NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry, widely regarded as one of the greatest free-throw shooters in league history, has never shied away from sharing bold opinions. In a resurfaced interview, the Golden State Warriors icon offered a controversial take on the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, arguing that the conversation around Michael Jordan may overlook important context.
Barry believes that fans who automatically crown Jordan as the GOAT aren’t fully considering the broader history of the NBA. He emphasized that evaluating greatness requires a position-specific lens and a deeper understanding of each era’s challenges.
Speaking to Basketball Network in 2021, Barry said: “You can’t compare Michael Jordan to other players. The people who say ‘Jordan is the GOAT’ are wrong. There are different skills required to play each position—you simply can’t make a direct comparison.”
He added, “I go nuts when I hear people talk about the NBA GOAT. To me, the only true GOAT is someone who dominates their position. You can’t compare LeBron James to Wilt Chamberlain, it just doesn’t work.”
Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls.
Rick Barry names his All-Time NBA starting five
While Rick Barry refrained from naming an official NBA GOAT, and even criticized those who firmly claim Michael Jordan or others as the greatest, he had no hesitation in selecting his personal All-Time Starting Five. With firsthand experience playing alongside legends and watching others rise, Barry assembled a dream lineup worthy of any all-time matchup.
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“I’m going to go with Wilt Chamberlain at center, Bill Russell as the power forward, Michael Jordan at the two, and that could be LeBron James as well. I’m putting myself at the three, and Tim Duncan at the four,” Barry said.
Barry reveals his greatest international player ever
Despite leaving out all-time greats like Kobe Bryant, Oscar Robertson, and Stephen Curry from his starting five, Barry had a surprising pick when asked about the best international player in NBA history, and he didn’t hesitate to explain why.
“The guy probably would have been Arvydas Sabonis. People have no idea how incredible Sabonis was. Even after all the Achilles surgeries that slowed him down, he still made an impact here. But in his prime? He was unbelievable,” Barry explained.
The one regret Barry still carries
From championships to accolades, Rick Barry experienced nearly everything in his storied career. But one missed opportunity still lingers: not playing in the Olympics.
“The biggest disappointment in my life was not making the Olympic team. I once played in a game with ‘USA’ on my chest, facing the Russian team before the Soviet Union breakup. Hearing the national anthem at that moment was powerful. I can only imagine how it would’ve felt to win a gold medal with ‘USA’ across my chest,” Barry shared.
