“Michael Jordan Can Never Be the NBA GOAT Due To…” – Gilbert Arenas and Crew React to Stephon Marbury’s Comments on the GOAT Debate
The debate over who truly deserves the title of the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) in the NBA has raged for decades. Michael Jordan, often hailed as the undisputed GOAT, has faced increasing competition from modern basketball stars like LeBron James. Recently, this debate was reignited when former NBA star Stephon Marbury made a controversial statement claiming that Michael Jordan can “never be the NBA GOAT.” His remarks have drawn significant attention, including reactions from former players like Gilbert Arenas and his crew.
Stephon Marbury, a two-time NBA All-Star and basketball icon overseas, stirred up controversy with his comments. Marbury, known for his unfiltered takes, challenged the idea that Michael Jordan should hold the GOAT title. He cited the changing nature of basketball, the evolution of the game, and Jordan’s dominance in a specific era as reasons why Jordan should not automatically be considered the greatest. Marbury’s remarks have echoed some of the sentiments shared by modern basketball fans who feel that LeBron James or other contemporary players deserve equal or greater consideration.
“Jordan is amazing, don’t get me wrong,” Marbury said. “But people act like he’s untouchable, like there’s no debate. The game has changed so much since then, and you’ve got guys like LeBron who are doing things that Jordan never did. Can we really say MJ is the GOAT when the game’s evolved so much?”
Marbury’s take, however, didn’t stop with Jordan vs. LeBron. He also brought up the notion that players from different eras are almost impossible to compare, making the GOAT debate more nuanced than most people assume.
Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star known for his outspoken views, wasted no time reacting to Marbury’s comments on his podcast, “No Chill with Gilbert Arenas.” Joined by his crew, Arenas broke down Marbury’s points and offered his own perspective on the GOAT debate, especially as it relates to Michael Jordan.
Arenas began by acknowledging that the GOAT conversation is often subjective, shaped by the era in which fans grew up. “People from the ‘90s are going to ride with Jordan, no question,” Arenas said. “But Stephon has a point—basketball isn’t the same now as it was back then. Jordan played in an era where isolation ball was huge, and defenders could get away with a lot more physicality. But today’s game? It’s faster, more skilled, and the three-point shot has become a game-changer.”
Arenas’ crew echoed this sentiment, with some even agreeing that it’s hard to crown any single player as the GOAT without considering the evolution of the sport. Co-host Josiah Johnson added, “It’s almost like comparing apples to oranges. Jordan’s dominance in his era can’t be denied, but when you look at what LeBron’s done over such a long period, it makes you question whether Jordan is untouchable.”
Arenas himself is often vocal about the importance of longevity and versatility, two areas where LeBron James has set new standards. While he didn’t entirely dismiss Jordan’s GOAT status, Arenas pointed out that the game today demands a wider skill set than the one Jordan dominated in the 1980s and 1990s.
The key point in Arenas and his crew’s reaction revolves around how much the game of basketball has evolved since Jordan’s prime. In Jordan’s era, the mid-range jumper, physical defense, and isolation plays were the bread and butter of championship teams. Players like Jordan and Kobe Bryant thrived in this environment, mastering the art of creating shots and defending one-on-one.
However, in today’s NBA, the three-point shot has transformed the game. Players are now judged on their ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball, and contribute across multiple statistical categories. LeBron James, with his unprecedented combination of scoring, playmaking, and durability, has arguably mastered the modern NBA game in a way that even Jordan never had to.
Arenas and his co-hosts pointed out that while Jordan was dominant in his era, the question of whether he would be as dominant in today’s more perimeter-oriented game is a valid one. “If MJ came into today’s game, where shooting from range is king, would he still dominate in the same way? It’s a fair question to ask,” Arenas said. “Look at Steph Curry. He’s changed the game by making the three-point line a weapon like no one else. That wasn’t a thing in MJ’s era.”
A major aspect of the debate that Arenas and his crew highlighted is the concept of legacy versus longevity. Michael Jordan’s legacy is nearly untouchable—six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and an aura of invincibility that few athletes have ever matched. Jordan’s peak was so dominant that it’s often considered the gold standard for greatness.
On the other hand, LeBron James has redefined what longevity looks like in professional sports. LeBron’s ability to maintain peak physical condition and compete at an elite level for over 20 years is something Jordan never had to do. While Jordan’s prime was brief but spectacular, LeBron has been competing at a high level well into his late 30s, smashing records and continuing to chase championships.
“LeBron’s durability is insane,” Arenas said. “The guy’s been in the league since 2003 and he’s still putting up MVP numbers. MJ took breaks, stepped away from the game, but LeBron? He’s been grinding non-stop.”
As Arenas and his crew wrapped up their discussion, they acknowledged that the GOAT debate might never have a definitive answer. Jordan’s dominance, LeBron’s longevity, Kobe Bryant’s unmatched work ethic, and now Steph Curry’s revolutionary impact on the game—each of these players has contributed something unique to basketball history.
“At the end of the day, the GOAT conversation is about more than just stats or championships. It’s about what these guys did for the game,” Arenas concluded. “Jordan inspired a generation, LeBron is setting records that might never be broken, and Steph Curry is literally changing how the game is played. Each of them could be the GOAT, depending on how you look at it.”
In the end, the question remains: Can Michael Jordan still be the undisputed NBA GOAT, or has the game evolved past the point where one player’s dominance in a particular era can define their legacy? With voices like Marbury and Arenas weighing in, the debate is far from over—and it’s likely to continue for many years to come.