The 1990s were a defining decade for the NBA, with an array of exceptional talent taking center stage. Players were at the peak of their game, delivering crucial performances that led their teams to championships. While the landscape of the league has evolved, some surprises from that era, like the Houston Rockets’ back-to-back titles, are still remembered today. Former NBA champion Kenny Smith recently added a fresh perspective to the ongoing GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Over the years, countless opinions have been shared regarding who should be considered the greatest of all time in the NBA. Some argue that LeBron is undeniably the GOAT, citing his longevity and dominance across multiple eras. Others believe Jordan’s transformative impact on the game makes him the undisputed GOAT. However, Smith’s view provides a different lens through which to evaluate both players.
When it comes to determining the GOAT, the criteria vary. Some fans prioritize championships, while others focus on individual performances, records, and the overall impact a player has had on the game. Smith, however, presented an intriguing argument, suggesting that both Jordan and LeBron could be considered the GOAT, depending on how you define greatness.
In an appearance on Mark Jackson’s show in 2024, Smith explained why he couldn’t choose between Jordan and LeBron. He offered a compelling argument for why both players deserve the GOAT title, each in their own right.
“The thing is that I’ve never seen a player perform at such a high level for as long as LeBron has (more than 22 years). To me, that’s the GOAT of longevity in the NBA, because of the high level he continues to play at. But the best basketball player, if you take a 10-year span, that ever existed, is Mike [Michael Jordan],” Smith said.
Smith reflects on Jordan’s impact in the 1990s
Despite naming Jordan the GOAT in his discussion about deciding the best player over the decades, Rockets legend Smith shared a memorable anecdote highlighting the impact Jordan had during their younger years. One example he gave was a fun exercise where teammates would pick the player they’d want to take the final shot in a critical game.
“Let me say this: we used to do this on the bus. We’d say, ‘Alright, it’s 10 seconds left, the ball’s at one end, and you need someone to take the last shot. Who’s going to take it? But you can’t pick Mike, right?’ We’d say that you couldn’t put him in this situation. That’s what makes him special,” Smith recalled.
Smith’s thoughts on today’s game
While discussing the NBA GOAT debate, Smith acknowledged that opinions on greatness are subjective. He emphasized that just because past players were great in their era doesn’t mean they would have the same success in today’s game. He used a unique analogy to make his point.
“If you had former teammates on this show, you don’t think Mason and Cam could rap today if they were 17? They’d kill it, they’d still be the same guys, just as talented. But the average rappers from that era would come back and they’d be average today,” Smith said.