In a candid sit-down with CBS Sunday Morning, His Airness offered a rare glimpse into his philosophy on basketball legacy, explaining why he believes the title of “GOAT” is fundamentally flawed.

“There is no such thing as a GOAT in the NBA. Not to me,” Jordan told CBS. “It’s because you’re constantly learning from the greats who came before. To say one is definitively better than another, it’s just not right.“

Despite a global consensus that often places Jordan at the top of the mountain, the Bulls legend remains adamant that the game’s evolution makes direct comparisons impossible.

Even as contemporaries like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Stephen Curry have pushed the sport to new heights, Jordan views them as part of a continuous lineage rather than rivals in a vacuum.

Redefining the “greatest” metric

If we move past Jordan’s own humility, the debate usually centers on more than just box scores. To truly weigh a player’s “GOAT” status, historians look at a combination of hardware, statistical dominance, and cultural impact.

For those who still claim Jordan holds the throne, the “Air Jordan” resume remains the gold standard:

• A 6-0 record on the game’s biggest stage, never allowing a series to reach a Game 7 and claiming Finals MVP in all six appearances.
• The only player in history to record 200 steals and 100 blocks in a single season—a feat he achieved twice (1987, 1988).
• Battling severe food poisoning in Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, Jordan dropped 38 points and had to be carried off the floor by Scottie Pippen.
• A record 10 NBA scoring titles, including seven consecutive seasons.
• A career average of 30.1 PPG, the highest in NBA history.

Beyond the record books

Numbers alone rarely tell the full story, and Jordan himself is proof that being the “Greatest” doesn’t necessarily mean holding the most records.

While Jordan’s impact is undeniable, the record books tell a different story of longevity and volume. Wilt Chamberlain still reigns supreme with a staggering 72 NBA records. Meanwhile, LeBron James has surpassed Jordan in several statistical categories, further complicating the data-driven argument.

Ultimately, Jordan’s perspective suggests that the GOAT debate isn’t about who has the most trophies or the most records, it’s about how they moved the needle for the game of basketball.

Kevin Durant reached this milestone after playing more than 1,180 regular-season games and playoffs in his NBA career. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan recorded his total across 1,251 games in the NBA, including regular season and playoffs.

Kevin Durant is undoubtedly one of the elite scorers in the NBA, and this record further proves it, especially by surpassing a player widely considered the greatest in league history.

The historic game for the Rockets

The game in which this happened could not have been more dramatic for the Houston Rockets against the Miami Heat. In addition to Kevin Durant reaching the milestone, the Rockets also memorably won 123-122, with Amen Thompson scoring the game-winner on a tip-in just before the buzzer off a missed shot by Durant. Durant finished the game with 27 points.

How Kevin Durant reached the record

In the final minutes of Saturday night’s win, Miami’s 2-to-3 zone, which had long been effective, was set up with Durant stationed in the right corner, patiently waiting for the ball. Most of the trust from head coach Ime Udoka was placed in Durant’s teammates, Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard, whose two-man action near the top of the key forced the defense to shift slightly.

By the time the ball reached Durant again, it was too late for Simone Fontecchio. The 37-year-old released the shot quickly, and with his scoring ability, he did not need much time to create space. The shot went cleanly through the net, a moment that reflected the consistency he has shown throughout his career.

The players Durant has surpassed

In a season and career defined by consistency and growth, Durant moved past Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki on the scoring list, and now sits behind Kobe Bryant, who currently holds fourth place with 33,643 points.

According to Will Guillory, Kevin Durant wanted to generate that same recurring fear and respect that Michael Jordan created. “(Jordan) scared defenders every night, and I wanted to put that same kind of fear in the defender who’s guarding me.”

And Durant achieved that fear factor, as he averaged between 27.1 and 27.3 points per game during the regular season throughout his NBA career, maintaining that level across more than 1,100 games played. In addition, he elevated his performance in the postseason, averaging 29.3 points in the Playoffs.

Kevin Durant surpassing Jordan

Kevin Durant sat at 32,242 career points, just 51 shy of surpassing Michael Jordan for fifth place on the all time scoring list. So it came as little surprise that Jordan’s game had been a major influence on Durant. “Jordan has always been my inspiration. There’s a reason why I wanted to be able to knock down those shots,”

What makes Durant different

Durant, 37, was one of the most uniquely gifted scorers of all time, combining rare length with incredible shooting touch and an array of moves that helped him consistently create quality looks for himself. He had the skill set of a guard but the height of a center, making him extremely difficult to defend.

“You can play the best defense possible against him, feel like you did everything right, then he just rises up and swishes it,” Miami Heat forward Norman Powell told Guillory. “All you can do is shake your head.”

Michael Jordan had a different physical profile than Durant, but he left defenders equally frustrated, as he possessed rare athleticism along with a level of determination and confidence that allowed him to reach any level. Durant copied many of those moves throughout his career.

In the latest Insights to Excellence clip released by NBA on NBC, Jordan, despite often being cited as the GOAT himself, offered a more nuanced take on the conversation. He emphasized the importance each generation has played in shaping the league and its broader history.

“The whole GOAT term is never going to be something that I ever will get high or low about,” Jordan said. “It just doesn’t exist with me. I never played against Oscar Robertson or Jerry West. Would have loved to, absolutely loved to, just as competitive as I am. I actually learned from them, and we paved the road to the Kobes and the LeBrons, right?”

Jordan’s point highlights how difficult it is to reach a definitive conclusion in the debate. Many of the greatest players never faced each other directly, as he himself noted. Jordan never competed against LeBron, especially not during their primes, which makes it nearly impossible to truly measure who might be the best across eras.

What the GOAT debate generates, according to Jordan

As Jordan explained, part of the “beauty of the game” lies in how players build upon what previous stars brought to the court. In that way, each generation contributes to the evolution of basketball and pushes the sport forward. “Don’t then now use that against the player that actually taught you the game or that you learned from,” Jordan cautioned while describing what he sees as a flaw in how the GOAT in the NBA debate is often handled.

“That’s why I have a tough time. And look, I would love to have played against LeBron and Kobe in my prime. I would love to have played against those guys but we’ll never be able to know that. Part of the marketing, part of the hype, part of the things that tries to elevate one generation above the other, I think it creates animosity.”

In many ways, the conversation only adds more mystique and intrigue around these players. It elevates their status in basketball history, whether the discussion focuses on Michael Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, or even legends from earlier eras such as Wilt Chamberlain. Even for those who did not watch them play live, the stories and debates surrounding them often make their achievements seem almost unreal.

Jordan also went on to specifically praise LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant for the way they have elevated the game in their own eras. At the same time, he reiterated his broader point that the GOAT debate should not diminish the impact each generation has had on the sport.

Victor Wembanyama recently made a statement that could reshape future All-Star Weekends. “I mean, I’ll be in the dunk contest one day.” With that declaration, the Spurs’ franchise cornerstone made it clear he intends to showcase his creativity above the rim on one of the league’s brightest stages.

Wembanyama is positioning himself to enter territory that LeBron James famously avoided throughout his 23 NBA seasons. It is also a platform that Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards have publicly discussed but never formally committed to. For years, critics argued that the Slam Dunk Contest lacked participation from true superstars, and Wembanyama’s comments directly challenged that narrative.

The contest is also the stage where Michael Jordan delivered some of the most iconic performances in NBA history. His appearance helped elevate the event into a cultural spectacle and cemented its place as a centerpiece of All-Star Weekend.

Michael Jordan’s dunk contest appearances

Michael Jordan competed in three NBA Slam Dunk Contests, in 1985, 1987 and 1988, winning the title in the final two. As a rookie in 1985, he finished second after a fierce duel with Dominique Wilkins, but his hang time and body control introduced the league to the birth of “Air Jordan.”

In 1987, in Seattle, Jordan captured his first dunk contest title by defeating Jerome Kersey. His performance blended power and artistry, with his characteristic tongue out, reinforcing his reputation as the game’s most electrifying aerial performer.

The defining moment of his dunk contest legacy came in Chicago in 1988, widely considered the greatest contest in the NBA event’s history. In front of his home crowd, Jordan battled Wilkins in a dramatic showdown as both exchanged perfect scores.

Needing a 50 on his final attempt to secure the title, Jordan took off from the free-throw line in a tribute to Julius Erving. The dunk sealed his second consecutive crown and became one of the most enduring images in basketball history, setting a standard that Wembanyama now appears eager to chase.

James now owns an unusual all-time record, the most losses in All-Star Game history. Having appeared in a record 21 editions from 2005 through 2026, volume alone placed him in a position to stack defeats along with victories. Longevity created the mark, and durability allowed it to grow.

Back in 2024, he became the first player to reach 10 losses. After the outcomes in 2025 and this season under the new structure, that total climbed to 11. His overall balance in the event stood at 10 wins against 11 defeats, a rare statistic for someone who has dominated nearly every other historical category.

On the court, James still made his presence felt. He finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists while the shortened quarters heightened the tempo and sharpened the competitive edge. The international flavor, mixed with contrasting generations of American stars, helped create a setting in which the younger group ultimately walked away with the bragging rights.

List of players with the most losses

1. LeBron James: 11 losses, 21 games played
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 9 losses, 18 games played
3. Kevin Garnett: 8 losses, 14 games played
4. Magic Johnson: 8 losses, 11 games played
5. Wilt Chamberlain: 8 losses, 13 games played
6. Michael Jordan: 7 losses, 13 games played

LeBron James path in the All-Star Game

James has been selected as an All-Star in every season of his career except his rookie year. For more than two decades, he represented the league’s gold standard of popularity and performance, earning the trust of fans and peers alike. That consistency helped him build unmatched cumulative numbers.

He captured All-Star Game MVP honors three times, in 2006, 2008 and 2018, tying him with icons such as Jordan, Shaquille O Neal, and Oscar Robertson. His first award came in Houston, when he was just 21 years old and orchestrated a dramatic comeback for the Eastern Conference. Two years later in New Orleans, he nearly posted a triple-double while reaffirming his status as the face of the league.

His third trophy arrived in Los Angeles in 2018 during the debut of the captains’ draft format. Team LeBron edged Team Stephen in a tight finish, and James delivered 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to underline that even in an exhibition, he competed to win. Despite holding the record for total points and selections, he remained one shy of matching the four NBA All-Star MVPs shared by Kobe Bryant and Bob Pettit.

Scoring in the NBA has long been a measure of dominance, a way for players to leave a permanent mark on the game. Across decades, certain athletes have elevated their offensive output to astonishing heights, turning entire seasons into showcases of sheer firepower.

Some seasons become legendary not just for wins, but for points racked up night after night. From mid-century pioneers to modern sharpshooters, the league has seen players rewrite the scoring narrative, setting marks that endure as benchmarks of talent and endurance.

The record books capture more than numbers; they tell stories of stamina, style and the relentless pursuit of points. Each historic season reflects a blend of strategy, opportunity and individual brilliance that defines how basketball greatness is measured over time.

Wilt Chamberlain | 4,029 Points | 1961-62 Season

If the NBA’s statistical records were a fortress, Wilt Chamberlain‘s 1961-62 season would be the towering, inviolable citadel. This campaign not only holds the all-time record for total points in a single season (4,029), but it marks the only instance in league history a player has eclipsed the 4,000-point threshold.

Playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, he did more than just average a celestial 50.4 points per game; he achieved the near-impossible feat of playing virtually every minute, averaging an astounding 48.5 minutes per game (more than the regulation 48, thanks to overtime periods).

This was the season the myth of “Wilt the Stilt” became tangible: it included the legendary 100-point game and 45 contests where he scored 50 or more. It wasn’t just a display of offensive prowess; it was a testament to superhuman durability and volume in an era lacking today’s nutritional science and specialized training.

The figure of 4,029 points is so astronomical that the second-highest total also belongs to him, falling almost 500 points short. He didn’t just set a record; he warped the limits of possibility in professional basketball.

Wilt Chamberlain | 3,586 Points | 1962-63 Season

Following his historic 4,000-point campaign, Wilt Chamberlain immediately proved his feat was no cosmic anomaly. With the franchise relocating and playing for the San Francisco Warriors, he returned in 1962-63 to log the second-most points in NBA history (3,586).

This massive total translated to a 44.8 points per game average—a mark that would be the career highlight for almost any other player, but for him, it was merely a “slight” dip.

Rather than slowing down, the titan simply maintained his offensive machinery at a blistering pace. He remained an unstoppable force in the paint, leveraging his size and strength before defenses truly adapted.

What is most compelling about this performance is that while the 1961-62 season earned the folklore status, this 3,586-point campaign solidified his reputation as the most dominant and consistent scorer of his generation, demonstrating he could relentlessly threaten his own high-water mark year after year.

Michael Jordan | 3,041 Points | 1986-87 Season

We leap from the sheer power and height of the 1960s to the athletic explosion and grace of the modern era with the emergence of Michael Jordan in the 1986-87 season.

His 3,041 points not only represent the third-highest total of all time, but it remains the highest total achieved by any player in NBA history since the league’s merger with the ABA in 1976. Jordan is also the only player besides Chamberlain to ever surpass the 3,000-point mark.

Just 23 years old and coming back from a foot injury that marred the previous season, this was the year Air Jordan transformed from a superstar-in-the-making into a force of nature. He averaged 37.1 points per game, leading the league in scoring for the first time.

This was a scoring demonstration that seamlessly blended the mid-range jumper, spectacular drives, and deadly free-throw efficiency. This season served as the formal declaration that the league had found its new face—a player capable of reaching numerical altitudes that only the legendary Wilt had previously touched.

Wilt Chamberlain | 3,033 Points | 1960-61 Season

By his second year in the league, Wilt Chamberlain was no longer a novelty; he was a statistical problem for every opponent. The 1960-61 season, his second with the Philadelphia Warriors, saw him tally 3,033 points, establishing the fourth-highest total in NBA history.

This total translates to a punishing average of 38.4 points per game, a number that in almost any other era would have been an undisputed league record. This was a critical year of consolidation, proving his dominance was not a fluke.

The remarkable thing about this output is not just the volume, but the sheer consistency with which, early in his career, he pushed the boundaries of what was achievable.

In a league with less restrictive rules for interior play and a scarcity of defensive specialists built to handle his size, he made scoring over 35 points a night seem routine, laying the groundwork for his legendary record-breaking season the following year.

Wilt Chamberlain | 2,948 Points | 1963-64 Season

Closing out the list of the five highest-scoring seasons is Wilt Chamberlain once more, tallying 2,948 points in the 1963-64 season, his final full campaign with the San Francisco Warriors before his trade to Philadelphia. While this total is the lowest on this top-five list, it remains a nearly insurmountable statistical peak, generating an average of 36.9 points per game.

What makes this particular season unique is that it was a year when The Big Dipper (as he was known for his tendency to drop the ball in the basket rather than dunk) began to showcase a more rounded game.

Alongside his monstrous scoring volume, that season marked a personal high in total assists (403) at the time, signaling a conscious, and often criticized, effort to involve his teammates more.

Michael Jordan | 2,868 Points | 1987-88 Season

Following his 3,000-point offensive assault in ’87, Michael Jordan returned in the 1987-88 season not just to maintain an incredible scoring volume, but to achieve defensive supremacy. His 2,868 points represent his second-highest single-season total, averaging a massive 35.0 points per game.

This season was a pinnacle of his career in terms of global impact. He not only dominated the scoring charts for the second consecutive year, but he also captured the Defensive Player of the Year award and his first career MVP.

Scoring nearly 2,900 points while simultaneously leading the league in steals and establishing himself as the premier defender at his position is an unprecedented feat. This campaign proved he could not only outscore everyone but do so with lethal efficiency without sacrificing any other facet of the game.

Kobe Bryant | 2,832 Points | 2005-06 Season

The 2005-06 season was a period of both personal hell and glory for Kobe Bryant. With the Los Angeles Lakers in a rebuilding phase, he was forced to carry an offensive load few players in history have shouldered.

His total of 2,832 points was the highest in the NBA during the 2000s and cemented his place in the historical volume elite. He averaged a frantic 35.4 points per game. This season is the epitome of the “Mamba Mentality”—an unrelenting focus that culminated in his legendary 81-point game against the Raptors.

His 2,832 points were built on a blend of post-ups, impossible mid-range jumpers, and an unwavering will to take and make any shot at any time. His total stands as a testament to the dedication to his craft and the ability of a modern-era player to challenge the scoring marks of the old school.

Bob McAdoo | 2,831 Points | 1974-75 Season

In an era where the game centered on the paint and the mid-range jumper, Bob McAdoo represented the pinnacle of scoring efficiency for a big man. In the 1974-75 season, playing for the Buffalo Braves, he tallied 2,831 points, the highest total achieved by a center since the years of Wilt Chamberlain.

This monumental effort earned him the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Averaging 34.5 points per game, he showcased unusual versatility for his height, utilizing a near-unblockable fadeaway jump shot.

His style was not the brute force of Wilt, but a fluid grace that allowed him to score with high precision. Achieving nearly 2,850 points without the benefit of the three-point line underscores the incredible skill and mastery of the post and mid-range game he possessed.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 2,822 Points | 1971-72 Season

The 1971-72 season was a display of total dominance for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then still Lew Alcindor) with the Milwaukee Bucks. His 2,822 points not only secured his second scoring title but also earned him his second MVP award. He averaged 34.8 points per game, a feat accomplished with astonishing efficiency.

The hallmark of his point production was the iconic Skyhook, a shot that was impossible to block. He led the league in field goal percentage that year at over 57%, an incredible figure for such a high-volume scorer.

This season was instrumental in establishing him as a worthy successor to Wilt’s hegemony, proving he could fuse historical point production with surgical accuracy—a trait that often separated the great centers.

James Harden | 2,818 Points | 2018-19 Season

James Harden and his 2018-19 season represent a case study in modern scoring, centered on analytics and rule exploitation. His 2,818 points placed him as the leading scorer of the 21st century after Bryant, achieving an average of 36.1 points per game. This is the highest season average since Jordan’s aforementioned 1986-87 peak.

He turned basketball into a high-efficiency equation. His arsenal was built on the step-back three-pointer and an unparalleled ability to draw fouls and capitalize from the free-throw line.

His memorable streak of 32 consecutive games with 30 or more points was not just a record of consistency but a demonstration of the offensive burden he carried in Houston, forcing defenses to rewrite their playbooks.

Rick Barry | 2,775 Points | 1966-67 Season

Rick Barry‘s 1966-67 season with the San Francisco Warriors stands as one of the most explosive scoring displays by a young player in history. Achieving 2,775 points in his second professional season, he led the league with a scorching 35.6 points per game—the highest average by a non-center until Michael Jordan arrived two decades later.

His scoring was defined by a unique blend of elegance and intensity. Known for his unorthodox underhand free-throw technique, he was a relentless driver and a masterful shooter from the perimeter (before the three-point line).

This performance powered the Warriors to the Finals and demonstrated that a forward could challenge the scoring hierarchy dominated by centers. He was aggressive, precise, and unstoppable, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s greatest pure scorers.

Michael Jordan | 2,753 Points | 1989-90 Season

In the 1989-90 season, just one year before the Chicago Bulls dynasty began, Michael Jordan delivered another phenomenal scoring year, logging 2,753 points. This total, which led the league in scoring for the fourth consecutive year, translated to a robust average of 33.6 points per game.

This was arguably Jordan’s most physically demanding scoring season as he adjusted to Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, which initially required him to score more in isolation before the team structure solidified. It was a season of transition where he continued his offensive domination, showcasing refined post moves and a wider array of mid-range jumpers.

While perhaps less spectacular than his 3,000-point peak, this volume scoring season was crucial, proving he could still carry a massive offensive load while slowly transitioning to the team-oriented system that would bring championships.

Nate Archibald | 2,719 Points | 1972-73 Season

The 1972-73 season belongs uniquely to Nate Archibald. Playing for the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, Archibald became the only player in NBA history to lead the league in both points and assists in the same season. His total of 2,719 points was achieved despite his small stature (6’1″), translating to an astonishing 34.0 points per game.

His scoring was a blend of blinding speed and deceptive power. He attacked the basket relentlessly, finishing layups and drawing fouls with remarkable consistency, all while navigating a league dominated by much taller players.

This was a legendary individual achievement, proving that volume scoring was not exclusive to the giants of the era. ‘Tiny’ Archibald was a scoring machine and a floor general rolled into one, setting a dual-record that remains unbroken.

Elgin Baylor | 2,719 Points | 1962-63 Season

Elgin Baylor‘s 1962-63 season is a stunning example of prolific scoring often lost in the shadow of Wilt Chamberlain’s concurrent 3,586-point output. He matched Archibald’s total with 2,719 points for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging a breathtaking 34.0 points per game.

Baylor was a revolutionary scorer, famous for his mid-air acrobatics and ability to change direction and release point, inventing moves that later inspired players like Julius Erving and Michael Jordan.

Achieving such a high-volume total while maintaining an incredibly disruptive schedule speaks volumes about his sheer talent and commitment. He was, quite simply, an offensive genius ahead of his time.

Wilt Chamberlain | 2,707 Points | 1959-60 Season

Our final entry returns to where the scoring saga began: Wilt Chamberlain‘s 1959-60 rookie season. Playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, he immediately established himself as a force of nature, compiling 2,707 points—a record for a rookie that still stands today.

He averaged an incredible 37.6 points per game in his very first year. This campaign was the first seismic shock he delivered to the NBA. He didn’t just break the rookie scoring record; he obliterated the previous all-time season scoring record (held by Bob Pettit) by over 500 points.

This total is a foundational piece of his legacy, showing that his unprecedented scoring wasn’t something he built up to, but rather the default setting of his game from the moment he stepped onto the court. It was the moment the league realized it had to fundamentally change its rules to deal with The Big Dipper.

The free-throw line has a way of stripping the game down to its essence. No crowd surge, no defensive scramble—just a silent exchange between routine and nerve. Certain players learned to turn that stillness into steady points.

As the league evolved, so did the craft. Pace quickened, spacing widened, yet the line remained untouched, a narrow stage where precision mattered more than power. Those who mastered it carried an edge that outlasted shifts in style.

Their totals didn’t build through spectacle, but through repetition—a rhythm formed over years of late-night practice and high-pressure moments. In tracing the all-time leaders, the history of the NBA’s quietest skill begins to surface.

Who holds the all-time record for total free throws?

When it comes to drawing fouls, getting to the line, and sinking free throws with consistency over a long career, Karl Malone stands above the rest. According to the NBA’s official historical records, he is the all-time leader in career free throws made — a staggering 9,787.

He cemented that place in history on March 24, 2001, during his time with the Utah Jazz, when he sank the free throw that pushed him past Moses Malone for the number-one spot.

Over a 19-year NBA career (1985–2004), his ability to consistently get to the line was a cornerstone of his scoring. He led the league in free throws made eight different seasons, and in attempts seven times.

Behind him on the all-time list are legends like Moses Malone, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. For example, Moses made 8,531 free throws in his career, as StatMuse reported.

But what the gap underscores is just how dominant Karl Malone was in his niche. The fact that no player in NBA history has yet approached 9,787 made free throws tells us a lot about his unique mixture of skill, opportunity and longevity.

The NBA all-time free-throw leaders

“I’m going with Shai, me, Wemby [Victor Wembanyama], Kevin Garnett, and Klay Thompson,” Durant revealed during the gaming session, sparking considerable conversation among fans. His omission of icons like Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, who are typically mainstays in such fantasy scenarios, provided ample fodder for debate.

Reactions poured in, with comments such as, “Oh come on, having Klay in any all-time starting five is absurd,” and “Klay over MJ? Are we in bonus content territory now?” Fans expressed disagreement with Durant’s selections, particularly questioning the choice of Thompson in light of his recent performances with the Dallas Mavericks.

Durant is no stranger to igniting discussions on social media with his candid remarks. Known for his willingness to stir conversation, he consistently shares his genuine opinions, regardless of the potential backlash or controversy they might elicit.

Durant’s pre-game ritual anecdote

Among Durant’s well-documented traits is his love for gaming. He recounted a memorable night when he played 100 NBA2K games before suiting up for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder the following day.

“By the time I was 50 games deep, it was around midnight. I thought, ‘I’ve got a game tomorrow,’ but there I was, still playing until 3 a.m.,“ Durant shared with Thompson during their Boardroom gaming session.

Durant was absent from the Houston Rockets’ last outing against the Phoenix Suns due to personal reasons, leaving fans eager for his return against Phoenix. His focus now shifts to upcoming challenges with the Rockets as they aim to maintain momentum and secure their path to NBA championship contention this season.

For years, Dwyane Wade had firmly placed himself on Team Michael Jordan in the GOAT discussion, even while playing alongside—and developing a close friendship with—LeBron James. But Wade’s perspective has shifted slightly, and he opened up about his updated view during an appearance on Time Out with Dwyane Wade.

“Michael Jordan is my basketball GOAT,” Wade said. “My personal. For all the reasons that he should be. But I do have a new answer of the way I’m going to start answering the question when people ask me. I’m going to say Michael Jordan is the greatest player I’ve ever watched. He is the greatest player I’ve ever watched.”

“LeBron James is the greatest player I’ve ever seen,” Wade continued. “… It clicked to me one night, and I was like, ‘I never saw Michael Jordan. I watched Michael Jordan.’ I saw and I’ve seen LeBron James up close and in person. I played against and I played with. I personally have not seen a greater basketball player, but I’ve watched a great basketball player.”

A thoughtful reflection from Wade

Wade’s point resonates because he consumed Jordan as a fan, through a television screen, without firsthand exposure to who Jordan was behind the scenes—how he trained, how he practiced, how he interacted with teammates, and what his day-to-day intensity looked like. With LeBron, the experience was completely different. Wade saw him up close, face-to-face, both as a teammate on the Miami Heat and as an opponent.

“And so to me, it’s just a difference,” Wade added. “And the GOAT debate will forever be a debate. It’s not going anywhere. But when I’m asked a question as someone who’s played with this man, who spent time with this man, and played against this man…”

“Yeah, I’ve watched Jordan’s greatness,” Wade said. “I still watch it. I go on YouTube right now like I’ve never seen it before, but I’ve never seen Jordan’s greatness up close. I’ve actually seen LeBron’s.”

Wade played alongside James on the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014 and reunited with him briefly on the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2017–18 NBA season. He witnessed James’s brilliance at its peak, both as a teammate and competitor, and he maintains that he never encountered a more complete player throughout his entire career.

This bittersweet moment unfolded on Monday night against the Wizards, a team that has struggled in the early stages of the regular season. Cunningham joined the ranks of Jordan as the only two players in NBA history to record 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, 10+ assists, and 5+ steals in a single game. However, he also surpassed Bryant by missing more than 30 shots in a single game.

Despite these dramatic moments, the silver lining for Cunningham and the Pistons was the victory, as Detroit boasts an impressive 9-2 record at the onset of the regular season. This success ignites hope among the Pistons’ fan base, dreaming to achieve great things in the playoffs.

Cunningham’s leadership, alongside Dennis Jenkins, who excelled against the Wizards by scoring 24 points in 34 minutes, has generated considerable excitement among Eastern Conference teams. The Pistons currently top the standings, enjoying a comfortable lead over the New York Knicks.

Cunningham’s stellar stats this regular season

As the Pistons’ star continues to make headlines with his outstanding performance, his statistics are drawing attention within the Eastern Conference, providing insight into why the Pistons have enjoyed such a successful start to the season.

Leading the league in games played so far (11), Cunningham has averaged 27.5 points per game, along with 9.9 assists in 37 minutes of playing time per game. On Monday night, Cunningham played 45 minutes, nearly scoring one point for every minute he was on the court.

Other key contributors to the Pistons’ strong start

Undeniably, Cunningham is spearheading the team in nearly every statistical category. Yet, the cohesion within the Pistons is fueled by the consistent performance of their starting lineup. Alongside Jalen Duren, Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green, Cunningham and the Pistons are enjoying an excellent start this season.

Significantly, Duren has been contributing 19 points per game, ranking second-highest on the team, while also securing 12 rebounds per matchup. Given these dynamics, the fan base holds high expectations for a team that is catching everyone off guard in the NBA.