The NBA holds the bragging rights for having the best basketball players in the world. When one talks about the best players to ever play in the NBA, one simply cannot ignore Michael Jordan.

MJ and the Chicago Bulls dominated the league throughout the 90s, winning 6 NBA titles with a super team. Although many might argue whether Jordan is the greatest to ever play in the NBA or not, he is definitely in the top 3 players of all time.

However, that’s not the case with Gary Payton. The former NBA player once famously excluded Michael Jordan when asked about his top 3 players to ever play in the league.

Gary Payton ignores Michael Jordan from the top 3

The Chicago Bulls are dubbed to be one of the greatest sporting teams of all time. And it is for a good reason. The team consisted of stars like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. 

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While many might call Jordan the GOAT, his nemesis Gary Payton feels otherwise. Talking in an interview, Payton was asked about his top 3 players of all time.

Payton controversially did not mention Michael Jordan much to the amazement of the other panelists. When asked about his top 3, Payton said, “ My top 3? I’mma go with Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and Bill Russell.” He also gave the reasoning as to why he left MJ out of the equation. Payton said, ” I like old-school dudes.”

Interestingly enough, Gary Payton had a huge beef with Michael Jordan during their playing days.

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Payton and Jordan’s rivalry

The two players faced each other during the 1996 NBA title. Although the Bulls went on to win another NBA title, safe to say Payton gave Jordan a lot of trouble.

When the then Seattle SuperSonics met the Chicago Bulls in the regular season, ‘The Glove’ held Jordan to only 22 points. Moreover, when the two teams met again in the NBA finals, Jordan struggled again.

He averaged 23.7 points and shot only 36% from the field in the first three games in the finals. This goes on to show Payton’s defensive prowess.

The two have faced each other 21 times and Jordan has the upper hand with 14 wins. Jordan averages 29.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. On the other hand, Payton averages 16.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.

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