Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green sparked fresh debate in the NBA world by naming LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time over Michael Jordan. During a live stream with influencer Kai Cenat on September 10, 2025, Green shared his views without holding back, pointing to James’s ability to win with less talented teammates as a key reason.
This opinion comes amid ongoing talks about who holds the GOAT title, especially as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. Fans and experts continue to weigh in, but Green’s comments have lit up social media and sports shows.
Green’s Take on the GOAT Debate
Green appeared on Cenat’s Twitch stream, where the conversation turned to basketball legends. He did not hesitate to pick James over Jordan.
In his view, James has shown more skill in carrying teams with average players. Green brought up specific examples from James’s career to back his point.
He also compared the supporting casts each star had during their championship runs. This angle has drawn both praise and criticism from fans.
Green has shared similar thoughts before, but this stream moment went viral quickly. Clips spread across platforms, reaching millions within days.
Why Green Chooses James Over Jordan
Green focused on teammates as a big factor in his choice. He argued that Jordan always had strong help, like Scottie Pippen, while James won with less.
For instance, Green mentioned Matthew Dellavedova, a role player on James’s 2015 Cleveland Cavaliers team. He called Dellavedova’s skills limited but praised James for succeeding anyway.
Green even took a shot at Steve Kerr, his own coach, by comparing Kerr’s role on Jordan’s Bulls to Dellavedova’s with James. He said Kerr was one of Jordan’s weaker teammates but still a solid player.
This reasoning ties into James’s longevity and versatility. Green noted James’s success from 2005 to now, spanning different teams and eras.
Key Achievements of Jordan and James
To understand the debate, it helps to look at their careers side by side. Both have impressive resumes, but fans often compare stats and titles.
Here is a quick comparison of their major accomplishments:
| Category | Michael Jordan | LeBron James |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Championships | 6 | 4 |
| MVP Awards | 5 | 4 |
| Finals MVP | 6 | 4 |
| Scoring Titles | 10 | 1 |
| All-Star Selections | 14 | 20 |
| Career Points | 32,292 | 40,474 (as of 2025) |
These numbers show Jordan’s dominance in scoring and titles, while James leads in longevity and total points. Debates often center on era differences and team support.
Green’s point adds to this by stressing James’s adaptability.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Reactions poured in fast after Green’s stream. Many fans on social media agreed with him, citing James’s playoff runs with underdog teams.
Others defended Jordan, pointing to his perfect Finals record and killer instinct. Some called Green’s take biased due to his rivalry with James on the court.
Sports analysts on shows like ESPN discussed it too. They noted how Green’s Warriors faced James’s teams in multiple Finals, giving him firsthand insight.
One fan post highlighted James’s 2018 Finals performance, where he carried a weak roster against Green’s stacked Warriors. This fueled more online arguments.
Overall, the comments show the debate remains split, with no clear winner.
History of Green’s Opinions on GOAT
Green has weighed in on this topic before. Back in 2022, he ranked James first, Jordan second, and included Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and Shaquille O’Neal in his top five.
In 2023, he praised Curry as the best point guard ever over Magic Johnson. This shows Green’s willingness to challenge traditional views.
His latest comments build on that pattern. As a four-time champion himself, Green’s voice carries weight in NBA circles.
He often ties his picks to real-game experiences, like facing James in high-stakes matchups.
These past statements keep fans engaged and spark new discussions each time.
Impact on Ongoing NBA Talks
Green’s words come at a time when the league is buzzing about the upcoming season. With James still playing at 40 and Jordan’s legacy firm, the debate stays relevant.
It also ties into broader talks about how to measure greatness. Is it rings, stats, or impact on the game?
Young players like Anthony Edwards and veterans like Kevin Durant have shared their takes too, keeping the conversation alive.
As the 2025-26 season starts in October, expect more opinions from stars. This could influence how fans view all-time rankings.
What do you think about Green’s pick? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow NBA fans for more debate.
