𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜: Michael Jordan Declares, “I Was, and Always Will Be, the GOAT of the NBA” — TIME 100 Honoree Sparks Global Debate with Bold Claim of Eternal Greatness

𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙨: Michael Jordan Declares Himself the Undisputed GOAT in TIME 100 Interview, Sparking Global Reaction

In a rare and electrifying interview published alongside his induction into the TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports list, UNC legend and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan made waves across the basketball world by publicly affirming what fans have debated for decades.

“I was, and always will be, the GOAT of the NBA,” Jordan stated with calm conviction in a sit-down interview conducted at his private estate in Jupiter, Florida. “I’m incredibly grateful and proud to be considered one of the greatest—but let’s be honest. I changed the game. I set the standard. That’s not ego. That’s history.”

The quote, delivered with signature Jordan confidence, exploded across social media within minutes. Within hours, #MJGOAT was trending globally, igniting a storm of debate among players, analysts, and fans. While Jordan has often deflected direct comparisons with players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in the past, this marked the first time he publicly claimed the mantle of “Greatest of All Time” without hesitation or deflection.

TIME’s editors framed the quote as “the crown resting firmly on the head of the man who built the empire,” in a feature written by legendary coach Phil Jackson, who described Jordan as “not just the most dominant player of his era—but the most transformative force basketball has ever seen.”

Jordan’s claim was not made lightly. The piece recounted his long-standing résumé:

6× NBA Champion

6× NBA Finals MVP

5× NBA MVP

10 scoring titles

14× All-Star selections

1985 Rookie of the Year

And of course, the unforgettable “Flu Game,” the “Shot” over Ehlo, and the 1998 “Last Dance” dagger over Bryon Russell.

Beyond the hardwood, Jordan’s business acumen has fortified his legacy. His Air Jordan brand remains a multibillion-dollar cultural force. His 2023 sale of majority ownership in the Charlotte Hornets netted over $2 billion, and his continued philanthropic efforts through the Jordan Impact Fund have reshaped communities across the country.

Still, the timing of the quote raised eyebrows. With LeBron James still active and climbing statistical leaderboards, and younger stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić ascending, some viewed the declaration as Jordan reasserting his dominance amid growing generational shifts in fan loyalty.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith weighed in:
“Michael Jordan is reminding the world that stats alone don’t make greatness—impact does. And MJ’s impact is untouchable. Period.”

LeBron James, when asked for comment at a Lakers training session, offered a diplomatic nod. “He’s earned the right to say whatever he wants,” James said. “I’m doing me. He’s MJ. Respect.”

Fans across North Carolina celebrated the moment, with the UNC Bell Tower lit up in red and white and “GOAT23” projected across the Dean E. Smith Center. The university announced plans to unveil a bronze statue of Jordan in front of the arena in early 2026.

Jordan, in classic form, left the interview with one final nod to his enduring mindset:
“This was never about proving anything. It’s about living up to who I knew I could be. The GOAT? I didn’t chase it. I became it.”

Let me know if you’d like this turned into a mock ESPN feature, a magazine-style profile, or social media-style threads.