Michael Jordan’s NBC Sports episodes with host Mike Tirico are one of the network’s highly anticipated releases. Fans always have something to say every time the Chicago Bulls legend talks about basketball.
When asked about the greatest of all time (GOAT) discussions, Jordan casually answered that he doesn’t get “high or low about it.” To him, the term “just doesn’t exist for me.” Jordan added that he doesn’t have any “animosity against today’s players.” The six-time NBA champ even praised them for elevating the sport.
Michael Jordan’s response quickly went viral, prompting reactions from fans. One fan said:
“It’s fine, Mike, we will say it for you… You’re ‘The GOAT’”
Another fan added:
“Notice he didn’t mention #30.”
One more fan continued:
“When you’re the GOAT, you don’t have to say you’re the GOAT.”
Another fan commented:
“I don’t mind ol heads saying Jordan da GOAT but don’t go crazy when we say LeBron is the goat. Just respect it and leave it at that.”
One fan tweeted:
“Key takeaway… Michael Jordan is class, and LeBron is a selfish, spoiled baby with no class. #23.”
In some of his interviews, including one with Michael Wilbon over two decades ago, Jordan didn’t want to be called the GOAT. During his heydays, MJ said that he would never call himself that because it would be a disrespect to players of past eras like Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and other legends. “His Airness” added that he would “cringe” with “embarrassment” when others would give him that title.
LeBron James, who called himself the GOAT in 2016, is considered by others to be better than Michael Jordan. Some fans are putting other names into that enviable discussion. Jordan diplomatically wants no animosity among players and fans. He just wants everyone to appreciate the greatness of players regardless of era.
“Unfair Justice”: Michael Jordan Comments on GOAT Debate in 1996
Michael Jordan has always been consistent about his answers when asked to comment on the GOAT debate. In 1996, after Jordan led the Bulls to a 72-10 record and the championship, Jordan responded when asked about the GOAT title:
“That’s something that I really can say can be established. Each one of us plays in different eras, with different teams, with different levels of success, and to compare all of them and say one’s better than the next is an unfair justice to the art and to the artist.”
Jordan emphasized the past greats, whom he called the “artists,” for their contributions to improving the “art.” He continued that it would be an “unfair assessment” to be called the GOAT over another competitor he never played against.
Three decades after that interview, Michael Jordan maintains the same opinion in his interview with Mike Tirico. The six-time NBA Finals MVP continues to give past and present players their day in the sun.
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