Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino stirred debate by unveiling his top four greatest NBA players, omitting two modern titans: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Pitino’s picks sparked attention for including a name often labeled underrated.
Despite a short NBA coaching tenure, Pitino built his legacy in college basketball, guiding six programs to NCAA Tournament appearances. His resume includes seven Final Four trips, multiple Coach of the Year honors, and two national championships.
Pitino’s choices reflect a mix of celebrated icons and overlooked greatness, offering a fresh take on a conversation dominated by familiar names.
Rick Pitino Snubs Modern Icons in His Greatest NBA Players List
The St. John’s head coach joined the timeless NBA GOAT conversation on Saturday, sharing his thoughts via social media. Though Pitino typically avoids naming a single greatest player, he made it clear who tops his list when it comes to competition.
“So many times I’m asked who’s the GOAT. I try and stay away from that,” Pitino posted on X. “But I will say if it’s one game or one series, who’s the one player I don’t want to plan against, then the answer becomes easy – MJ!”
So many times I’m asked who’s the GOAT. I try and stay away from that, but I will say if it’s one game or one series, who’s the one player I don’t want to plan against, then the answer becomes easy -MJ! Also many will be surprised at this, but the most underrated star of all time…
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 14, 2025
Pitino also used the post to recognize Larry Bird, calling him the most underrated NBA star ever.
“Also many will be surprised at this, but the most underrated star of all time is Larry Bird. Rebounds, passes, and scores inside and outside and so damn smart. Top 4 of all time,” Pitino said.
During his time in the NBA, Pitino had firsthand experience facing both Michael Jordan and Bird. As an assistant with the New York Knicks and later their head coach in 1987, Pitino matched up with Bird’s Celtics in the 1988 playoffs and Jordan’s Bulls in 1989.
Both stars led their teams to series wins. In the 1989 Eastern Conference semifinals, Jordan dominated, averaging 35.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. A year earlier, Bird posted 28.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game in a four-game sweep.
Pitino never coached against James, who entered the league a few years after Pitino’s last NBA stint ended in 2001. He spent the remainder of his coaching career at the college level, most notably with Louisville.
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Bird, whose career ended in 1992 due to injuries, played all 13 seasons with Boston. He earned 12 All-Star selections, three league MVPs, three NBA titles, and 10 All-NBA honors. Over his career, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
In college, he led Indiana State to an 81–13 record and averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Bird also briefly played baseball, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs.
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