I wouldn't put Dr. J in the 'best ever' argument. He's top 15, but I can't make an argument to put him any higher. He's not ever the best SF of All-time - the title belongs to the great Larry Bird.
I got Magic in my top 3, but Jordan is number 1.
My criteria for being the GOAT (greatest of All-Time)
1. Dominance on both ends of the floor (defense and offense)
2. Stats and their place in history
3. Accolades (MVPs, Finals MVPs, etc)
4. Rings (in perspective - Robert Horry has 7 rings, but he's not an All-Time great)
5. Intangibles such as impact, legacy, entertainment, clutch ability and leadership
Jordan passes all of these criteria with flying colours.
1. Led the league in scoring a record 10 times. Averages over 30 ppg for his career. Won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Led the league in steals 3 times. He's the best shot blocking guard ever.
2. 3rd All-Time in points, 1st All Time in points per game in both the Playoffs and the regular season. 2nd All-Time in steals. His stretch between 1987 and 1989 is perhaps the best 3 seasons of basketball by an individual player ever.
3. 5 MVPs (2nd All-Time), 6 Finals MVPs (1st All-Time), 14 x All-Star, 10 x All-NBA First team, 9 x All-Defensive First team, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year.
4. 6 rings as the best player on the team in two 3 peats. Beat out legends such as Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton and Magic Johnson. Never lost in the Finals.
5. Arguably the most impact on the game. Has an outstanding legacy. Maybe the most entertaining player in any sport ever. Incredibly clutch. Winner.