"No one was ever better than him" - Larry Bird already labeled Michael Jordan as the GOAT after his first retirement

When considering Michael Jordan's GOAT candidature, it is indisputable that his second stint with the Chicago Bulls was equally important as his first. Safe to say, had His Airness not returned to the league in 1994, his resume would not have been as impressive, making him the undisputed greatest player ever. However, Larry Bird's opinion was different on this matter. When the Bulls shooting guard abruptly retired from the NBA to pursue a career in baseball, the Boston Celtics legend already crowned him the best ever.

Larry Bird's bold proclamation when MJ retired in 1993

While there were rumors of envy from players like Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas as Jordan stormed into the league and stole all the business and media limelight, Larry Legend was always at the forefront of appreciating the New York native's prowess. Be it comparing Jordan with God after his playoff massacre, the duo's relationship during their time on the Dream Team only got stronger.

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So, when Mike decided to abruptly call an end to his career after the tragic loss of his father and pursue a career in baseball, the three-time MVP was obviously saddened by the development. But when they asked about his views of Jordan's retirement, Larry Legend made a bold proclamation.

"I am very sad to hear the news," Bird said in 1993. "No one was ever better than him."

Had MJ done enough to be the GOAT in his first nine years?

In his initial nine years in the NBA, Jordan's stardom might have reached newer heights, but his success with the Bulls had just commenced. By the time of his first retirement call in 1993, Air Jordan was already a three-time NBA Champ, three-time regular-season MVP, three-time Finals MVP, two-time Slam Dunk Champion, nine-time All-Star, All-Star Game MVP, seven-time All-NBA First Team selectee, seven-time scoring champ, and six-time All-defensive First team selectee.

On the other hand, from a statistical point of view, in his first nine years, he averaged 32.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.7 steals, playing in 80 or more games in seven campaigns.

It is safe to say that while his accomplishments at this point had already surpassed those many considered among the greatest players in NBA history, it is noteworthy that even this remarkable resume did not fully justify the extent of Michael Jeffrey Jordan's one-sided dominance in the association.

Related: When Larry Bird threatened to retire if Michael Jordan scored 77 points