The debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time continues to ignite passionate discussions among NBA fans and analysts alike.

While many supporters of LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant make compelling cases for their heroes, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith remains unwavering in his belief that Michael Jordan is the undisputed NBA GOAT.

During a heated segment on ESPN’s First Take, Smith passionately laid out his reasoning to co-host Shannon Sharpe, presenting not just one, but five compelling arguments for why Jordan remains the best player to ever step on the court.

The conversation came on the heels of LeBron James’ recent elimination from the 2024 NBA Playoffs, where his Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Denver Nuggets.

Smith began his case by highlighting the enduring power of Jordan’s brand, even decades after his playing days ended.

“His brand is still alive and well,”Smith emphasized, pointing out that the global influence of Jordan’s iconic Jumpman logo and his Air Jordan sneakers remains unmatched in the world of sports and fashion.

Next, Smith turned his attention to Jordan’s legendary “killer instinct,” a quality that many believe set him apart from his peers.

“He had that killer instinct that you just don’t see anymore,” Smith remarked, alluding to Jordan’s relentless drive to win at any cost.

The third reason Stephen A. cited was Jordan’s ability to overcome his fiercest rivals.

“He conquered his nemeses,”Smith noted, referencing Jordan’s ability to dominate some of the greatest players of his era, including the likes of Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.

Smith made it clear that Jordan’s path to greatness was forged through vanquishing the toughest competition.

Smith then praised Jordan’s loyalty and longevity with the Chicago Bulls, the team with which he won all six of his NBA championships.

“He stayed with one franchise, and look what he did with them,”Smith said, underscoring Jordan’s impact on the Bulls and his role in transforming them into a dynasty.

Finally, Stephen A. pointed to Jordan’s perfect NBA Finals record as the ultimate testament to his greatness.

“Six NBA Finals appearances, six NBA championships, and six NBA Finals MVPs,” Smith declared, emphasizing Jordan’s unblemished record on the league’s biggest stage.

For Smith, this achievement alone solidifies Jordan’s status as the greatest of all time.

Michael Jordan doesn’t like NBA GOAT debate

Jordan himself has often deflected the GOAT debate, once famously responding, “Dumb question. It should be whose the greatest team of all time?”

He went on to name several of his Chicago Bulls teams that dominated the ’90s, including the 1995-96 squad that set a then-record with 72 regular-season wins.

Smith’s passionate defense of Jordan’s legacy follows recent remarks from Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who controversially suggested that Jordan was the only player from past generations with true skill.

Edwards’ comments sparked reactions across the basketball community, including from Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, who warned against falling for “propaganda.”