Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was less than a month old when the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan won their last championship together in 1998. But for the Oklahoma City Thunder star, the answer to the Greatest of All Time debate is easy.
SGA, still nursing an abdominal strain, sat down for an interview with TSN and answered questions about his career and NBA history.
One question was about who the GOAT is which is usually between Jordan and LeBron James. and he did not hesitate to name the six-time champion. However, he did not place MJ alone at the top.
Some of the players he mentioned are his contemporaries.
“Michael Jordan, obviously. I think he’s the greatest player of all time. Kobe Bryant is in there. LeBron James,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“Point guard speaking, I’d go like Steph Curry, Magic Johnson, Chris Paul if you ask me. All those guys have done miraculous things with this game. All those guys have the same thing in common with obsessions of the game.”
SGA is the latest winner of the Michael Jordan trophy, which is the Finals MVP award named after the Bulls legend.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on MJ comparisons
SGA picking MJ is interesting, as many observers believe he and the NBA legend have similar playing styles. They are both offensively skilled and can control the pace of the game.
The 2025 MVP, however, is not a fan of the comparison. He suggested that he cannot compare himself to his GOAT.
“Honestly speaking, I don’t really love them. Just because he’s 3-peated twice. What he did for the sneaker business. Everything he’s been to the game,” he said.
“I think it’s a disservice to compare me seven years in to what he’s been. I don’t love them, but I appreciate them.”
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