RateItAll: The Opinion Network

I would have given Michael top rating except for one thing. The Washington Wizards.

This is obviuos. The best player ever, for now, and no doubt five star. The only problems Michael caused for his team was being to good and getting all of the media. He was the best player on the best team and obviuosly won.

He is best ever no doubt! The one man show!

He is Mister Basketball!

OMG did I just hear this correct too, samjung23 is dumb as hell. The type of players he names as a great shooters, which indeed they are, did not CREATE their own shots. REggie is NOTORIOUS for having to need picks to get free. Most great shooters need that, because you need picks when your dribble isn't good. MJ had a dribble, and moves, and CREATED his own shot. He played against some of the greatest guards ever. He made their stats and achievements diminish. Isaiah (tough and talented as they come), Mitch Richmond (prolific scorer), Gary Payton (greatest on ball defender), Joe D, etc. and furthermore. PHil came at a time when MJ was already scoring 30 a game, so individually he was already great. THE ONLY man i'll entertain coming near him is Hakeem. He is in the top ten in blocks and steals, to me that's ENOUGH said about his impact on the position and the defensive end. BILL RUSSLE can't hold his jock.

Let's look at the players Michael Jordan beat during his career in the NBA that are on the 50 Greatest list: Bird, Magic, Malone, Stockton, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale, Clyde Drexler, Hakeem, Barkley, and Shaq. That's 20% of the entire list. The rest of the list played before MJ. If you include all the hall of famers or future hall of famers Jordan has beat, the list grows tremendously. Nobody is denying Pippen. He is also on the 50 Greatest list. But who made Pippen? Michael. All of Jordan's weaknesses from the first half of his career were gone for the second half. He became a great passer, defender, and an NBA Champion. Six (6) times. MVP 5 times. 2 Gold Medals. Phil Jackson is a great coach. But it is easy to win 9 titles when you have Michael and Scottie for your first 6 and Shaq and Kobe for your other 3. Michael left Chicago, no championships for Phil. Shaq left LA, no championships for Phil. The fact that there is even a debate and that Michael only has a 4.25 rating completely baffles me. Well, I shouldn't say COMPLETELY baffles me. I am sure there are some young guys who think Kobe or Lebron is better. Or some old school guys who think Russel or Magic is better. These opinions are understandable I suppose. But watch some tape of Mike. Youtube him or go on ebay and pick up some old vhs highlight tapes. Lastly, what makes the game so terrible today is that everyone tries to be like Mike and can't measure up. That's not his fault.

Quite possibly the most overrated player of all times! A player that only was really noticeable after Bird, Magic, Kareem, and the rest of the giants had retired. Success came to Jordan in a diluted NBA.

Not much can be added to the comments below. Easily the greatest player of all time.

Scored, played defense, rebounded, and made all those around him better. The ultimate individual talent and the greatest team player.

6 rings or 6 out of 6.....no losses in NBA Finals. The idiots who rate Wilt and Bill Russell on this site above his Airness drank too much Kool-Aid like the Democrats and the left wing nut jobs. All I can say is watch Jordan's cross dribble against Brian Russell of Utah in 1998 NBA Finals and delivers "The Shot" announced by Bob Costas...What an athlete !!! Larry Bird quipped that he was playing against God (Michael Jordan). Last of the greatest group of old school players from 80's with Magic and Bird until NBA turned into tatoo ridden, gangsta spoiled, no-talent players. Jordan and the Bulls could have won 8 straight titles if he didn't retire 94-95 from playing baseball and giving the 2 titles to Houston Rockets. Think about that you idiots who don't think he is number one on this fraudlent list. 72-10 record in 95-96- his first full season back from baseball..... "It's not how you push along the way....it's having something in you to finish...." ....Michael Jordan..... It looks like Brian Russell and the Utah Jazz experienced that on "The Shot"

One of the greatest to ever play the game! No one made it look easier, or more exciting when he left the floor and glided through the air for what looked like forever. Not only a great basketball player, but a great role model for his younger fans. No one has even come close since.

Jordan is the greatest player who ever lived. That's a cliche statement, but the truth is always cliche. I could go on and on about this guy, but I'm not in the mood to write an epic. Opinions may differ on whether or not he's the best player ever, but no one can deny he was incredibly gifted and entertaining.

Michael Jordan is a great basketball player which is why i gave him a 4, but he IS NOT the GREATEST basketball player ever. Without, Phil Jackson there wouldnt be Air Jordan as we know it today.

Case in point: In 1994 when Jordan retired, the Bulls made it to the second round of the Playoffs and lost to the Knicks due to a stupid call from the ref. Their regular season record was (i think) 55-17, just two point less of their mark in 1993 when Jordan was playing with the team. The Bulls is STILL A WINNING TEAM with or without Jordan. This goes on to show that Jordan is not the BIGGEST factor in the Bull's championship run.

In contrast, the Lakers after Magic, IIRC, was eliminated in the first round of the Playoffs even though they still have James Worthy to carry the team. They also LOST 12-15 games more in the regular season. Something similar also happened when Bird quit the Celtics and also when Bill Russell retired. In fact his old Celtic team, after winning 11 rings, didnt even get into the Playoffs the year after he left.

He was a great player, but why is this guy untouchable? Does anyone remember when he yelled at Scottie Pippen when Scottie made the game winning shot instead of passing it to Michael? Or the time when he slapped Steve Kerr during a practice. When the Bulls played the Jazz in the finals, Jordan clearly shoved Brain Russell and made the game winning shot. The ref was right there, but Jordan got the "superstar rule." Do you know why Michael Jordan recently wrote a book and went on the show 60 Minutes, it's because for the first time, Jordan wasn't in the spotlight. He missed the attention, and I'm sick of people acting like he's a god and I'm sick of people acting like he's a choir boy. I know I might get flamed for this, but I think the best NBA player ever was Bill Russell. He was on the greatest dynasty b-ball team ever, he was even a coach, and he dominated the sports world at a time when blacks weren't welcomed.

Michael air jordan is the greatest player of all times , in the past , now and in the future !

Note to all the players trying to be the next Jordan: give up. Be your own best player, and lose the 'tude. There can be only one Jordan. UPDATE: While samjung23's assertion that Lebron will fail is true, I disagree with his assertion that Jordan could not create his own shots. If you can cut and drive like Jordan did on many occasions, then change your shot in midair, that is on the player, not the coach. A good coach will turn a bunch of guys into a team, true enough, but innate talent like Jordan's cannot be made by the coach. Shaped a little maybe. Anyways, I believe the best of all worlds would encorporate Jordan's ability to drive the lane and get that first step, Dan Majerle's perimeter shooting and hustle up and down the court, Charles Barkley's ability to back down on people in the post and get that rebound, Danny Ainge's fearless diving after the loose ball, and consistent high percentage free throw shooting.

Before, I would've given Jordan 5 stars, but I think he's a more a three now. My reasons come as a result of watching Kobe Bryant play under Phil Jackson, and without. It's clear, understanding the Triangle offense and whatnot, that Jackson is the one that created the miraculous shots for Kobe and Michael. If you look at all the Shooting Guards that have come after Jordan and tried to imitate him, they've all failed...miserably. The same will happen to Lebron. The type of shooting guard you want to imitate is Reggie Miller, Jeff Hornacek, Dan Majerle, Joe Dumars and Rip Hamilton, players that truly can shoot and create their shots. Everyone now looks at a high school or college prospect, compares them to Jordan and then grade them as such. That's crazy. Jordan had good coaching, as did Kobe. Good coaching and team management is more important than good talent. It will take smart and super-talented players to make a difference, but good coaching to transform a team into a winner. That's why I think Lebron will not meet his uber-sized expectations, just like many other "next Jordans".

Easily the most dominant player of the nineties. Had incredible natural ability, and a drive to win that is very, very rare. A total package as a player, and the guy I would want taking a shot that my life depended on.

To say Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time is an understatement. He was undoubtly the greatest sportsperson of all time. His statistics may be great however the fact that he pulled so many admirers to his games both home and away is possibly the greatest statistic that proves my opinion. For many seasons (nearly all) the games he played in were sold out. The fact that demonstrating sensational skills and entertainment, is what made about his fame. Saying that many might disagree, however his success really attests to the fact the he must have trained very hard. In Australia the only time we ever got to see the NBA on free TV is when Jordan was playing, alot has changed. I could crap on forever but this will do.

Jordan was the greatest basketball player to ever grace the face of the earth. And contrary to what some people on this site say, he could pass the ball and his ability to make other players better, on top of his obvious scoring abilities, is what makes him the greatest player ever. Also did I mention his Defensive Player of the Year Award. I believe there are players nowadays that have many of the physical abilities that jordan did, such as kobe bryant, but kobe can't lead a team like jordan could. Jordan made Scotty Pippen an amazing player, without jordan he was good at best. No one is currently better then jordan, and no one has ever been as good as jordan. He is the greatest.

Jordan is one heck of a player. 30.1 points per game in his carrer (33.4 in the play-offs). NBA MVP in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998. He could also play defensive. Defensive Player of the Year 1988 and 9-time All Defensive First Team 1988-93 and 1996-98.

i dont want to explain but shooting the ball the most doesnt make you the best basketball player ever, only means you shoot the most. (ball hog)

micheal jordan is the greatest player of alltime(vince carter doesnt even come close)6 championships in 8 years

The best. Someone once said: "Tonight I've seen God playing basketball"

Naming the heirarchy of Basketball's greats is a fine art. And let's face it, most fan-addicts don't know the art. They are ruled by blind impulse, pure sentiment, or dumb computer logic. Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson unquestionably are numbered among the NBA Elite. But Michael Jordan is the Elite of the Elite. He stands above the rest not only for leading the Bulls to six championships, but for the way he led them. He is, by far, the greatest clutch player and competitor in NBA history, if not in all of professional sports. No other player has inspired and instilled a greater passion for the game of basketball, and certainly no player embodies the game better than Michael Jordan. A star of greater stature may yet emerge, but he is presently nowhere to be found.

After Jordan retired, who cares about the NBA?

Great player, BUT NOT THE BEST. Michael Jordan has 6 Championship Rings because Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Reggie Miller is the best player ever.

Egotistical gunner.

Egotistical gunner.

The Greatest NBA Player of All-Time, and will always be.

Would have done 8 in a row if not for baseball. UPDATE: I read back a bit in the comments and am shocked to see that some fools are unconvinced about his Airness. Hello! Reality check: He can pass, he can frustrate you with his defense, and he is the best clutch shooter ever. I suggest a Cat Scan to those who have not thrown down a five.

Wow, come on people. Looking at these ratings anyone giving Jordan (the best player to ever wear sneakers) less than five stars needs to be examined. Like him or not, like the Bulls or not, this basketball player was nothing short of incredable.

To give the most famous athlete of all-time lower than a 5 is just ______.

A great player but he couldn't pass the ball

Mike will always be my goat.

Without question, he is the best ever. Nobody could will a team to victory the way Michael did.

did he no wat a pass was

the 2nd best player of all time

Being a Knick's fan, it wasn't easy seeing Jordan talk crap to Starks, and get under his skin. Let's face it. Nobody could do that like Jordan. Because he WAS better, they knew it, he knew it, everyone KNEW it. My husband was a Jordan fan, and I nearly was too, truly, honestly enjoyed watching this man play, he was miraculous. Would have been cool if Jordan could go back in time, and played Dr. J in his prime.

He's done almost everything possible. How is he not number 1 on this list?

michael jordan is the best of all time cuz he played the game to a whole different level a level that no one could compete with him. he could shoot, awesome handles and his dunks and defense were legendary no one could top him. wit chamberlin is the top on this list well thats a mistake cuz chamberlin couldnt handle bein in the nba when jordan was in n larry bird couldnt even compete with jordan. hes the best there ever was and ever will be

This man WAS basketball for a long time. I grew up watching him, and after he retired, I almost stopped watching the game. He is by far the best to ever play the game of basketball.

Tell him something he can't do and watch him do it. ... MJ was a marketing sensation on and off the court. His game spoke for itself. But what makes him great is that he adapted to team play later in his career. Sure he had the stats, but when he had the ball you never knew what he would do with it.

Greatest of all time! I never rooted for him, but can't deny that he was the best I ever have seen play the game.

Not much of a fan

Best player of all-time hands down!!

I have to be clear. I m rating MJ for his basketball skill, not for his marketing practices or his personal life. He is the best because: 1) He was not only a great scorer, but also a great defensive player 2) He had a personality, he was a leader, he could make a difference (T-Mac is a great scorer, but he does not lead a team to greatness) 3) Now I ll tell you why I like him better than Larry Bird: Larry was great, really fantastic, but MJ's every single move during a game was beautiful. His shooting style was perfect (Larry could bury more shots, but his style was ugly), his balance was perfect, effective AND spectacular!!

He's not the most overrated basketball player ever; he's not the most overrated athlete ever; he's the most overrated human being that ever walked the planet. Anyone who thinks Jordan is the greatest ever has been brainwashed by Nike and ESPN, and there's no point in debating with someone who has been brainwashed. He wasn't even the best player on his team; Pippen was. I know I said I wouldn't debate with brainwashed people, but I just can't resist. This is in response to a PM: Nobody could beat him ever? Only if you pretend basketball started in '91 and ended in '98, and Pippen was really just an average player. If you want research, check out my Pippen post for a start. Also, Jordan is overrated as a defender: Pippen would always guard the other teams best perimeter player (Who shut down Magic in '91? Oh, that's right.), Grant/Rodman guarded the best post player, and Longley/Cartright guarded the centre; so who did that leave for Jordan? No wonder he had so much energy for all those dunks: He didn't have to guard anybody. And how do make all-defensive teams guarding the 4th or 5th best player on the other team? Unless, of course, it elevates your marketability as a player. David Stern knew what he was doing. If you want to know who the real greatest player ever was, check out my Chamberlain post. Who else was better? Magic (better all-around player and team player), Bird (ditto), Russell (rings, better team leader), Dr. J (did everything Jordan did, plus a better shot-blocker, rebounder and dunker), Oscar (triple-double. 'Nuff said), West (Better defender, passer and shooter), Kareem (more dominant, better numbers, just as many rings and one more MVP), Baylor (not as good defensively, but a way better rebounder), Hakeem (didn't have the talent around him that Jordan had in Chicago), and Havlicek (you probably don't even know who he is, since basketball didn't start until '91 and all). Plus all those players (with the exceptions of Hakeem and Pippen) won their titles against tougher competition: the league was watered-down in the 90s. So that puts Jordan at about 13th all-time (and as soon as Garnett wins a championship, he goes ahead of Jordan as well). And if you still have doubts, you might want to do a google on 'confirmation bias'. If Jordan is your favourite player, fine, give him 5 stars. But he's not even close to being the best. As for his influence on the game, just look at the league today, especially guards: selfish players who jack up bad shots and think they're the best players ever. Remind you of anyone? Nice influence. Okay, I think I wrote enough about this phoney. If this doesn't satisfy all you blind Jordon-lovers, I don't know what will.

What he has done for the league and sport surpasses anything done by any other player by a large margin. Bird is great, Magic is great, Jabbar, Dr.J are great, and the list goes on, but Mike is in a league of his own. I want to be like Mike.

Best all time. NO question

He vanquished all opponents who came up against him. He is a an american icon, like apple pie. His constant ability to rise to the apex of athletic greatness when it mattered most will never ever be seen again. He is the greatest by heads and shoulders

greatest, if it weren't for that baseball stunt, he would've won 8 straight

Great, does not even begin to describe what this man did on a basketball court.

How is Michael Jordan not at the top of this list? Are you guys serious? I think Magic and Bird were great, but there is no one at Jordan's level. Not only could you not stop in on offense, but he also was a defensive specialist. 6 NBA Championships. Enough said.

Oddly, it is kind of hard to put how great he was into words. I mean, what can you say? It is like trying to explain how beautiful some place was to somebody who has never seen it. I saw him play a million times, and I don't recall him EVER having a bad game! He could be playing the Bucks or somebody in early November, and just be totally out to destroy their souls. He almost jaded us. He would hit some shot that today would be all over sportscenter, and the commentator ( Albert or whoever)would calmly say, Jordan. That's all you could say. Watch that game 6 play in Utah in super slo-mo, and look at the expression on the Utah fans' faces when Jordan got the rock. They knew what was next and so did the entire damn world. That's MJ in a nutshell. Jesus Christ could not beat Jordan. Anybody who thinks otherwise is bitter or doesn't understand the game.

overrated people? come on. what the hell are you talkin about.

How this guy isnt at no.1 here is a mystery to me-he is quite simply the greatest player ever to play basketball. If you have never seen any of these all time greats then try and get some of their footage on video via internet and although Bird and Magic were great-Jordan is still on another planet from them all. In my opinion he is just behind Muhammad Ali as the greatest sportsman ever to live.

Why is Jordan even on this list? It should be, who's the best besides Jordan. I feel silly even rating him. Duhhhhrrrrr, I don't know who's the best. Well let me see. To explain why Jordan is the best is like explaining why your mother's death makes you sad. It's not even a debateable topic! Be reasonable people! Think about what all these guys ahead of him looked like against him! When you truly can't decide who was better, such and such or Jordan, imagine such and such guarding Jordan, and the decision will be easy! Nuf said ! PERIOD! THINK ABOUT IT , FOLKS! It almost makes me sad..... ..................how quickly we forget! You all know damn good and well who's the best. You are not original by saying he's not, you're retarded. Put it this way, in the words of Larry Bird, Michael Jordan is better at basketball than anybody else is at ANYTHING! Jordan played ball better than Michealangelo painted, better than Hitler killed, better than Carlin made us laugh, better than Pam Anderson makes us horny..............Micheal Jordan is better at basketball than JESUS is at forgiving. Honestly people, get real!

Jordan is no Bird or Magic.

He is the best player to ever grace the NBA!

G.O.A.T. - Greatest Of All Time. By far.

HE'S THE MAN ! ME AND MY SON HE'S 14 NOW HAVE BEEN COLLECTING MICHAEL COLLECTABLES SINCE MY SON WAS VERY YOUNG ! THERE'S OTHER GREAT PLAYERS OUT THERE, BUT MICHAEL'S OUR FAVORITE !!!

The greatest sportsman of all time. I still and always will find it staggering the number of times he produced super-human performances when it really really counted

It's a matter of basically generations. People of my generation remember jordan, the earlier generation remembers bird and magic, the generations before remember chamberlin and robertson, etc. Is Jordan the best ever? Thats debateable ofcourse, is he the best I ever saw? without a doubt. Robertson may have been a better all around player and chamberlin is an unfair comparison cause of his size. The leadership ability sets him apart from many though, his biggest advantage was the multi billion dollar industry sports has become and as a self promoter he is only second to muhhamed ali. But jordan was the most astehi