Michael Jordan names the two players he feels are ‘disrespected’ whenever he’s called the GOAT

Michael Jordan: Humility and Respect for Basketball Legends Before Him

In the world of basketball, one name resonates above all others: Michael Jordan. Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, MJ’s legendary career has been defined by his six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless iconic moments that transformed the game forever. From his unmatched skill on the court to his business ventures off it, Jordan’s legacy is secure in the annals of history. But even with all his accolades, Jordan is far from ready to crown himself as the undisputed GOAT. Instead, he humbly insists that such a title disrespects the titans who came before him, namely Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.

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The Unlikely Humility of a Six-Time Champion

It’s rare for the best to question their greatness. In most sports, athletes accept their title as the greatest with confidence, often without hesitation. But Michael Jordan, despite being the player most commonly named as the GOAT, sees things differently. During a 2009 interview with CBS Sports, MJ revealed a side of himself that few expected. When asked whether he considered himself the greatest basketball player ever, his answer was not only humble but eye-opening. He didn’t accept the title without a second thought; instead, he explained that it made him uncomfortable. Why? Because it disregarded the achievements of two legendary figures in basketball history: Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.

Jordan’s words shocked many fans who were accustomed to hearing his name as the benchmark for greatness. His humility wasn’t just an act of modesty—it was a genuine acknowledgment of the legends who had paved the way for him. MJ explained that because he never had the opportunity to play against Wilt or Jerry, he felt that labeling him as the GOAT was unfair to their legacies. “I don’t want it in a sense because I think it disrespects Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, you know all the guys that prior to me, I never had a chance to play against,” Jordan said. “When I hear it, I cringe a little bit because no one knows, I never had the chance to play against those guys. I would have loved to, but I never did.”

This wasn’t just a polite brush-off. MJ was being real about the limits of his experience. He wasn’t comparing himself to those who came before him, and he didn’t think it was fair to do so. Jordan admitted that the players from earlier generations had laid the foundation for the game, and while he had been part of its evolution, he couldn’t take full credit for where the game had gone. It was a perspective that set him apart from other athletes who often embrace the title of “greatest ever” with a sense of pride.

Wilt Chamberlain: A Monster on the Court

To understand why Jordan made such a point to acknowledge Wilt Chamberlain, we must look at the extraordinary impact Wilt had on the game. The numbers Wilt put up in his career are almost unbelievable, and some of his feats are still unmatched. One of the most famous moments in basketball history came when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game—a record that has stood for over 60 years. That accomplishment alone should place Wilt in the conversation for the greatest of all time.

But Wilt’s impact wasn’t just limited to that iconic game. He dominated the league in ways no one had ever seen before. Over his career, Wilt averaged 30 points and 22 rebounds per game—statistics that were unheard of at the time. He was the first player to truly revolutionize the center position and the type of dominance that was possible in basketball. Though his two NBA championships—one in 1967 with the Philadelphia 76ers and another in 1972 with the Los Angeles Lakers—don’t match Jordan’s six titles, Wilt was an undeniable force on the court.

Even beyond the numbers, Wilt’s style of play redefined basketball. He was a physical specimen—standing at 7’1” and weighing 275 pounds—who could run the floor, out-rebound, and outscore almost anyone who stood in his way. He was an unstoppable force, and while his championship count may not have reached the heights of others, his impact on the game is impossible to ignore. This is the legacy that Michael Jordan paid homage to in his 2009 interview.

Jerry West: The Logo of the NBA

Now, let’s talk about Jerry West, the man who is still one of the most respected figures in basketball. Jerry’s legacy as a player is remarkable. He played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his accolades are numerous: 14 All-Star appearances, an NBA championship in 1972, and a place as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. But Jerry’s impact extends beyond his playing career. He is the literal face of the NBA—the “Logo” of the league. The silhouette of West dribbling the ball is used as the NBA’s logo, cementing his place in the history of the sport.

West’s on-court ability was legendary. He was known for his incredible scoring ability, sharp shooting, and elite-level playmaking. But much like Wilt, West never quite got the recognition in the “GOAT” conversation that he deserved. He played in an era dominated by the Boston Celtics and their 11 championships, and while he reached the NBA Finals nine times during his career, he only walked away with one ring. But what West lacked in titles, he made up for with his influence on the game and his excellence as a player. He was ahead of his time, with a skillset that would translate well to the modern NBA.

In the interview, Jordan explained that it made him uncomfortable to be considered the GOAT when players like Jerry West had paved the way for the game he loved. His acknowledgement of Jerry’s legacy was more than just respect—it was a statement that basketball was not a solo journey, but one shaped by the contributions of many.

Respect for Basketball’s Foundation

When Michael Jordan speaks about Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, he isn’t just being modest—he’s acknowledging the foundation they laid for the game. The game that MJ would go on to dominate in the 90s, and that would continue to evolve with players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. But Jordan’s reverence for those players demonstrates a rare humility in an athlete who is often considered the best to ever play.

The GOAT debate is one of the most contentious in sports, and basketball is no exception. For fans, it often comes down to their own personal biases and preferences. Some argue that LeBron James, with his versatility and longevity, should be considered the GOAT. Others point to Kobe Bryant’s five championships and unmatched work ethic. But for MJ, the GOAT conversation should include those players who laid the groundwork for the modern game.

Wilt and Jerry are often left out of this conversation, overshadowed by the modern stars who dominate the sport today. But when Jordan calls attention to their legacies, he is doing more than just being humble—he’s ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten. Jordan knows that his greatness is built on the shoulders of giants, and while he has cemented his own legacy in the basketball world, he doesn’t want to diminish the legacies of the men who came before him.

Final Thoughts: The True Meaning of GOAT

What Michael Jordan’s words remind us is that the title of “GOAT” isn’t as clear-cut as it may seem. Greatness isn’t defined by championships alone, or by who holds the most records. True greatness comes with respect for the game, for the players who shaped it, and for the generations that followed. Michael Jordan, despite his unparalleled success on the basketball court, knows this better than anyone.

So, the next time the GOAT conversation comes up—whether in a barbershop, on the court, or in the group chat—remember Michael Jordan’s words. He didn’t just dominate the game, he respected those who laid the foundation before him. And in that, he exemplifies what it truly means to be great.

Let’s keep this conversation going: Who else do you think gets left out of the GOAT debate? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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