The GOAT debate is one of the most talked about topics in any sport. While athletes like Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and Tiger Woods can be considered the undisputed greatest in their respective sports, in the basketball world, there isn’t any clear winner for the prestigious title. Several legends have won most of the highest accolades in the NBA, however, fans from all over the world regard Michael Jordan and LeBron James to be the frontrunners in the heated topic. While every enthusiast may have their own perspective on the debate, Shaquille O’Neal recently gave his take by sharing an old clip of MJ’s ideologies on the debate.
Advertisement
Shaq has often tiptoed around this conversation. At times, the Big Aristotle has leaned toward His Airness as his pick for the debate and in some instances, the Lakers legend has even claimed that King James was the GOAT.
Recently, the Diesel gave yet another opinion on the ongoing conversation.
Shaquille O’Neal shares a clip of Michael Jordan’s opinion on the GOAT debate
A pretty active user of Instagram, the TNT analyst recently shared a reel on his story that was titled “There’s no GOAT”. The reel was a clip obtained from the Cigar Aficionado’s must-see hour-long conversation Jordan had with Marvin Shanken.
During his conversation with Shanken, the Bulls legend went on a passionate rant stating that players from different eras couldn’t be compared. Dismissing the GOAT debate, the 6-time Most Valuable Player said:
“I won six championships, Bill Russell won 11. Does that make Bill Russell better than me or make me better than him? No. Because we played in different eras. So when you try to equate who’s the greatest of all time, it’s an unfair parallel, it’s an unfair choice… For me, I think they’re both great. I would never say one is greater than the other.”
O’Neal, who has often referred to himself as the most dominant player ever, clearly agrees with Air Jordan.
Shaquille O’Neal brings back Michael Jordan’s take on the GOAT debate pic.twitter.com/5uAVtqCW6h
— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) May 22, 2023
“LeBron might beat me”: Michael Jordan
During the same interview, Marvin asked for Mike’s comments after the icon was voted as the most popular athlete in American history. Similar to his opinions on the GOAT debate, Air Jordan reiterated his words by adding that LBJ could beat him to the title in about 20 years.
“It’s all [based] on who’s watching now. If you ask 20 years from now, I’m pretty sure LeBron might beat me.”
Whether you favour Michael or LeBron in the debate, no one can deny that both these players played the sport at the highest level.
