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.
