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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
Gary Payton is one of the many players who missed out on the NBA title because of Michael Jordan and the Bulls. But unlike others in his position, he’s far from categorical when it comes to defining his GOAT.
The question of the GOAT is still, and always will be, topical in NBA microcosm, and it will doubtless be even more so when a third player can come and measure up to LeBron James and Michael Jordan, the two great rivals. At the start of his career, Victor Wembanyama is showing that he has the potential – he simply needs to string together a string of team and individual titles.
Finally, even without the competition from the Frenchman, the debates are already lively, particularly when the contemporaries of the two legendary n°23s clash their opinions. For those who were active in the 90s, for those who didn’t have the chance to become champions because of MJ and the Bulls, it’s impossible or almost impossible to dethrone him.
Gary Payton destroys the GOAT debate
That’s what makes Gary Payton’s recent opinion rather unique. Appearing on Jeff Teague’s “Club 520” podcast, he was asked about players from different eras, and he made it pretty clear why he refuses to compare eras in the NBA. How can you claim to be the best when you haven’t faced everyone? The Glove sees not just one GOAT, but many.
Today’s leaders have to score, not necessarily pass. These days, everyone wants to have an opinion on everything. That’s why I don’t like to hear about GOAT. For me, it doesn’t exist. The best players didn’t play at the same time. They were all excellent, so people generally base their opinions on statistics.
Yes, one player may have won more than the other, but did they play against each other? No. For example, few players have ever played against Larry Bird. My generation didn’t play against Wilt Chamberlain and the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I don’t choose GOAT personally.
Usually, when players of this generation are interviewed, they point to Michael Jordan’s achievements and make him the undisputed GOAT. But Gary Payton isn’t like all the old-timers. As far as he’s concerned, it’s impossible to decide who’s the best player in history, since the contenders have never faced each other at the top of their game.
