Steve Nash Picks His Greatest NBA Player of All Time: A Legacy of Excellence
In the ongoing debate about the greatest NBA player of all time (GOAT), opinions from NBA legends often carry significant weight. One such legend, Steve Nash, a two-time MVP and former Phoenix Suns star, recently weighed in on the conversation, revealing his choice for the greatest to ever play the game. Known for his unparalleled basketball IQ, sublime passing, and leadership, Nash’s opinion holds a lot of value in the basketball world.
While names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant often dominate the GOAT conversation, Nash took a slightly different approach. In an interview with The Athletic during the 2025 NBA season, Nash made it clear that his pick for the greatest player of all time was none other than Michael Jordan.
The Case for Michael Jordan
Nash, who faced Jordan during his playing days and later saw the evolution of the game from a front-row seat in coaching and management, argued that Jordan’s combination of dominance, mental toughness, and ability to win in the biggest moments set him apart. For Nash, it’s not just about statistical achievement; it’s about the way Jordan impacted the game and carried his teams to six NBA championships, each of which was punctuated by his leadership and clutch performances.
Nash admitted, “There are a lot of great players, and what LeBron has done in his career is nothing short of phenomenal, but when I think about the essence of the game—dominance, competitive drive, and the ability to perform in high-pressure moments—Jordan has that in a way that no one else does. He was just built differently mentally and physically.”
LeBron James: The Close Contender
While Nash made it clear that Jordan was his GOAT, he was quick to acknowledge LeBron James as a close contender. Nash, who competed against LeBron during his career, has always respected the King’s basketball IQ, versatility, and longevity. He praised LeBron for consistently evolving his game over nearly two decades, leading his teams to multiple championships and breaking numerous records along the way.
“I’ve never seen a player so capable of impacting the game in every way, from scoring to playmaking to defense,” Nash said of James. “His ability to elevate his teams and perform at the highest level into his 30s is something I don’t think we’ll ever see again.”
However, Nash’s admiration for LeBron didn’t sway his choice. According to Nash, the edge still goes to Jordan, particularly due to the latter’s perfect 6-0 Finals record, something no player in NBA history has replicated.
The Evolution of the Game and the GOAT Debate
The debate about the greatest player is undeniably shaped by the era in which players play. Nash, who thrived in the era of the “point guard revolution,” also took a moment to reflect on how the game has evolved since Jordan’s time. He mentioned how the sport has become more team-oriented, with the spread of analytics and three-point shooting becoming a focal point in today’s NBA.
“In Jordan’s day, the game was so different. He did things that you just couldn’t do in the same way back then,” Nash noted. “But LeBron’s ability to adapt to today’s game and make it his own—there’s something special about that as well.”
Yet, Nash couldn’t deny the aura and unmatched competitiveness that defined Jordan’s legacy. He pointed to Jordan’s famous “Flu Game” in the 1997 Finals and his game-winning shot in the 1998 Finals against the Utah Jazz as prime examples of Jordan’s ability to perform under pressure, and why that made him so unique.
Nash’s Perspective on Legacy
While Nash’s pick of Jordan speaks volumes, it’s also a reflection of the way he views his own legacy in the NBA. Like Jordan, Nash has often been lauded for his unselfishness and ability to elevate the play of others. Even though Nash didn’t win an NBA title during his career, his contributions to the game and the way he transformed the point guard position still resonate with players today.
“I think the way the game has evolved now, especially with the rise of high basketball IQ point guards, I’ve seen my influence in today’s game, which I’m proud of,” Nash said with a grin. “But when I think of greatness, there’s no doubt who stands at the top for me. It’s Jordan.”
Conclusion: A GOAT Debate That Will Never End
Steve Nash’s pick of Michael Jordan as the greatest NBA player of all time adds to the already countless opinions and discussions about the GOAT debate. Whether it’s Jordan’s perfect Finals record, LeBron’s all-around game, or the legacy of other legends like Kobe Bryant or Magic Johnson, the conversation will undoubtedly continue.
For now, Nash’s perspective reminds fans of the importance of not just statistics but also the intangible qualities that elevate a player to the status of all-time greatness. In Nash’s view, that player is Michael Jordan—a legend who transcended the game in a way that no one else has. But the debate is far from over, and as long as the NBA exists, new players will continue to add their names to the conversation.
