The NBAโs GOAT conversation continues to spark opinions across generations, and Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing has no doubts about where he stands.
In a candid interview, the Knicks legend was asked the age-old question: Who is the greatest of all time?
โEverybody asks that question,โ Ewing said. โAnd to me, I think Michael Jordan is the best in my era. The way that he played and what he brought to the table.โ
Jordanโs Killer Instinct: โAn Assassin From Day Oneโ
While Ewing acknowledged the greatness of both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, his explanation pointed to what separates Jordan in his mind: a relentless mindset from the moment he stepped onto the floor.
โLeBron is great, but Michael was a killer from day one. He was an assassin from day one. I thought that LeBron had to learn how to be an assassin.โ
Ewingโs comments echo a common theme among players who faced Jordan during the brutal playoff battles of the 1990s โ a reverence not just for the stats, but for the ferocious will to win that defined MJโs career.
โIf You Ask Me Who Iโd Want to Play Withโฆโ
That said, Ewing didnโt hesitate to praise LeBronโs all-around game and unselfishness on the court.
โHe was great, nowโฆ if you ask me who would I wanna play with, I would say LeBron, because I wanna score,โ Ewing joked. โLeBron is a lot like Magic. Heโs a facilitator. He knows how to get people the ball.โ
Even with LeBronโs longevity, unmatched passing, and his historic scoring title over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ewingโs GOAT vote still belongs to No. 23.
โHe became a scorer as he got older, heโs great. But Iโm gonna say Michael.โ
GOAT Debate: Respect for LeBron, Loyalty to MJ
Ewing joins a long list of NBA legends, from Shaquille OโNeal to Isiah Thomas, who continue to place Jordan at the top, even as LeBronโs rรฉsumรฉ grows.
For someone like Ewing, who battled Jordan countless times during high-stakes Knicks vs. Bulls playoff wars, the debate isnโt just about rings or records. Itโs about mentality. And in that department?
Jordan set the standard.
