NBA’s Best Player Debate Rages On
As the 2025-26 NBA season progresses, discussions about the league’s greatest player are starting up again. This conversation, one that has persisted for about two decades, often centers around two iconic figures: Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the latter being a four-time MVP.
Michael Phelps, the celebrated Olympic swimmer and Medal of Honor recipient, recently weighed in on this debate. He clearly favors Jordan, stating, “No. 23, original, original GOAT,” when prompted for his opinion at the Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year awards.
Phelps expressed that Jordan has always been an inspiration for him. Reflecting on his career, he explained, “For me, Michael Jordan is someone I’ve always looked up to and wanted to do for the sport of swimming what he did for basketball.” It’s clear that Phelps sees Jordan as a significant influence.
Interestingly, when faced with a choice between Jordan and Tiger Woods, who has clinched 15 major golf titles, Phelps still opted for Jordan. Notably, Serena Williams, known for her six U.S. Open singles titles, also weighed in, confidently supporting Jordan with her own commentary.
While figures like WNBA legend Diana Taurasi and NFL superstar Tom Brady often draw comparisons to Jordan, Phelps believes neither measures up to the basketball icon. He added that while he was flattered to be compared to Jordan, he doesn’t see himself as worthy of a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame, acknowledging Jordan’s unique legacy.
Phelps reminisced about how Jordan’s example influenced him: “Watching what he did and how he handled himself on and off the court—there were no excuses. For me, that was kind of the model for my career.” With a remarkable tally of 28 Olympic medals, Phelps is often seen as the greatest Olympian ever.
The NBA itself has recognized outstanding talent over the years. In 1996, it celebrated its “50 Greatest Players” list, and later, for its 75th anniversary, released another commemorative list featuring players from various eras, though not in any specific ranking.
