NBA veteran Nick Anderson has entered the GOAT debate with a definitive stance—and he’s speaking from firsthand experience.
In a recent interview with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Anderson didn’t hesitate when asked about where he stands between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
“I don’t think it complicates things… Michael Jordan in my opinion is the BEST player that I ever faced,” Anderson said.
Anderson’s opinion carries weight not just because of his era, but because of who he faced at the peak of their powers.
As the first draft pick in Orlando Magic history, Anderson carved out a key role in the 1990s, sharing the court with stars like Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Penny Hardaway.
In 1995, his Magic squad became one of the few teams to knock Jordan out of the playoffs, a feat that remains a historical footnote in MJ’s otherwise dominant postseason career.
Anderson emphasized that you had to be there to truly grasp Jordan’s impact.
The 14-year NBA veteran also took time to reflect on his former teammate, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, calling him a player “ahead of his time.”
Anderson praised Penny’s size, skillset, and versatility during an era that didn’t yet know how to define a 6-foot-7 playmaker.
“You look at Penny Hardaway at 6’7 or 6’8 and can pass the ball, can score, rebound, and be a great defender,” he said.
According to Anderson, if not for injuries, Hardaway’s legacy would likely mirror the praise now reserved for modern-day superstars.
As today’s NBA celebrates positionless basketball, Anderson noted that Penny was doing it decades ago—long before it became mainstream.
