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Rick Pitino gives take on NBA GOAT debate, names most underrated star

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh06/14/25griffin_mcveigh
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Feb 25, 2024; New York, New York, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino walks off the court after defeating the Creighton Bluejays 80-66 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Even for those who want no part of the NBA GOAT debate, they cannot stay away. St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino is no different, as he got into the conversation on social media Saturday afternoon. Multiple takes came from Pitino, the second of which declared a legend one of the more underrated stars of all time.

First up, Pitino is going with Michael Jordan as his greatest NBA player. Many will say LeBron James is the correct answer, and other names are thrown in as well. But Pitino knows who he would enjoy coaching against the least, selecting Jordan.

Pitino then gave a shoutout to Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird. He called Bird one of the top four players in the NBA’s history and believes nobody is more underrated than Larry Legend.

“So many times I’m asked who’s the GOAT,” Pitnio said via X. “I try and stay away from that, but I will say if it’s one game or one series, who’s the one player I don’t want to plan against, then the answer becomes easy -MJ! Also many will be surprised at this, but the most underrated star of all time is Larry Bird. Rebounds, passes, and scores inside and outside and so damn smart. Top 4 of all time.”

Pitino did coach against both guys when he spent time in the NBA. Both as an assistant of the New York Knicks and then as the head coach in 1987. Bird was in the tail-end of his career while Jordan was just a couple of years away from getting his championship dominance going.

Playoff matchups even occurred against each of them — against Boston in 1988 and Chicago in 1989. Bird and Jordan got the better of Pitino’s Knicks to advance. Jordan averaged an incredible 35.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in the 1989 Eastern Conference semifinals. Bird’s first-round performance the previous year was almost as good, going for 28.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists over four games.

Going back to the GOAT debate, Pitino never did have the opportunity to match up vs. James. The last time he was in the NBA was in 2001, just a few seasons before James was in the league. Pitino spent the rest of his time in the college ranks, mainly with Louisville. But going head-to-head against Jordan on multiple occasions, including a playoff series, the answer appears easy for Pitino.