When it comes to basketball, some names might stand out. Be it the likes of LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, or even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; all the players have been a part of the GOAT debate. But perhaps the only constant in this debate has been Michael Jordan.
Playing in the NBA for 15 seasons in total, Jordan probably had the perfect career for an NBA player. Winning 6 NBA titles, 6 Finals MVP trophies, 5 MVPs, and 10 scoring titles, MJ put up some of the most insane numbers the game has ever seen.
Although his initial years were a struggle in terms of team success, once he had the right pieces around him, Jordan and Co. were unstoppable. Given his incredible number of achievements and the incredible impact he had on the league, MJ is widely considered the GOAT of the league.
It is said that greatness recognizes greatness. Jordan is no different. Making an appearance in ESPN’s the Captain documentary, which is dedicated to New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter, MJ spoke about respect for Jeter and how he respected the 5-time World Series winner as a leader on the pitch.
MJ giving Jeter his flowers 💐#TheCaptain pic.twitter.com/l9IfN3pVu1
— ESPN (@espn) July 29, 2022
“I appreciate him as a competitor. He wanted no faults in his game. To me, that’s a champion. Willing to look at himself and say ‘How could I be better? How can I inspire other players?’ Derek always had that mentality.”
MJ, in fact, attended Jeter’s Hall of Fame induction event along with former NBA star Patrick Ewing back in 2021.
Like Jordan, Jeter was one of the most influential players of his generation. The 6’3″ shortstop had an immediate impact with the New York Yankees. No. 2 was rightly crowned as the Rookie of the Year, starting his career the best way with the Bronx Bombers.
Not only that, he played a crucial role in the Yankees winning 5 titles in the 20 years he was with the team. Jeter, just like Jordan in basketball, might be one of the best players to ever baseball.
