With six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, and an undefeated record in the Finals, it is supremely hard to deny Michael Jordan the Greatest of All Time title. But it is harder to convince the Chicago Bulls legend to accept that title.

Over the years, even after his retirement, Jordan has largely been considered the basketball GOAT. The world had begun to entertain Jordan as the greatest while he was still playing. But Jordan was too humble to take that title.

"There's no such thing as a GOAT to me," Jordan said in an interview on CBS Sunday Morning in March 2026. "It's only because I think we learn from other athletes and we progress the game. To say that one is better than the other is not really right."

The 'greatest' title has changed with time. Jordan's stance, one he told Gayle King on CBS Sunday Morning, has been consistent.

"I am [satisfied with my life's work]. I wouldn't change a thing," Jordan said on CBS Sunday Morning in March 2026. "I live with my mistakes. I live with all the lessons that I've learned. And I've been blessed with friendships, partners, teammates, coaches, whatever. I would not change a thing. If it ends today, I will have a smile on my face 100%."

Older generations consider Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deserving of the title. On the other hand, the new generation wants LeBron James or Kobe Bryant to hold that title.

Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA and averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He was a 5x MVP, 14x All-Star and a 10x scoring champion.

His competitive fire still burns, but age prevents him from returning to the court.

"Love to do that": Michael Jordan reveals that he misses playing competitive basketball

Jordan retired from basketball three times. It would be false to say that he didn't love basketball. He had reasons every time.

The first time he retired in 1993 was largely due to his father's tragic death. He retired the second time in 1998 because he wasn't in support of the rebuilding process, and the third time in 2003 because he was 40 years old.

But there are also comeback stories in those retirements. Jordan came back twice because of his competitive nature and love for basketball. He still wants to pick up the basketball.

"Oh, yeah, 100%," Jordan told King in the same interview about missing basketball. "It's not just a teeny part. It's a huge piece, but I've compensated that feeling through NASCAR. But that urge and that dream — if I wish I could still pick up a basketball, I would love to do that."

Jordan owns 23XI Racing, a team in NASCAR with Denny Hamlin. His NASCAR venture hasn't matched his NBA dominance, and as an owner rather than driver, his direct impact is limited.

Where do you stand on MJ’s take? Does the GOAT title even exist, or is comparing eras impossible? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore