<p>The eternal debate that fuels passionate arguments among <strong>NBA </strong>fans—<strong>who is the greatest player of all time (GOAT)</strong>—continues to generate widespread discussion. At the heart of this iconic rivalry are two legends: <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a></strong> and <strong>LeBron James</strong>. Now, former<strong> Charlotte Hornets </strong>guard <strong>Devonte’ Graham</strong> has added a compelling twist to the conversation, revealing that his own GOAT pick has shifted.</p>



<p>Jordan, the face of the <strong>Chicago Bulls’ dynasty</strong>, holds six NBA championships, including two remarkable three-peats interrupted only by a brief retirement. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron</a>, meanwhile, has earned four titles across three franchises and has sustained elite performance levels since gaining national attention as a high school prodigy.</p>



<p>As what could be LeBron James’ final season with the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a></strong> unfolds, <em>The Athletic</em> surveyed 142 active NBA players on their GOAT choice. The result: <strong>Michael Jordan garnered 45.9% of the vote</strong>, edging out <strong>LeBron James</strong>, who received 42.1%. A separate poll conducted by <em>HoopsHype</em> widened the gap—<strong>Jordan led with 49%</strong>, while LeBron came in at 37%.</p>



<h2>A shift in perspective: Devonte’ Graham’s take</h2>



<p>One player’s opinion, however, reflects how personal experiences can reshape the GOAT conversation. <strong>Devonte’ Graham</strong>, currently with the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-antonio-spurs">San Antonio Spurs</a></strong>, once played for the <strong>Charlotte Hornets</strong> under then-majority owner <strong>Michael Jordan</strong>. Speaking to <em>HoopsHype</em>, Graham revealed his stance has changed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/24081914/Devonte-Graham-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-383876" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Devonte’ Graham #4 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Chase Center on March 09, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<p><em>“<strong>I played for the GOAT, Michael Jordan,</strong>“</em> Graham said. <em>“He paid me. When I played there, he was definitely the GOAT.<strong> Once I got traded, it became LeBron.</strong>“</em></p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/michael-jordans-unexpected-response-after-former-nba-champion-picked-lebron-james-as-the-goat" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250415_BUS_377101_Michael-Jordan-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After a former NBA champion named LeBron James the GOAT over Michael Jordan, the debate about Jordan’s legacy and competitive spirit off the court was reignited.
" title="Michael Jordan’s unexpected response after former NBA champion picked LeBron James as the GOAT" publication_id="BUS#/nba/michael-jordans-unexpected-response-after-former-nba-champion-picked-lebron-james-as-the-goat"></div>


<p>Although <strong>Jordan sold his majority stake</strong> in the Hornets last year, he retains a minority ownership in the franchise. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/devonte-graham">Graham</a>‘s shift in viewpoint highlights how proximity to greatness—and a change in vantage point—can influence even those inside the league.</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="680a2da36322de585807ae93" data-title="Who is the true NBA GOAT?" data-options="3"></div>


<h2>Graham’s journey across the NBA</h2>



<p>After being traded from the Hornets to the <strong>New Orleans Pelicans</strong> in 2021, Graham was later dealt to the <strong>San Antonio Spurs</strong> in February. This season, he averaged <strong>5 points and 2.1 assists over 23 games</strong>, offering a veteran presence to a young squad. His first-hand interactions with Jordan as an owner and continued observation of LeBron’s longevity and achievements have clearly impacted his perception of greatness.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/not-michael-jordan-or-lebron-james-nba-legend-shawn-kemp-names-his-goat" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250211_BUS_333479_Shawn-Kemp.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="NBA legend Shawn Kemp shakes up the ＂GOAT＂ debate by choosing a different player over Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
" title="Not Michael Jordan or LeBron James: NBA legend Shawn Kemp names his GOAT" publication_id="BUS#/nba/not-michael-jordan-or-lebron-james-nba-legend-shawn-kemp-names-his-goat"></div>

        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/former-nba-champion-richard-jefferson-reveals-his-surprising-take-on-the-nba-goat-debate" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20250423_BUS_383492_Richard-Jefferson-Former-NBA-champion.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Former Cleveland Cavaliers champion Richard Jefferson, now retired, offered a surprising take on the NBA’s GOAT debate.
" title="Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson reveals his surprising take on the NBA GOAT debate" publication_id="BUS#/nba/former-nba-champion-richard-jefferson-reveals-his-surprising-take-on-the-nba-goat-debate"></div>

Former Hornets guard weighs in on LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan GOAT debate

LeBron vs Jordan: Former Hornets player makes bold shift in GOAT debate

Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson reveals his surprising take on the NBA GOAT debate

Not Michael Jordan or LeBron James: NBA legend Shawn Kemp names his GOAT

LeBron James vs Michael Jordan: Former Hornets player makes bold shift in GOAT debate - Bolavip US

LeBron James vs Michael Jordan: Former Hornets player makes bold shift in GOAT debate

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<p>The <strong>2021/2022 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> season</strong> is set to kick off on October 19, 2021, and it will mark the return of a full 82 game schedule. All 29 teams will be chasing the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/milwaukee-bucks-t100207" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> to win the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-all-nba-champions-by-year-20210701-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy</a> and it will be a long and grueling season.</p>
<p>While fan focus will be on the best teams like the Bucks, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/brooklyn-nets-t99901" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Jersey Nets</a>, the Boston Celtics, or the top players like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/stephen-curry-t132201" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Curry</a>, James Harden, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a>, <strong>we can’t count out the players who are looking to have a breakout year.</strong></p>
<p>That sixth man or most improved player is always key to taking their team to the next level, and <strong>we have chosen 5 players ready to have a breakout year in the 2021/2022 NBA season. </strong>Here are our 5 picks!</p>
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<div class="ck-youtube" id="youtube-74">      <span class="item first"></span>   <span class="item second"></span>   <span class="item third"></span>  </div>
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<h2>1. Keldon Johnson – San Antonio Spurs</h2>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/__export/1631105523195/sites/bolavip/img/2021/09/08/head_coach_gregg_popovich_and_keldon_johnson_x3_of_the_san_antonio_spurs_talk_during_the_second_quar_crop1631105522842.jpg_20222851.jpg" width="740" height="410"><figcaption>    Head coach Gregg Popovich and Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs talk during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Now in his third season, <strong>Keldon Johnson</strong> is coming off of a Team USA participation at the Summer Olympics and usually Olympic players see substantial increase in playing time the following year, especially after a gold medal run. With a bit more experience to call his own look for Gregg Popovich to get the most out of his power forward.</p>
<h2>2. Devonte Graham – New Orleans Pelicans</h2>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/__export/1631105642252/sites/bolavip/img/2021/09/08/devonte_graham_crop1631105641855.jpg_20222851.jpg" width="740" height="410"><figcaption>    Devonte Graham (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p><strong>Devonte Graham</strong> is a talented player and after a rough season with the Charlotte Hornets a change in scenery was in order. Now in New Orleans, Graham will replace Lonzo Ball and will be alongside Zion Williamson, look for these two to create a great one-two punch.</p>
<h2>3. RJ Barrett – New York Knicks</h2>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/__export/1631105700673/sites/bolavip/img/2021/09/08/rj_barrett_crop1631105700235.jpg_20222851.jpg" width="740" height="410"><figcaption>    RJ Barrett (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p><strong>RJ Barrett</strong> now enters his third season with the Knicks as a much-improved player, having increased his numbers in his two previous seasons. Now it’s time for the first-round draft pick to earn his keep, Barrett showed not only stat improvement but better overall awareness on the court and on a New York Knicks side who will want to improve on their quick playoff run from last year, he will be key.</p>
<h2>4. Facundo Campazzo -Denver Nuggets</h2>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/__export/1631105768335/sites/bolavip/img/2021/09/08/facundo_campazzo_crop1631105768008.jpg_20222851.jpg" width="740" height="410"><figcaption>    Facundo Campazzo (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p><strong>Facundo Campazzo</strong> had a feet wetting first season with the Denver Nuggets, the veteran 30-year-old has a long list of accolades from his time in Europe and injuries last season opened a lot of doors for the Argentine to showcase his talents and show he can be a team player. Campazzo now has the confidence of his teammates and coaching staff to play a bigger role for the Nuggets this season. The man won over 10 championships in his career, the Nuggets need to get more out of him.</p>
<h2>5. Tyler Herro – Miami Heat</h2>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://bolavip.com/__export/1631105831578/sites/bolavip/img/2021/09/08/tyler_herro_crop1631105831206.jpg_20222851.jpg" width="740" height="410"><figcaption>    Tyler Herro (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Now entering his third season in the NBA, <strong>Tyler Herro</strong> had an explosive first season only to match that with an equally low second season. Nonetheless Herro’s numbers were better last year, still the Heat have a much-improved roster heading into the new NBA season and may make a run for the NBA title. Herro could be a go to guy for bucket shots and could be a strong sixth man this season.</p>
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NBA: 5 players ready to have a breakout season in 2021/2022

NBA: 5 players ready to have a breakout season in 2021/2022 - Bolavip US

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