Former NBA player Jordan Crawford appeared on the latest episode of the TFU podcast, where he was asked to share his list of the five greatest players of all time. Crawford, who was once teammates with Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors, came up with a list that would raise eyebrows.
“Michael Jordan, Kobe [Bryant], LeBron [James], Isiah Thomas, and Larry Bird,” Crawford said.
Isiah Thomas is certainly the most surprising selection here, but keep in mind that Crawford, who played in the NBA for six seasons, was born and raised in Detroit. The 36-year-old was certainly being a little bit biased by selecting the Detroit Pistons icon.
“People don’t like him, though, but if we really look into the basketball player and the effect that he had,” Crawford stated. “… [The Pistons] just taught [Jordan] how to win.”
Crawford acknowledged that you can put Curry over Thomas when it comes to point guards. He believes, though, that you can make the case the other way around, too. Crawford also admitted that Magic Johnson can get the nod over Thomas, but he was sticking with his pick here.
Thomas did have a great NBA career, as he won two titles, one Finals MVP, and one assists title. He also made 12 All-Star and five All-NBA teams. While that’s a terrific resume, it’s not quite as good as that of the four others on Crawford’s list.
Michael Jordan, Thomas’ great rival, won six titles, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, one DPOY, and 10 scoring titles in his career. Jordan made 14 All-Star, 11 All-NBA, and nine All-Defensive teams. He is generally regarded as the greatest player of all time.
Crawford named Kobe Bryant next, and he was the closest thing we had seen to Jordan. Bryant won five titles, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, and two scoring titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. He made 18 All-Star, 15 All-NBA, and 12 All-Defensive teams.
LeBron James is the only active player on Crawford’s list and is a no-brainer of a pick. James has won four titles, four Finals MVPs, four MVPs, a scoring title, and an assists title so far. He has made 21 All-Star, 21 All-NBA, and six All-Defensive teams.
Lastly, we get to Larry Bird, who won three titles, two Finals MVPs, and three MVPs. He made 12 All-Star, 10 All-NBA, and three All-Defensive teams.
While Curry didn’t make the cut, Crawford stated he does have his former teammate in the top 10. He also added that the Warriors icon can put together a case to be regarded as the best ever for one reason.
“He’s in the top 10 all time,” Crawford stated. “And not everybody in the top 10 can say they the best player of all time. It’s probably like five or six that can argue that. Steph, I feel he’s one of them that can argue it just because of his impact.”
Curry has changed the game, and Crawford thinks you can put his hat in the mix for that. He has a pretty good resume to go with this, too, having won four titles, one Finals MVP, two MVPs, and two scoring titles.
Shaquille O’Neal previously demanded that Curry be put in the GOAT conversation, and more people seem to be jumping aboard this train.
