Iman Shumpert Explains Why Jordan Is His GOAT, But LeBron Is the Greatest

Former NBA guard Iman Shumpert, who won a championship alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, says the GOAT debate isn’t black-and-white. On The Dan Patrick Show, he praised LeBron as the “greatest player of all time” — yet still gives Michael Jordan the crown.

Shumpert described LeBron as the most complete player basketball has ever seen: “He has the physical makeup that nobody else might ever get. I’ve never seen a basketball mind meet up with such a dominant physical form before LeBron James.”

But when asked who his GOAT is, Shumpert leaned on legacy and winning: “Jordan took a couple years off and still got the records first. I’m ranking more on winning and how I felt having a player like that on my favorite team.”

For Shumpert, it’s also personal — he grew up in Illinois, surrounded by Jordan jerseys.

Still, he emphasized there’s no hate in his take: “I’ve told LeBron this many times. It’s a great conversation, and I’m proud I got to be part of it.”

In Shumpert’s eyes, LeBron redefined greatness — but Jordan will forever be the GOAT.

Iman Shumpert says there is NOTHING Lebron can do to Surpass Michael Jordan as the GOAT 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/BEAkgcwbrn

— TheTruth (@Thetruth8240) June 19, 2025