Michael Jordan speaks candidly on the GOAT debate, super teams, and coaching in new interview
By Ben Arthur
In a recent (and rare) interview with Cigar Aficionado magazine, the legendary Michael Jordan addresses the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ discussion, super teams and the possibility of taking up coaching in the future.
Michael Jordan will grace the cover of Cigar Aficionado, the American magazine dedicated to cigar culture and lifestyle, for it’s 25th anniversary issue set to hit newstands Oct. 31, it was announced Thursday.
The basketball legend and Charlotte Hornets’ owner, long known for his affinity of cigars, spoke on a wide-range of topics with Cigar Aficionado editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken in a rare interview, including Tiger Woods, his love of golf, baseball, and the Jordan Brand.
But Jordan also addressed some of the hottest topics surrounding the NBA today, such as the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ debate and the formation of super teams. He added thoughts on the possibility of taking up coaching in the future, as well:
Who’s the GOAT?
"“I never played against Wilt Chamberlain. I never played against Jerry West. To now say that one’s greater than the other is being a little bit unfair…I won six championships. Bill Russell won 11. Does that make Bill Russell better than me or make me better than him? No, because we played in different eras.”"
Thoughts on super teams?
"“I think it’s going to hurt the overall aspect of the league from a competitive standpoint. You’re going to have one or two teams that are going to be great, and another 28 teams that are going to be garbage. Or they’re going to have a tough time surviving in the business environment.”"
Do you see yourself coaching?
"“No. I have no patience for coaching. My biggest problem from a competitive standpoint is the focus of today’s athlete. For me to ask an individual to focus on the game the way I played would, in some ways, be unfair. And if he didn’t do it, there’s no telling where my emotions would be.”"
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Jordan’s Hornets open their season Wednesday, Oct. 18 on the road against the Detroit Pistons.