Michael Jordan Honors Greats Before Him After Winning Basketball Player Of The Century, Shows His Humble Side And True Greatness

Instead of centering the speech solely on himself, Jordan immediately shifted focus to those who came before him. He humbly credited “modern basketball” and “modern technology” for helping him gain notoriety, but insisted that the true foundation of his success came from the greats who dominated the game long before he entered the league. 

This humility was especially striking given Jordan’s own stature. By 1999, his résumé was the stuff of legend: six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, five regular season MVPs, ten scoring titles, and two Olympic gold medals. 

He had transformed the Chicago Bulls into a global powerhouse and elevated the NBA to unprecedented worldwide popularity. For many fans and analysts, his dominance, work ethic, and competitive fire had already placed him at the top of the GOAT debate. 

Yet, Jordan never declared himself definitively as such, leaving room for respectful dialogue and ensuring that the contributions of other legends were not lost in the narrative.

The message was clear: greatness is not achieved in isolation, and true legacy lies not only in accolades, but in honoring the lineage of the game.

Moments like this reinforce why Michael Jordan is remembered not only for his on-court brilliance but also for his understanding of basketball’s deeper heritage. 

Whether one believes he is the definitive GOAT or simply among the greatest, his 1999 speech remains a testament to the humility and respect that often accompany true greatness.