Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rick Pitino Didn't Hesitate When Naming the Greatest NBA Player of All Time

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 5:52 PM ET

St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino is as well-respected in the basketball world as anyone. While he does have some NBA experience with the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics, he’s spent most of his career coaching at the college level.

He’s made stops at Hawaii, Syracuse, Boston University, Providence, and Iona, but he’s best remembered for his time at Kentucky and Louisville. The 72-year-old has won two national titles and reached seven Final Fours over the years.

Pitino also won the AP Coach of the Year award this past season after leading St. John’s to both the Big East regular season and tournament titles, finishing with a 31–5 record.

On Saturday, Pitino took to social media to talk about who he thinks is the greatest basketball player of all time. In a post, he named Michael Jordan.

"So many times I'm asked who’s the GOAT," Pitino said. "I try and stay away from that, but I will say if it's one game or one series, who’s the one player I don't want to plan against, then the answer becomes easy -MJ!"

Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA, winning six championships, six NBA Finals MVPs, and five league MVPs. The former North Carolina Tar Heel was selected to 14 All-Star Games, won three All-Star Game MVPs, earned 10 All-NBA First Team selections, and accomplished much more.

He played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bulls after being drafted No. 3 overall in the 1984 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard then went on to play two seasons with the Washington Wizards.

Pitino also touched on the most underrated star of all time, naming Larry Bird.

"Also many will be surprised at this, but the most underrated star of all time is Larry Bird," Pitino added. "Rebounds, passes, and scores inside and outside and so damn smart. Top 4 of all time."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: