'My skill set was higher than MJ' - Penny Hardaway lauds Michael Jordan as the GOAT but says he was more skilled

Trevor Ariza caused quite a stir earlier this year when he declared on Iman Shumpert's podcast that Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, for a few seasons, was better than Michael Jordan. On a recent episode of "Out the Mud," Penny took the time to shed more light on what he thought Ariza meant when he said that.

More skilled than MJ?

Even though "His Airness'" last time on an NBA floor came more than 20 years ago, his place in the game's history is unquestioned. Jordan won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and achieved unprecedented individual accolades throughout his 15-year career. So, when Ariza, a former NBA champ with the Los Angeles Lakers, said what he said, the statement drew attention.

However, Hardaway, a four-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Team member during his time with the Orlando Magic, said Trevor may have been referring to his overall game.

"I'll say this because everybody can say, 'You know, MJ is the GOAT, right?' But when you got guys that understand what they like in somebody's game—playmaking, passing, shooting—my skill set was higher than MJ's, so that's probably what he's like, 'Man, he's better than MJ from a skill set point of view,'" Hardaway explained to Memphis Grizzlies aces Tony Allen and Zach Randolph on the podcast.

On his end, Penny declared that Jordan is undoubtedly the man in the NBA, past, present, and future.

"MJ is the GOAT, I'll show that love. Championships, MVPs, defense, and all that," the 6'7" point guard stated.

Penny more than held his own

When Jordan returned to the NBA late in the 1994-1995 season, Penny got the chance to match up with the game's standard-bearer and more than held his own. The two elite guards even faced each other in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the Magic eliminated MJ and the Bulls in six games. In that series, Penny showcased his scoring and playmaking ability, averaging 18.5 points and 7.5 assists per game.