One of the biggest debates in NBA history is the GOAT debate. The argument seems endless, as basketball fans often pit LeBron James against Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant would get thrown into the mix as well.
In a recent interview, basketball legend Robert Parish settled the score once and for all and shared his take on who the NBA GOAT should be.
Why Robert Parish Shuts Down the NBA GOAT Debate
When it comes to the GOAT debate, any player could fit the bill. It all boils down to a person’s preference.
Many argue that Jordan is the GOAT. Some believe it’s James. Others think it’s Bryant. But the list goes on and will never end.
With that in mind, Parish weighed in on the debate and shared his belief that labeling someone the GOAT should never be the case.
Parish explained that there have been a plethora of eras in the NBA. While he acknowledges that each era undoubtedly has its own top player, the legend thinks no player should be deemed the ultimate figure above everyone else.
“Nobody. You can’t say that any player is better than another,” Parish said. “I don’t know how many players have come through the NBA.
“I don’t know what that number is. But I think that is an injustice and it’s criminal, an assessment of everybody else. Because there’s some really, really great ball players that have come through the NBA.”
“You think about that table where the best of the best sits,” Parish continued. “You cannot single out one player that’s better than everybody else sitting at that table, the best of the best.
“They all are the best of the best. I don’t subscribe to that philosophy about the GOAT, the greatest of all time. That’s bulls**t, in my opinion.
“Nobody is better than everybody else that ever played in the NBA,” Parish added. “Now, you might be the best player in your era.
“I agree with that. But the best player to ever walk on the NBA basketball court? That’s blasphemy, in my opinion.”
To Parish’s point, it’s tough to decide who the ultimate GOAT is. If we’re talking about championships, then Bill Russell should be the GOAT above all.
If we factor in stats, Wilt Chamberlain should sit on the throne. If we want to consider a player who reshaped the league, Stephen Curry should also be a perfect candidate.
With all that said, while it’s fun to argue who the best player of all time is, fans should instead be more appreciative of the greatness all players have displayed over the years.
