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Tom Brady Doesn’t Hesitate to Name the Greatest Player in NBA History
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

If anyone understands what it takes to be great and truly master their craft, it's seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady.

Drafted in the sixth round out of Michigan, Brady made the most of his opportunity as a rookie when he stepped in for the injured Drew Bledsoe. The rest was history. He went on to win six Lombardi Trophies with the New England Patriots and added a seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring as one of the most accomplished players in NFL history.

Now, at 47, Brady serves as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and is a color commentator for Fox Sports. 

This weekend, he appeared at Fanatics Fest in New York and joined a live taping of "The Shop" on stage alongside Maverick Carter, Kai Cenat, Victor Wembanyama, and LeBron James.

During the discussion, Brady offered high praise for James—who, like Brady, has spent decades perfecting his craft—and even declared LeBron the “greatest ever.”

“The intensity that’s been on [LeBron James]… the Olympics, the different teams he’s been on, and he’s always done things the right way,” Brady said. “He’s always risen above all the noise and all the BS and continued to deliver. So you’re witnessing the greatest ever, and I hope you all appreciate that.”

Brady has also expressed high praise for Michael Jordan on numerous occasions, often calling him his childhood idol and a major inspiration in sports.

That said, throughout the majority of Brady’s NFL career, LeBron James was making his own mark in the NBA—achieving greatness in parallel and solidifying his place among basketball’s all-time legends.

James is set to turn 41 next season, which will also mark his 23rd year in the league—making him the longest-tenured player in NBA history. Interestingly, Brady also played 23 seasons before retiring from the NFL in 2023. Many believe James may choose to walk away after the 2025–26 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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