Jeff Teague on GOAT debate: 'Everybody wanted to be like Mike'

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 11:00 AM ET

It seems like everyone has an opinion on the NBA GOAT debate. One former player recently gave his two cents on the topic.

Jeff Teague, who played 12 years in the NBA, recently appeared on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast and gave his opinion on the GOAT debate.

“I’mma go, Mike… Just cause he dominated his era, and then he made the game where everybody wanted to be like Mike. I ain’t ever really heard nobody say they wanted to be like LeBron.”

"Everybody wanted to be like Mike.. I ain't ever really heard nobody say they wanted to be like LeBron"

Jeff Teague concisely explains why the LeBron vs MJ debate isn't a debate at all. pic.twitter.com/gyNnHxJDwT

— Apex Jones (@ApexJones22) June 16, 2025

Teague isn’t wrong. Despite the popularity of LeBron, neither he nor any other player in NBA history has reached Jordan’s level. His play, along with all of his endorsements, truly made everyone want to be like Mike.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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