“Not Michael Jordan, not Lebron James” Ja Morant Reveals His GOAT in a shocking ESPN interview
In a recent interview with ESPN, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant made waves by declaring that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time.
Morant, who has long been a fan of LeBron James, admitted that his opinion was heavily influenced by the iconic The Last Dance documentary. The 2020 release, which chronicled Jordan’s legendary career with the Chicago Bulls, led Morant to rethink his stance on the GOAT debate.
“I grew up watching LeBron,” Morant said. “But after watching The Last Dance, I saw what MJ did. That changed everything for me.”
The 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year went on to elaborate that Jordan’s ability to dominate both ends of the court and his unmatched competitive drive put him in a league of his own. He acknowledged that while LeBron’s career is still ongoing, Jordan’s legacy, particularly in the 90s, stands as the benchmark for excellence.
“MJ had it all,” Morant continued. “The way he could score, defend, and lead his team to six championships… you just can’t argue with that.”
However, in a playful twist, Morant also claimed that had he played in Jordan’s era, he’d have been able to hold his own. “I wish I would’ve played in his generation,” he said. “I would’ve cooked him, too.”
While the GOAT debate is one that will continue to be discussed among fans and players alike, Morant’s opinion adds yet another voice to the chorus praising Jordan’s unparalleled impact on the game of basketball.
As the NBA continues to evolve, it’s clear that the past will always be an important part of the conversation. And for Ja Morant, Michael Jordan remains the standard by which all future stars are measured.