Few conversations in sports spark more debate than the discussion over the greatest players in NBA history. Everyone has an opinion, and legends of the game are no exception. Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving recently weighed in with a rather unusual comparison when discussing the all-time greats — and yes, Michael Jordan was part of the conversation.
Michael Jordan’s legacy may have earned him the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) label in the eyes of many, but the debate never stops. Speaking with STAT Sports’ Rob Lepelstat in a clip shared Friday on X, Erving likened the GOAT discussion to something far less contentious: choosing an ice cream flavor.
“What flavor ice cream do you like? You like strawberry? Chocolate? Vanilla? Banana? They’re all ice cream!” Erving said. His point was clear — the GOAT debate often comes down to personal preference.
Jordan has spent decades at the center of this ongoing debate, most often compared to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Yet in this case, Erving didn’t side with either of the two megastars. Instead, he picked six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as his choice for the game’s greatest player.
Jordan’s resume, however, remains unmatched in the eyes of many. He’s a six-time NBA champion, six-time NBA Finals MVP, five-time league MVP, 14-time NBA All-Star, 10-time scoring champion, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. That list alone keeps him firmly in the GOAT conversation.
And while Abdul-Jabbar certainly has his own compelling case — with six championships, six MVP awards, and the NBA’s all-time scoring record for nearly four decades — Jordan’s influence extended far beyond the hardwood. His cultural impact, global brand, and unmatched competitive aura made him more than just a basketball icon.
Even today, long after his playing career ended, Jordan’s name still drives debate, headlines, and fan passion. Whether you see him as the definitive GOAT or simply one of several legends worthy of the title, his place in NBA history is cemented — no matter what flavor of greatness you prefer.