David Aldridge breaks down why Michael Jordan is the GOAT: 'He got the greatest will over any professional athlete I ever seen'

The debate over who the GOAT is between Michael Jordan and LeBron James is always fascinating. Respected journalists, media personalities, and players have all given their take on the matter, with David Aldridge also being one of them.

Aldridge, a veteran NBA reporter and analyst who now works as a senior writer for The Athletic, has covered the league for over three decades. In an interview on "The Rich Eisen Show," he shared his thoughts on why he has "Air Jordan" at number one in his latest book, "Basketball 100."

MJ's unmatched will

While the 6'6" wingman from Wilmington, North Carolina, already has a rock-solid case for the GOAT title based on his achievements—six-time champion, six-time NBA Finals MVP, five-time league MVP, 11-time All-NBA Team member—Aldridge said what sets Jordan apart from everyone else is his unmatched will to win.

"The reason why I think Jordan's number one—having seen all of these guys play—is that Michael Jordan had the greatest will of any professional athlete I've ever seen," David said. "Never seen anybody who was as driven as he was—not just to win but to dominate."

MJ didn't just win at the highest level; he did it in an era when other all-time greats were gunning for the same goals. From Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers to Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics to Isiah Thomas and his "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons, "His Airness" had to overcome and outshine some of the most talented players in NBA history.

"He sent everybody home. Isiah and the Pistons got him early, but after the Bulls broke through, nobody beat him. Ever. Didn't need a seventh game in an NBA Finals. Won all six titles in six games or less," Aldridge added, citing Jordan's incredible 6-0 record in the NBA Finals compared to LeBron's 4-6.

An elite two-way player

The mark of a genuine all-time great is the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. There have been many potent scorers and aggressive defenders in the league's long and colorful history, but there are only a select few who have truly mastered both aspects of the game. Jordan was undoubtedly one of those rare players.

"Dominated at every level. Was a great defensive player earlier in his career and still a really good defensive player late in his career. And he's the greatest scorer that I've ever seen. Could score from anywhere, against anybody, at any time," Aldridge said.

During his career, MJ won the league's scoring title ten times, was named to the All-Defensive Team nine times, and even won the Defensive Player of the Year once in 1988.