- Michael Jordan is always locked in the GOAT conversation with select superstars
- NBA fans are always debating about which of the top 5 players ever are better
- Bias is a real thing, but the answers to the GOAT and People’s Champ questions are finalized
In the illustrious history of the NBA, debates surrounding the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) have captured the hearts and minds of basketball enthusiasts around the world. With a sport rich in legends and iconic performances, the quest to identify the one player who stands above all others has been a topic of heated discussion for decades. However, a new dimension has been added to this age-old debate: the rise of the “People’s Champion.”
Traditionally, the title of the NBA GOAT has been bestowed upon players who have achieved unparalleled success, shattered records, and left an indelible mark on the sport. A host of names have been at the center of this conversation, each having a dedicated legion of fans staunchly defending their favorite player’s claim to the throne.
But now, with the advent of social media and the ever-growing influence of fan engagement, a new narrative has emerged—the notion of the “People’s Champion.” While the GOAT debate often centers around statistical analysis and on-court achievements, the People’s Champion is a title that transcends mere numbers. It is about how a player connects with fans, impacts communities, and becomes a symbol of inspiration both on and off the court.
There is also the term, “Self-Proclaimed GOAT” for those players who try their best to make it known of their greatness. These players often have to state on their own about their place in NBA history before anyone else has a chance to say it. In some ways, this isn’t the best title, although it does show the epitome of self-confidence and career accolades.
As the debate continues to evolve, one thing remains certain—whether it’s the timeless tale of the NBA GOAT or the captivating emergence of the People’s Champion, basketball’s fascination with greatness continues to captivate the world, and that will never change. Here is the breakdown of the undisputed GOAT, the people’s champion, and the self-proclaimed GOAT.
Greatest Player Of All-Time
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan’s status as the greatest NBA player of all time is a topic that has been hotly debated for years. While there are numerous exceptional players who have graced the basketball court, several factors contribute to Michael Jordan’s undisputed claim to the GOAT title. For one, Michael Jordan’s on-court abilities were nothing short of extraordinary. He possessed a unique combination of athleticism, skill, and competitiveness that set him apart from his contemporaries.
His scoring ability was unmatched, as he boasted an array of offensive moves, including a deadly mid-range jump shot, a graceful driving ability, and an uncanny knack for finishing around the rim. Jordan’s defensive prowess was equally remarkable, earning him nine NBA All-Defensive Team selections.
Of course, winning championships is the ultimate goal in any team sport, and Jordan excelled in this department. He led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships during the 1990s, going a perfect 6-0 in Finals appearances. Not only did he win championships, but he also earned six NBA Finals MVP awards, a testament to his impact in the most crucial moments of the game. Going 6-0 in six appearances without ever playing a Game 7 makes a GOAT debate almost impossible to argue with.
When it comes to intangibles, Michael was also one of a kind. Jordan’s leadership on and off the court was exceptional. He had an unparalleled drive to win and pushed his teammates to be their best selves. His legendary work ethic served as an example to his peers, inspiring them to elevate their games. In high-pressure situations, Jordan’s mental toughness shone through, leading him to hit numerous game-winning shots and perform at his best when it mattered most. If that isn’t enough to convince you yet, just listen to the host of NBA stars who spell it out clearly.
Jordan’s greatness was sustained over an extended period. He won five MVP awards and 10 scoring titles during his career and was a 14-time NBA All-Star. Even during his two brief retirements from basketball, he returned to the game and demonstrated that he could still perform at an elite level. Finally, the era in which Jordan played was exceptionally competitive, with other legendary players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Despite facing tough competition, Jordan dominated his era and was widely regarded as the best player of his time.
The People’s Champion
Kobe Bryant
It is obvious that Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time, as most players, fans, and media members agree on that. But after Jordan, the player receiving most of the praise is none other than Kobe Bryant. More so than other stars such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson, Bryant is the one who most basketball players and fans look up to. The reasons are numerous, and it is mainly because Kobe was the closest thing to Jordan that we have ever seen.
Kobe Bryant’s status as the People’s Champion in the NBA is a result of a combination of factors that endeared him to fans and made him a beloved figure both on and off the court. While the debate for the NBA GOAT may persist, Bryant’s connection with the people goes beyond mere statistics and accolades. Kobe’s journey from a high school phenom to an NBA legend resonated with many fans. He showcased that hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence could elevate one’s game to the highest level. Fans appreciated his blue-collar approach, and he became an inspiration to aspiring basketball players worldwide.
Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” also became a defining aspect of his legacy. The term represented his relentless drive, competitive spirit, and never-give-up attitude. It extended beyond basketball, encouraging people from all walks of life to approach their goals with the same passion and determination.
Similar to Jordan, Kobe’s scoring ability was mesmerizing. He possessed an extensive offensive repertoire, making him one of the most dangerous offensive players in NBA history. His scoring outbursts and clutch performances in critical moments earned him the admiration of fans who loved witnessing his brilliance on the court. His fadeaway jumper was so beautiful to watch that it can be replayed so many times, and it still awes basketball fans. Quite frankly, nobody had more beautiful moves than Bryant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlKeXCLDoPM
Loyalty is another massive reason why Bryant was the People’s Champion. Kobe spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing remarkable loyalty to the franchise and its fans. He became the face of the Lakers and carried the torch of the team’s illustrious history, adding to his allure as the star of the population.
Kobe also faced his fair share of challenges, including injuries and personal setbacks. Yet, he demonstrated resilience and the ability to bounce back stronger, making him a relatable and inspirational figure for people facing their struggles. No matter what happened to Bryant, he would always find a way to win, and this type of mentality is the reason he holds the record for most game-winners in NBA history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3sTzWCvk5o
In conclusion, Kobe Bryant’s combination of relatability, “Mamba Mentality,” iconic scoring ability, loyalty, global impact, philanthropy, emotional connection, and ability to overcome adversity solidifies his status as the People’s Champion. His untimely passing in January 2020 only further cemented the profound impact he had on the lives of fans, players, and basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
The Self-Proclaimed GOAT
LeBron James
Let’s make this very clear: there are massive parts of the population that believe The King, LeBron James, is the greatest player of all time. In terms of longevity, nobody comes close because James has completed 20 seasons in the NBA and made 19 straight All-Star Teams following his rookie campaign. No other NBA player has managed to stay healthy for this long, and while it is a testament to James’ incredible genetics, it comes down to LeBron’s dedication to his craft.
LeBron has had to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders after claiming himself the “Chosen One” entering the league and even adopted Michael Jordan’s number 23 as his jersey number. While James was receiving comparisons to Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson due to his basketball IQ and all-around skill, the player himself welcomed the praise and actually added fuel to the fire.
There can’t be a conversation that James is a top-5 player ever in terms of career accolades and impact as a star. The King has won four NBA titles, four Finals MVPs, and four MVP awards while also making 19 All-NBA Team appearances and 6-time All-Defensive Team selections. No other player except Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant can compare to this longevity, but James has managed to become the all-time scoring leader.
However, despite all of these facts, James is the biggest example of being a self-proclaimed GOAT. James has his loyal fans until the end, but most of them are of the younger audiences as most of his past and current peers will still place the GOAT Michael Jordan and the People’s Champ Kobe Bryant ahead of him.
LeBron is the greatest all-around player ever, but some tendencies, such as passing up late-game shots and also having a losing Finals record, are held against The King when comparing him to Michael Jordan and even Kobe Bryant. Perhaps to defend himself, James has come out on more than one occasion to toot his own horn and claim that he is the greatest player ever. Everybody remembers the statement that The King made while on his own show.
If claiming himself “The Chosen One” wasn’t enough, James’ comments seemed to rub people the wrong way because if he truly was the greatest, he wouldn’t feel the need to comment. Regardless, James has the right to believe he is the greatest ever based on accolades in his incredible career, but there is no doubt that King James is the self-proclaimed GOAT while most of his peers would take Michael Jordan and even Kobe Bryant ahead of him.
