Mario Chalmers, who won two NBA championships alongside LeBron James with the Miami Heat, has made his pick in the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate.
During an appearance on Above The Rim With DH 12 podcast, Chalmers named Michael Jordan as his GOAT over James. He pointed to the fear Jordan instilled in opponents, something he believes was different from LeBron’s impact on the court.
“Look, I played 10 years in the league. I was on two teams. I played against 450 different players over that time. And when you talk to people—guys I played with, guys who played before me—they all say the same thing,” Chalmers said, via HoopsHype.
He elaborated on how Jordan’s reputation influenced his peers. “With Jordan? It was fear. They called him ‘Black Jesus.’ They called him ‘Black Cat.’ There was a different stigma that came with playing against MJ. That’s just not the same with Bron.”
Chalmers made it clear that he respects James’ all-around ability but still sides with Jordan when it comes to big moments. “Now, don’t get it twisted—Bron’s the best overall player you could want as a superstar. Physically gifted, can do everything on the court. But my GOAT? The guy I’d want to live and die with in a big moment? That’s Jordan. That’s just me.”
His comments add to the ongoing debate between Jordan and James, a discussion that has divided players, analysts, and fans for years. Chalmers previously made headlines in 2023 when he stated that no one feared playing against LeBron, a take that sparked significant debate in the basketball community.
In his conversation with Dwight Howard, Chalmers also spoke about the difference in personalities between Jordan and James. He noted that LeBron seeks approval in a way Jordan never did.
“I think the biggest thing with Bron is—he doesn’t want to not be liked. You know what I’m saying? Like, I don’t care if you dislike me, but I don’t want you to not like me. Bron is a good person at heart. He wants to be loved. He lets people into his family. He lets y’all see his everyday routine,” Chalmers said.
He contrasted that with Jordan and Kobe Bryant, both known for their relentless approach. “Jordan? He wasn’t doing that. He didn’t care. Kobe? Definitely wasn’t doing that.”
James, now 40, continues to add to his legacy in his 22nd NBA season. He is averaging 25 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, keeping the Los Angeles Lakers in contention in the Western Conference.
Despite the constant comparisons, both Jordan and James have cemented their places in basketball history. Jordan, a six-time champion and five-time MVP, dominated the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls. James, a four-time champion and four-time MVP, has rewritten record books with his longevity and versatility.
Chalmers’ perspective, coming from someone who played with LeBron during his prime, adds another layer to the debate. Whether his comments influence the discussion remains to be seen, but the GOAT conversation continues to spark heated opinions in the NBA world.
