Who is the greatest basketball player of all time? A debate that splits the NBA every single time it comes up, typically comes down to two names: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. So who does the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo pick?
The 30-year-old, one of the most dominant players in the modern NBA, took part in a fan Q&A on social media platform X.com, formerly known as Twitter, where the question was inevitably put to him.
Interestingly, he chose a very conservative response and avoided casting a conclusive opinion on the matter, simply considering both the Los Angeles Laker and the Chicago Bulls‘ legend to be the GOAT.
However, he added an ominous warning of what might be to come in the future by cryptically teasing “for now”, suggesting there is talent in the pipeline that might eclipse even those two.
While this answer sidesteps the rivalry between two fiercely loyal fanbases, it aligns with a growing number of current players who acknowledge both legends or their eras, rather than fuelling the comparison.
Antetokounmpo‘s career continues to shine in its own right. He finished the 2025/25 NBA season in Wisconsin by averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, with an efficient 60.1% shooting from the field.
However, the Bucks once again exited the playoffs in the first round. And a third straight early elimination that has raised questions about the team’s future and Antetokounmpo‘s long-term commitment to Milwaukee, who he won the title with in 2020/21.
Anthony Edwards offers bold alternative in GOAT Conversation
While Giannis avoided choosing between Jordan and James, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star, Anthony Edwards, took a drastically different route by picking neither of them.
The 23-year-old rising talent has already made three consecutive All-Star appearances and is currently leading his team into the Western Conference Finals, and when asked about the GOAT debate, Edwards surprised many by choosing a less conventional name: Kevin Durant.
“My GOAT… this is going to sound crazy,” Edwards told ESPN. “But Kevin Durant.
“I’ve always just been a fan, watching him play as a kid. He’s the first seven-footer I’ve seen putting the ball on the floor… I’ve always been a big fan.”
Durant is a two-time NBA champion and is one of the league’s most gifted scorers, an era-defining talent in his own right, but seldom appears in the LeBron vs Jordan conversation.
However, like Giannis’ approach, Edwards’ decision suggests there is a new way of analyzing the GOAT debate, based on Edwards‘ choice highlights the personal nature through emotion and inspiration, compared to stats and accolades.
Polls suggest Jordan is a slender pick for the GOAT. A study from The Athletic polled 133 NBA players and Jordan led with 45.9% of the vote, while LeBron James closely followed with 42.1%. The late Kobe Bryant received 9.8%.
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