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‘There’s No Such Thing as GOAT’: Michael Jordan Opens Up on Legacy and Competition

Originally posted on AirJordanChronicles
By Nandjee Ranjan | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 5:54 PM ET

The GOAT debate in basketball found its most impactful contender right after Michael Jordan’s rise to greatness. But to Jordan himself, no such title should exist since every great had their own era, which is different from the others.

The debate was most intensified after LeBron James’ ascension to greatness, especially after the 2016 NBA title. However, the Chicago Bulls legend has always distanced himself from the debate. In his recent interview with Gayle King on April 1, Jordan altogether questioned the validity of such debate.

He said, “There’s no such thing as G.O.A.T., you know, to me,” Jordan said while speaking to Gayle King on CBS Mornings. “It’s not to me. You know, it’s only because I think, you know, we are transcended from other people, other athletes. We learn from other athletes. We progress the game as we move further. To say that one is better than the other is not really right.”

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In the few interviews that Jordan has recently appeared in, he has maintained the same position. He has previously said that the debate is “empty” and there is never going to be a time when one can find a “true answer.”

MJ is right in this aspect. In the last few years, NBA players and fans alike have picked their GOAT, and there have been names a lot more than LeBron and him. However, irrespective of the validity of such conversations, the GOAT debate will pass the test of time. Moreover, it also gives a cultural significance to the game of basketball.

Michael Jordan Admits to Missing Basketball

Years after his retirement, it seems like Jordan has completely removed himself from basketball. Months ago, he admitted to Mike Tirico during his MJ: Insights to Excellence segment on NBC that he hadn’t picked basketball in years.

It is almost like while the basketball remembers the legend, he has forgotten basketball. However, the six-time NBA champion admitted that he is still a big part of him that wants to pick up basketball and compete.

“But I’ve compensated that– that feeling through NASCAR or through fishing … But that urge to dream, that if I wish I can still pick up a basketball and … I would love to do that. Believe me,” he said.

The Bulls legend was the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets before selling it in 2023. He has now taken his competitive drive to NASCAR. Jordan admitted that the burden of being in a certain way and constantly trying to live up to the expectations in basketball drove him away from the scene.

Would he ever return to the NBA in any capacity in the future? You never completely deny the possibility of Michael Jordan making a comeback in the NBA.

This article first appeared on AirJordanChronicles and was syndicated with permission.

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