Patrick Ewing has spoken out in the ongoing debate about the NBA’s greatest of all time, and his pick is clear: Michael Jordan. While acknowledging LeBron James’ greatness, Ewing doesn’t hesitate to call Jordan “an assassin from day one,” emphasizing the mentality that set MJ apart. The Knicks legend praised LeBron’s all-around game but made it clear—when it comes to raw competitive fire, Jordan still reigns supreme. Ewing’s comments spark another round in the GOAT debate—who truly defines greatness in the NBA?

Patrick Ewing Calls Michael Jordan the GOAT, Explains Why He’s Still Ahead of LeBron James

The debate surrounding the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT) is a never-ending topic among fans, analysts, and former players alike. This time, NBA legend and Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing weighed in on the ongoing discussion and made his position clear: Michael Jordan is the GOAT, and no one has done it quite like him.

In a candid interview, Ewing, who spent most of his career with the New York Knicks, was asked the age-old question of who he considers the greatest player of all time. Ewing’s answer was definitive, and he didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts.

Jordan’s Killer Instinct: “An Assassin From Day One”

Ewing made it clear that while he recognizes the greatness of both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, he believes Jordan’s impact on the game stands above the rest. For Ewing, it’s about more than just stats; it’s about the mindset and mentality Jordan brought to the game.

“LeBron is great, but Michael was a killer from day one,” Ewing said. “He was an assassin from day one. I thought that LeBron had to learn how to be an assassin.”

Ewing’s words carry weight, especially when reflecting on the ferocious competitive nature that defined Jordan’s career. For Ewing and many others who played against Jordan during the 1990s, it wasn’t just about his scoring ability or athleticism — it was about the unrelenting will to win. Jordan’s mental toughness, especially during his championship years, set him apart from his contemporaries and placed him in a league of his own.

“If You Ask Me Who I’d Want to Play With…”

Though Ewing firmly believes Jordan is the best, he didn’t shy away from giving LeBron his due. The former Knicks star acknowledged LeBron’s versatility, unselfishness, and ability to facilitate the game.

“He’s great, now… if you ask me who would I wanna play with, I would say LeBron, because I wanna score,” Ewing joked. “LeBron is a lot like Magic. He’s a facilitator. He knows how to get people the ball.”

Ewing’s comments reflect the respect he has for LeBron’s all-around game. While Jordan was known for his scoring ability and relentless drive, LeBron’s strength lies in his vision on the court and his unmatched ability to make teammates better.

Even with LeBron’s exceptional longevity and accolades, including his scoring title over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ewing’s GOAT vote still belongs to No. 23. For Ewing, the ultimate deciding factor comes down to mentality, and when it comes to that, Jordan has set the bar.

Longevity vs. Mentality: Why Jordan Still Reigns

Ewing’s perspective on the GOAT debate echoes a sentiment shared by many of the game’s greats. While LeBron’s career stats are undeniably impressive, Jordan’s mentality was unmatched. Throughout his six championships and numerous clutch moments, Jordan demonstrated that it wasn’t just about physical prowess — it was about winning at all costs, and his drive to succeed in every situation was unparalleled.

While LeBron’s passing ability, longevity, and scoring consistency make him one of the greatest players ever, the mentality that Jordan brought to the table during his prime is what Ewing believes sets him apart. For Ewing, the debate isn’t just about championships, records, or stats — it’s about mentality, and Jordan established that standard.

Respect for LeBron, Loyalty to MJ

As the debate continues to rage on, players like Ewing, Shaquille O’Neal, and Isiah Thomas have continued to place Jordan at the top of the list, even as LeBron’s career continues to break records. For those who faced off against Jordan during his prime, it’s about more than just the numbers. It’s about the attitude, the mentality, and the legacy that Jordan created. In that department, Jordan set the standard that LeBron is still chasing.

For Ewing, the respect for LeBron is there, but his loyalty to Michael Jordan remains unshaken. Jordan was the player who revolutionized the game, and for Ewing, that makes him the GOAT, no matter how impressive LeBron’s accomplishments may be.

Conclusion: The GOAT Debate Continues

As the conversation about the greatest basketball player of all time continues, Patrick Ewing’s comments add fuel to the fire. While LeBron James’ legacy is still being written and his record-breaking career continues to unfold, many like Ewing will always place Jordan at the top of the GOAT discussion. The debate isn’t just about statistics — it’s about mentality, and in that regard, Michael Jordan’s impact on the game remains unmatched.

The GOAT debate will likely continue for years to come, but for players like Patrick Ewing, the answer is clear: Michael Jordan remains the greatest of all time.