Avery Johnson Argues Michael Jordan Is The Clear-Cut GOAT: "Everybody Else Is A Distant Second..."

Former NBA point guard Avery Johnson became the latest to chime in on the NBA GOAT debate. In an appearance on The Mark Jackson Show, Johnson explained why, in his view, the gap between Jordan and every other superstar is so wide.

“We can really peel back all of the numbers," said Johnson. "You can even go with the eye test, but everybody else is a distant second behind Mike. And there's no disrespect to it.”

The GOAT discussion will never reach a consensus and the NBA community seems more split than ever between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. But even as James prepares to suit up for a record 22nd season, not everyone is convinced that he's even close to matching Jordan's legacy .

For every Johnson and others, the proof is in the numbers. Over 15 years in the NBA, Michael Jordan dominated in every area of the court and won many accolades as a result. His career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 49.7% shooting are unmatched in league history, and his status as a 6x champion, 5x MVP, and 10x scoring leader makes him among the most accomplished athletes in the world.

While LeBron James has an impressive resume himself, it doesn't quite stack up to Jordan's. Despite having more time in the league, LeBron still falls behind the Bulls legend in several key categories, including championships, MVPs, and All-Defensive selections. In the Finals, LeBron is just 4-6 in the NBA Finals while Michael led his Bulls to a perfect 6-0 record during his peak.

If the numbers aren't enough, the eye test also makes a strong case for Jordan. LeBron surely has him beat with his size and playmaking abilities but Jordan could not be stopped on the court and his ruthless attack on the rim and seamless mastery of the mid-range had defenders completely helpless.

Michael had no weakness to his game and, unlike LeBron James, played with a certain level of aggression and passion that had his opponents on their heels. By the time that No. 23 retired for the final time in 2003, he was widely considered the NBA's GOAT, and many experts today insist that he still holds that title.

Unfortunately for LeBron James, there's nothing more that he can do to convince the Jordan loyalists but it hasn't stopped him from claiming the "greatest of all time" title for himself. With a 20-year career and amazing longevity, James certainly has a better case than most for surpassing Michael and he firmly believes that he's already done it.

At 39 years old now, James is running out of time to solidify his place at the top of NBA history and he may never get there if the Lakers don't make some kind of run before he steps away for good.

Whatever happens, there will always be a crowd who sees Michael Jordan as the pinnacle of basketball performance and it's possible that we may never see another player reach his level of mastery at the craft. As a point guard through the '90s and early 2000s, Avery Johnson is one of those who saw Jordan's greatness first-hand and it left such a strong impression on him that no other player can hope to compare to the Bulls legend.

Related: LeBron James Wanted To Overshadow Michael Jordan Early In His NBA Career

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