Gilbert Arenas Explains Why Michael Jordan Does Not Belong On Team USA's All-Time Starting 5

Arenas started his selection with Shaquille O’Neal at center, followed by LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the forward positions. The shooting guard spot, traditionally a lock for Jordan, was given to Kobe Bryant instead. Arenas acknowledged the difficulty of choosing between Jordan and Bryant but ultimately decided to leave Jordan out, citing his less-than-stellar performance in the 1992 Olympics as the reason.

Arenas pointed out that Jordan averaged 15 points, five assists, and two rebounds during the 1992 Olympics, shooting 45% from the field and just 21% from beyond the arc. 

While those numbers are solid, they are not what one might expect from a player of Jordan's legendary stature. Arenas further noted that the level of competition the Dream Team faced in 1992 was relatively weak, with only three active NBA players on the opposing teams, further diminishing Jordan’s achievements in Arenas’s view.

To round out his starting five, Arenas chose Carmelo Anthony, known for his outstanding Olympic performances, to join Kobe, LeBron, Durant, and Shaq. In a surprising twist, Arenas even suggested that Charles Barkley, who led Team USA in scoring during the 1992 Olympics with 18 points per game on 71% shooting, would be a better pick than Jordan for the all-time lineup.

Arenas’s bold take has sparked significant debate among basketball fans and analysts alike. While some appreciate his unconventional choices and emphasis on Olympic performance, others argue that leaving Jordan off any all-time list is a disservice to the impact he had on the game globally. Jordan's influence and dominance, even if not fully reflected in his Olympic stats, remain unparalleled.

In the end, Arenas’s decision to prioritize Olympic performance over overall legacy has generated discussion about how players from different eras and contexts should be evaluated. But one thing is clear: omitting Michael Jordan from any basketball “greatest” list is sure to raise eyebrows and ignite passionate debate.