The ongoing debate over who deserves the NBA’s “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) title has captivated basketball enthusiasts for decades. Is it Michael Jordan, the 6x NBA champion and cultural icon? Or is it LeBron James, the statistical powerhouse with longevity and versatility? However, now a Golden State Warriors legend has given his view on this debate, and it seems like the King’s army is not happy with it.

On the latest episode of The Mark Jackson Show, Tim Hardaway said, “Michael Jordan is the GOAT no question. I mean, you know, he’s been there 6 times and refused to lose 6 times. When he put his mind to play defense, he went out there and played defense. He don’t take no days off… He went out there, he played for the fans, and he gave a damn about playing 82 games too. He didn’t take off. Load management? Hahaha. Michael said, ‘I’m gon bust your a-s in practice and then I’m gon go out there and bust your a-s in the game.”

The 5x All-Star didn’t intend to disrespect LeBron, but he has no doubts about his GOAT. “So no disrespect to LeBron and out-of-sight, out-of-mind Kobe Bryant. To me, 1 and 1A, 1 is Michael Jordan, 1A is Kobe, point blank. That’s the way I see it,” he added.

Michael Jordan’s resume is unparalleled in its dominance. Six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, and ten scoring titles headline his career. His iconic competitiveness, epitomized by his 6-0 record in the Finals, has made him the gold standard for greatness. Upon this, if we talk about his durability, over the 15 seasons that the Chicago Bulls legend played, he was a part of 1072 games and suited up for all 82 games in a season eight times. There were two seasons where he played 80 and 81 games as well.

On the other hand, if we look at James, he’s a 4x NBA champion, 4x Finals MVP, and the league’s all-time leading scorer. But over these 21 seasons, the King has played all 82 games only once. He has played 75+ games numerous times but that just shows how difficult it is to play each and every game in a season.

Moreover, Hardaway’s take isn’t without any knowledge. A 5x All-Star and member of the iconic “Run TMC” trio in Golden State, Hardaway was known for his lightning-quick crossover and offensive prowess. In 13 seasons for 5 teams, including the Heat and Warriors he averaged 17.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 867 regular-season games. As someone who competed against Jordan and witnessed his dominance firsthand, Hardaway’s perspective carries significant weight. But as is often the case, many fans are not happy with his take.

Fans are not happy with Tim Hardaway’s take

The basketball world is burning, and Tim Hardaway just threw a match into the gasoline. In a podcast that has become more explosive than a Russell Westbrook fast break, the Warriors legend dropped a take so scorching that social media has transformed into a battlefield of basketball loyalties. One MJ fan shared the clip on X, writing, “Cant say the same about that fraud Lebron whos lost 6 times while having superteams, plays no defense and load manages against good teams.” This sparked further outrage from James’ fans.

One follower directly wrote, “Lebron is the GOAT,” whereas another fan wrote, “No disrespect to you Tim, but Bron better than MJ.” James is often regarded as an all-rounder basketball player. With his IQ he can dominate in the paint, shoot from range, and create his own shots under pressure while and can also play in positions like point guard, shooting guard, power forward, and center other than his own role.

His career stat line of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game proves this and fans were quick to point this out. “Lebron can guard all 5 positions tho?” wrote one fan.

Moreover, Jordan’s two-year hiatus from basketball in 1993 and another one in 1999 for three years, during which he pursued a career in baseball and took time away from the NBA, has sparked debates among fans questioning his status as the GOAT. “Didnt Mj take 3 whole years off?” wrote a follower. This also helped Jordan rest up and be ready for the next season.

However, while everyone was busy targeting Hardaway for his stance, there were few followers who were on the same page with the Warriors legend. “Tim telling the truth,” wrote a fan, whereas another one said, “Agree with Tim Hardaway.” In the end, whether you agree with Hardaway or not, one thing is certain – the GOAT debate will continue to captivate basketball fans for years to come.