When you’re Michael Jordan, picking your ideal starting five in NBA history isn’t just a fun exercise—it’s a statement. In a 2013 interview, MJ was asked to assemble his dream team. And while it’s no surprise he included himself, his selections raised a few eyebrows. Surprisingly, he didn’t include two of the most celebrated players in modern basketball: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
The Ultimate Lineup… According to MJ
Jordan took a thoughtful moment before revealing his picks. “In a pickup game, who would I pick?” he pondered. The answer was a lineup filled with basketball legends: himself, Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Hakeem Olajuwon. With a confident smile, MJ declared, “I got no chance of losing. None at all.” And honestly, who would argue with that?
Let’s break it down:
- Scottie Pippen: MJ’s trusty sidekick during their six championship wins. Their bond on and off the court was unshakable, so it’s no wonder Pippen made the cut.
- Magic Johnson: The man who changed the point guard game. Magic’s leadership and court vision were second to none, making him an obvious choice for MJ’s squad.
- James Worthy: A key piece of the Showtime Lakers’ dynasty, Worthy was an explosive forward, perfect for Jordan’s all-time lineup.
- Hakeem Olajuwon: When it came to center, Jordan went with the versatile Olajuwon, who excelled in five major categories—rebounds, steals, blocks, scoring, and shooting percentage. That kind of well-rounded talent was too good to overlook.
So, What About Kobe and LeBron?
Despite their legendary status, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant were both left off Jordan’s starting five. Some might say this was due to timing—LeBron was still in the process of cementing his legacy, and Kobe, well, he was still playing! But even when asked in a 2019 interview if he still stood by his choices, MJ didn’t hesitate: “In a heartbeat.”
His reason? Simple. “I’m going into trenches. I played against and with all these guys,” Jordan explained. “Every single night the responsibility to represent greatness.”
The Surprise Snub: Steph Curry
Just when you thought MJ’s picks couldn’t surprise you anymore, he was asked about Stephen Curry, a star who had already won three NBA titles by then. Jordan didn’t hold back, playfully pointing out, “Not a Hall of Famer yet, though,” while acknowledging Curry’s greatness with a sly grin.
Missing Faces: Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, and More
Even though Jordan’s choices were deeply personal, based on players he either competed with or against, a few more names could’ve easily made the list. Larry Bird, the Celtics legend, was a glaring omission. His rivalry with MJ in the 1980s and his role on the 1992 Dream Team could’ve earned him a spot. Along with Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and Karl Malone were also left out.
In the end, Jordan’s ultimate starting five is his own personal vision of greatness—one built on experience, relationships, and the pursuit of winning. And while it may not include every name fans would expect, there’s no doubt that MJ’s picks would leave any opponent shaking in their sneakers.
