in 1993, but was tempted back a year later, spending another three years with the six-time NBA champions. At the end of that spell, his famous number 23 jersey was retired by the team, and also by another franchise he never even represented in the Miami Heat, such was his status. After a three-year break, Jordan returned once more, playing two seasons with the Washington Wizards, with whom he earned two more All-Star honours.
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, praise from Jordan is a massive honour that any player would be thrilled to receive. Even more so when he says they could hold their own in his era. It's a rare compliment, but four fortunate names have made the cut. Here's a look at who Jordan felt could've delivered in his day.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant
The late Lakers icon was probably a near-certainty for a spot in this elite group. He wore the number 24 jersey for the Los Angeles Lakers across 20 straight seasons, and effectively succeeded Jordan as the best player of his generation.
There can be no doubting Kobe Bryant's standing within the sport. After all, he won five NBA Championship rings during his career, and sits above Jordan for total All-Star selections, having received the honour 18 times. Beyond his many achievements, he dazzled fans with his elite technical skill, masterful footwork, and ability to dominate opponents. All of that explains why the Los Angeles Lakers gave him the rare honour of two retired jersey numbers, #8 and #24.
LeBron James
Kawhi Leonard LeBron James NBA Clippers Lakers
Another Lakers star, having joined LA in 2018, LeBron James stepped into Kobe's role as the franchise's leading figure. LeBron James already owns the record for the most points scored in NBA history and for the most All-Star appearances. James also proudly holds four championship rings from 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020.
Jordan was once asked to pick between LeBron and Kobe, and gave a measured answer, explaining: "In terms of dominance of the game of basketball, at this stage it's LeBron.
"Championship-wise, it's Kobe Bryant. He wants it so bad, and he's willing to go to the extreme."
He clearly had huge respect for the pair.
Tim Duncan
Kendrick Perkins and Tim Duncan battle for rebound
Like Kobe, Tim Duncan spent his entire playing career with one franchise, calling the San Antonio Spurs home for all 19 years of his NBA career, from 1997 to 2016, before later serving for a year (2019-2020) as a Spurs assistant coach. It's a measure of the man that he was included in the 75th anniversary team in 2021, and his number 21 jersey can no longer be worn by any Spurs player.
Perhaps what was most impressive about Duncan was his ability to deliver high performances at such a consistent level across his career. Regularly ranking among the best top scorers, rebounders and shot-blockers in the league, he never looked intimidated by the big stage – which meant he was able to shine in so many clutch moments.
Dirk Nowitzki
Boston Celtics' Ray Allen and Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki during a regular season game in 2010.Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
While he did not collect quite as many accolades as the other players on this list, Dirk Nowitzki still had a fine career, with a high point coming in 2011 as he became an NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks. He spent his entire time in the US playing for the Mavs, with his 21-year spell the longest stint any player has spent with just one team in league history.
Standing out at seven feet tall, Nowitzki was a huge figure within European basketball and the German national team retired his number 14 in honour of his outstanding career. For those who don't know much about Nowitzki's game, Jordan summed it up aptly, once saying: “Dirk is strong, he is intelligent. He knows how to play."
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