For many years the debate of who's the GOAT has been a hot topic. Who's the Best. It's a question we must answer. People formed different options over the years about. New talent comes and people wondering if they'll be the next GOAT. For me it's MJ for 3 reasons.
His Awards. NBA Most Valuable Player 1998, 1996, 1992, ... NBA Defensive Player of the Year 1988 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player 1998, 1997, 1996, ... NBA All-Defensive Team 1998, 1997, 1996, ... All-NBA Team 1998, 1997, 1996, ... Best NBA Player ESPY Award 1999, 1998, 1997, ... NBA Rookie of the Year 1985 NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award 1998, 1996, 1988 NBA All-Rookie Team 1985 Presidential Medal of Freedom 2016 Best Comeback Athlete ESPY Award 1996 John R. Wooden Award 1984 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year 1991 Best Male Athlete ESPY Award 1993 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year 1984 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year 1993, 1992, 1991 Oscar Robertson Trophy 1984 Milliyet Sports Award for World Athlete of the Year 2002, 1994 Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year 1984 Adolph Rupp Trophy 1984 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year 1984 Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Male Athlete 2002, 1999, 1998, ... Dramatic Individual Performance of the Year ESPY Award 1998 NCAA Division I Player of the Year 1984 That's different.
The Culture he made. The GOAT in my opinion is more about the legacy you left behind. How you shaped the culture. I'm wearing Jordans right now. He's made multi billion dollar power Nike what it is today. Space Jam is a all time great movie. There are 40 Air Jordans in existences today. It's just different. The commercials, jobs, and the DREAM team. Best team ever! Now today you never see big NBA players do the dunk contest but MJ put on a show and dunked it from the Free throw line!
His talent and his skill. He could jump! He was a genius too. He made the right pass when he needed too and could soar over people. There is a reason he won the dunk contest. Everyone who played was huffing and puffing by the end the game even by the time he retired. That's just some reasons. What do you think?