Michael Jordan was named the greatest NBA player ever on 7 July 2026 after former star Pau Gasol announced his personal ranking, placing Jordan at the top and selecting Nikola Jokic ahead of LeBron James for the best current player.
What did Pau Gasol say?
Gasol, now a Hall of Fame inductee and former NBA analyst, posted a video on his social platforms outlining his all‑time list. He praised Jordan’s six championships, relentless competitiveness, and cultural impact, calling the Chicago Bulls legend “the ultimate winner.”
Why Jokic over LeBron?
When asked to pick the best active player, Gasol chose Jokic, citing the Serbian’s versatility, court vision, and back‑to‑back MVP awards. He argued that Jokic’s skill set reshapes the center position, something he feels LeBron James, despite his longevity, cannot match in today’s pace‑and‑space era.
How does this affect Jordan’s legacy?
Jordan’s legacy already dominates NBA conversations, but a fresh endorsement from a fellow Hall of Famer adds a modern voice to the debate. Gasol’s ranking appears in a wave of veteran opinions that keep Jordan’s name at the forefront of every “greatest ever” discussion, reinforcing his status among newer generations.
What’s the reaction from the basketball community?
Fans and analysts took to Twitter and sports forums instantly. Some praised Gasol for staying true to his view, while others argued that LeBron’s statistical dominance should keep him in the top two. Meanwhile, Jokic’s supporters highlighted his recent 30‑point triple‑double streak as proof of his elite standing.
What’s next for the conversation?
The NBA will likely see more veteran‑driven rankings as the league approaches its 80th anniversary. With the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony and the release of a new documentary on Jordan’s career, Gasol’s comments could spark further media pieces, podcasts, and fan polls that keep the debate alive.
How does this shape future player comparisons?
Gasol’s clear split—Jordan as the all‑time GOAT and Jokic as the current best—sets a template for future comparisons. Young stars will now be measured against both Jordan’s championship pedigree and Jokic’s all‑around game, creating a dual‑benchmark for greatness.
Where can fans see the full interview?
The full video runs on Gasol’s official YouTube channel and was cross‑posted to NBA.com’s “Legends Speak” series. It runs just under three minutes, featuring highlights of Jordan’s career and a quick breakdown of Jokic’s recent performances.
What does this mean for Jordan’s brand?
Jordan’s brand, already a global powerhouse, receives another boost. Merchandise sales often spike after high‑profile endorsements, and a fresh nod from Gasol could translate into increased jersey sales and renewed interest in Jordan‑themed memorabilia.
Final note
While the debate over the greatest will never settle, Gasol’s ranking adds a respected voice to the conversation, confirming that Michael Jordan’s legend remains as powerful as ever in the NBA’s ever‑evolving narrative.