Michael Phelps Declares Michael Jordan the NBA’s Greatest of All Time
NEW YORK, N.Y. — As the 2025-26 NBA season heats up, so too does the perennial debate over who holds the title of the greatest basketball player ever. In a recent appearance at the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year ceremony, legendary Olympian Michael Phelps weighed in decisively, naming Michael Jordan as the undisputed NBA GOAT. Phelps, who holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by a single athlete, said Jordan’s impact transcended basketball and inspired his own approach to competitive excellence in swimming.
“No. 23, the original, the original GOAT,” Phelps said when asked to choose between Jordan and LeBron James, the four-time NBA MVP and current Los Angeles Lakers star. “For me, Michael Jordan was always the one I looked up to and wanted to do what he did in basketball in the sport of swimming.”
Phelps’ endorsement adds a fresh voice to a debate that has dominated sports conversations for over two decades. While LeBron James has amassed impressive accolades and statistics, including surpassing Oscar Robertson in career scoring milestones, Jordan’s legacy remains a towering presence in the cultural and competitive fabric of the NBA. The league’s 50 Greatest Players list, unveiled in 1996, cemented Jordan’s status as a transformative figure in basketball history.
Beyond basketball, Phelps extended his admiration of Jordan’s greatness by comparing him to other sports icons. When asked to choose between Jordan and Tiger Woods, the 15-time major golf champion, Phelps again selected Jordan. He also dismissed comparisons with tennis legend Serena Williams and NFL superstar Tom Brady, emphasizing Jordan’s unmatched ability to perform under pressure and embody the spirit of competition.
“For me, he was my childhood idol,” Phelps said. “Watching him on and off the court, what he did, how he handled himself — no matter what he went through, when he was on the court, everything was left behind, and he was able to be who he was trying to be… the best version of himself. There were no excuses and, for me, that’s kind of how I modeled my career.”
Jordan’s six NBA championships and his role in popularizing the sport globally have made him a benchmark for greatness. His influence extends beyond the court, shaping how athletes across disciplines approach mental toughness and leadership. Phelps’ comments underscore the cross-sport admiration Jordan commands, highlighting the basketball legend’s unique ability to inspire excellence.
The ongoing GOAT debate has also been fueled by emerging talents like Victor Wembanyama, who recently scored 40 points in a San Antonio Spurs victory, prompting discussions about the future of the NBA’s greatest players. However, Phelps’ remarks reaffirm the enduring reverence for Jordan’s career and legacy.
For more on the NBA’s history and player achievements, visit the official NBA history page. To explore Olympic records and athlete profiles, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee provides comprehensive resources. For insights into athlete performance and sportsmanship, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights – Sports Division offers valuable information. Lastly, the Sports Illustrated coverage delivers in-depth analysis of ongoing sports debates and events.
As the season progresses, the conversation about basketball’s greatest player will undoubtedly continue to evolve, but for Michael Phelps, the answer remains clear: Michael Jordan is the original and enduring GOAT.
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