One of the NBA’s most heated conversations has always been the GOAT debate, with names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar all being thrown around as the greatest to ever do it.
A majority of players and media members alike back Jordan as the greatest but LeBron been gaining steady support in the argument, especially from the younger generation. It’s hard to determine who really deserves the title.
LeBron has won with more franchises than MJ, as well as boasting greater longevity and thus better career stats than him. However, Jordan’s dominance in the 90s and the fact that he was undefeated in the Finals have been key factors for his case.
And now, Chicago Bulls legend and 5-time NBA Champion Ron Harper has stepped in to give his take on the question. As MJ’s former teammate, this is unsurprising, but Harper has declared Jordan as the greatest ever.
His reasoning is based around the 6 championships that Michael Jordan managed to lead the Bulls to, and he explained as much during an interview with FC Bayern Basketball.
“Playing with MJ is like playing with the GOAT. I mean there’s no question to ask, Jordan won six championships. So the one who holds most championships wins so that’s what you should consider.”
This argument is often shot down by fans who disagree by talking about the fact that Bill Russell has the most championships in NBA history, but the era Jordan played in also makes his claim stronger.
LeBron James is still playing, of course, and could reach 6 championships if the Lakers can get their act together for the coming season and the ones to follow. However, it doesn’t seem like he’d be able to win three in a row, which is a feat Jordan accomplished on two separate occasions.
