NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal named Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time. In an interview with Dirk Schlickmann of Sport Bild, O’Neal made his stance clear when asked about the GOAT debate between Jordan and LeBron James.
“For me, Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time,” O’Neal stated. He acknowledged the impact of different eras in shaping the debate but stood firm in his choice. O’Neal referenced his childhood admiration for Julius Erving and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, players who dominated before Jordan’s era.
As O’Neal explained, every generation has its own basketball icons. He cited Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as the best during his college days. However, when he entered the NBA, Michael Jordan was the dominant force in the league.
O’Neal mentioned that Kobe Bryant and LeBron James came to define basketball after Jordan’s reign. Still, in O’Neal’s view, no one surpassed Jordan in terms of greatness.
When asked about his personal all-time starting five, O’Neal included Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Julius Erving, Karl Malone, and himself.
This is not the first time O’Neal has spoken highly of Jordan. Throughout his career, O’Neal often praised Jordan’s work ethic, leadership, and accomplishments. Jordan’s six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and influence on the global popularity of basketball have cemented his place in the GOAT conversation.
