Giannis Antetokounmpo offered a unique perspective to the eternal question; who is the NBA GOAT
The debate over who holds the title of the greatest basketball player of all time remains one of the most divisive topics in the NBA. Typically, it comes down to two names: Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
During a recent fan Q&A on X.com (formerly Twitter), Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked to weigh in on the conversation.
Rather than delivering a definitive answer, the 30-year-old MVP opted for a diplomatic approach. Antetokounmpo acknowledged both Jordan and LeBron as the greatest, choosing not to fuel the long-standing rivalry between the two legends’ fanbases.
However, his response didn’t come without intrigue. Giannis added a cryptic “for now,” hinting that future talent may one day surpass even the most iconic figures in basketball history. This measured stance reflects a broader trend among current players who increasingly show respect for both eras rather than drawing hard lines in the debate.
Meanwhile, Giannis’s own legacy continues to grow. He capped off the 2024–25 NBA season with another dominant performance, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 60.1% from the field.
Anthony Edwards had a different idea
While Giannis Antetokounmpo recently chose to sit on the fence in the never-ending GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards took a far more decisive—and unconventional—approach.
The 23-year-old, already a three-time All-Star and currently leading his team into the Western Conference Finals, shocked fans during a recent interview with ESPN.
“My GOAT… this is going to sound crazy,” Edwards said. “But it’s Kevin Durant. I’ve always just been a fan, watching him play as a kid. He’s the first seven-footer I’ve seen putting the ball on the floor… I’ve always been a big fan.”
Giannis’ neutral stance and Edwards’ Durant selection both hint at a growing trend among modern players: the GOAT conversation is no longer confined to a binary choice. It’s becoming more individualized, shaped by inspiration as much as it is by legacy.
Still, broader sentiment continues to lean toward the traditional names. A poll conducted by The Athletic surveying 133 NBA players found Michael Jordan leading the GOAT vote with 45.9%, followed closely by LeBron James at 42.1%. The late Kobe Bryant received 9.8% of the vote.
