Despite having called the curtains on his career as an NBA athlete over two decades ago, Michael Jordan, or rather his name, remains active in the long-running GOAT debate.

And while many have argued in his favor, the Chicago Bulls legend has constantly undermined the validity of such conversations, never claiming to be the GOAT.

In one of the more recent instances of putting the entire debate to rest, Jordan said, “There’s no such thing as the GOAT. Not to me.”

Speaking to Gayle King, Michael Jordan explained why he did not believe in the label, saying, “It’s only because we are transcended from other people, other athletes. We learn from other athletes. We progress the game as we move further. To say that one is better than the other is not really right.”

Having said that, the conversation with King was not the first time that Jordan had weighed in on the debate.

Just earlier this month, Michael Jordan told NBC that the GOAT debate didn't exist for him. He expressed how he would have loved to play against his predecessors, like Oscar Robertson and Jerry West and his successors, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, in his prime.

He added, “To me, that’s the beauty of the game of basketball: That a player, after a previous player, has evolved the game further. But, this is the way I look at it, don’t then use that against the player that actually taught you the game or that you learned from. That's why I have a tough time.”

That being said, Jordan's conversation with King landed with force across social media, and NBA fans were quick to make their voices heard, with many lauding him for his take.

Fans Weigh In on Michael Jordan GOAT Comments

“MJ saying there’s no goat is the most goat thing he could say without sounding like he knows it already,” a comment read.

“Effortless Aura. Only the true GOAT wouldn’t even care about the title. Biggest impact on the game. Inspired the most people. Still doesn’t need vain glory for his Ego. Already completely validated w/o the praise,” a fan wrote.

Yet another fan opined, “MJ saying there's no single GOAT because every era builds on the last one is the most MJ thing ever.”

Fans also felt that Michael Jordan was keeping it real by addressing the evolutionary nature of the game and pushing back against the label.

“Humble and right at the same time. Different eras, different challenges. The legends push the standard forward,” a fan wrote.

Another comment read, “Respect to Michael Jordan for keeping it real. Greatness isn’t about one name above all — it’s about generations pushing the game forward. Different eras, different legends, same impact.”

A comment praising Jordan read, “The man EVERYONE calls the GOAT just said there's no such thing as the GOAT. The most self-aware thing Jordan has ever said and nobody is ready to have this conversation.”

Echoing a similar thought, a fan wrote, “Rejecting the title is a sign of maturity. Before Michael Jordan, there was another G.O.A.T and before them, there was still another. That’s all Michael Jordan is really saying here. Everyone aspires to be the best. If you’re fortunate, you’ll achieve that goal, and if you’re blessed, you’ll maintain it for a while.”

A comment suggesting fans let go of the debate read, “Interesting take from the man most people would put at #1. If MJ doesn’t believe in the GOAT debate, maybe the rest of us should take the hint and just enjoy greatness for what it is.”

Do you agree with Michael Jordan’s take? Let us know!

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Arvind Rao