Recently, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar changed his mind about who should be considered the Greatest Point Guard of All Time (GOAT PG), which caused a stir among basketball fans. Initially rooting for Oscar Robertson, Abdul-Jabbar has now switched his support to his former teammate, Magic Johnson.
The debate surrounding the GOAT PG has been heated lately, particularly with Stephen Curry’s remarkable 2022 championship win, forcing fans and experts to reconsider the standings.
Abdul-Jabbar’s initial choice, Oscar Robertson, was regarded as a somewhat controversial pick, given Robertson has lesser team success when compared to legends like Curry and Johnson.
“I picked Oscar Robertson,” Abdul Jabbar said. “I should’ve said Magic Johnson should get the priority. Because I played with him, we won 5 world championships together. And he’s my best teammate ever. I can’t put anybody else in front of him.”
The great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar picks Magic Johnson as the 🐐 PG pic.twitter.com/7oJiaoUNZD
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) September 16, 2023
In a sincere apology, Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged his history and achievements with Johnson, highlighting the partnership that helped them win five world championships.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Jhonson played together for a decade and won 5 championships together
The shift in Abdul-Jabbar’s stance brings the spotlight back on Johnson’s incredible career, which has kept him in the top ranks of the basketball world for a long time. His career averages of 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a staggering 11.2 assists per game, coupled with a shooting average of 52.0% and his four assist titles, make a strong case for him being the GOAT PG.
This sentiment is echoed strongly among many in the basketball community, including former player and NBA announcer Eddie Johnson, who once stated.
“He’s the greatest point guard to ever walk the face of this earth. He averaged 11 assists for his career. He’s the top. Nobody has done that. Finals, 9/12 season, and in two of those seasons he was injured. With the injuries he already had and the HIV, this man was a born winner… What Magic has done to the league and his he changed this league, give that man his due.”
“Magic is humble, though. He doesn’t get caught up in all of this”.
🏀 @Jumpshot8 settles the Magic Johnson vs. Steph Curry point guard debate once and for all #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/7YZjedydJr
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 24, 2023
Magic Johnson’s list of accolades, which includes three MVP awards, three Finals MVP titles, and five NBA championships, is evidence of his significant impact on the game.
This new approval by Abdul-Jabbar reaffirms Johnson’s formidable place in basketball history, potentially igniting fresh debates and discussions surrounding the illustrious title of GOAT PG.
