If you are a fan of basketball, chances are you’ve heard the term “the goat” in reference to the best players in the NBA. It can be a fun and hilarious term, but does it really make sense?
Michael Jordan
It’s no secret that Michael Jordan was one of the greatest players to ever step foot in a basketball court. He earned a great deal of respect from the sports world and is the only player to win multiple 3-peats.
During his NBA career, MJ had 11 winning seasons, three MVP awards, and five regular season MVPs. He also won nine All-Defensive First Team selections.
In addition to his impressive statistical accomplishments, MJ was also the most accomplished defender in NBA history. Not only did he hold the all-time record for blocks per game, he also held the record for most blocks in a single season.
When it comes to putting a name to the best basketball player of all time, the debate is almost endless. Some say it’s Magic Johnson or Charles Barkley, while others believe it’s Michael Jordan.
Shaquille O’Neal
If you’re a fan of basketball, you’re probably familiar with the GOAT debate. It’s a debate that’s been around for a long time. People look at different factors to make their choice, but usually it comes down to Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
Shaquille O’Neal is a basketball legend. He is known as the best big man in NBA history, and he has won four championships. Although he’s no longer playing, Shaq is still a voice in the basketball world. Now he is a podcast owner and sports analyst.
Despite his great accomplishments, Shaq has faced many controversies during his career. He has had feuds with other players, such as Kobe Bryant. In fact, Kobe has called him the goat.
Although Shaq was a fantastic player and helped the Lakers win three straight championships, the relationship between him and Kobe had its hiccups. For example, Shaq was upset about Kobe’s shot selection.
LeBron James
LeBron James is one of the most hated players in the NBA today. But he is also one of the most accomplished. He has won three NBA titles, two Olympic gold medals, four MVP awards, and has been a consistent presence in the All-Star Game for many years.
One of the things that sets him apart from other superstars is his longevity. He’s 38 years old and has played in 19 NBA seasons.
As of January 2018, he’s been the best player in the NBA for eight years. That’s a lot of time to be a top tier player.
The GOAT debate isn’t easy to settle. There aren’t any hard and fast rules. It’s a matter of subjective opinion. Some people are convinced that James is the GOAT. Others believe Jordan is the real GOAT.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players ever. He is known for his “Mamba Mentality,” a relentless drive to be the best player possible. It is a combination of fierce competitiveness and a relentless drive to make each move count.
There are many reasons why people think he is the GOAT. But some of the most obvious ones are his physical prowess and the number of championships he has won. In his career, he has won five NBA titles and he was a two-time finals MVP.
The other big reason he is overlooked is his similarities to Michael Jordan. Some say that Kobe should be in the conversation because he is similar to the legendary basketball player, but other people disagree.
The debate over who is the best NBA player of all time has been going on for years. Traditionally, the debate has been around LeBron James and Michael Jordan. However, there are many other great players who are not included in the conversation.
Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy is considered to be the first great point guard in the NBA. His skills led to several championships with the Celtics. During his 14-year career, he averaged 18.4 points and 7.5 assists per game. In 1957, he became the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Bob Cousy played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963. He helped them win their first NBA title in 1956-57. The team also won 5 more titles in the six years following his retirement.
After a brief stint with the Cincinnati Royals, Cousy returned to the NBA in 1969-70. During this season, he averaged 15.6 points and 4.9 assists per game. However, he was only able to play seven games in that season.
Although he was a player, Cousy was very close with Bill Russell. They shared a number of championships together, and were part of the Celtics’ dynasty in the 50s.
