Former COTY names Michael Jordan’s closest match in GOAT debate (Image Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY)

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan and LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James are often the most discussed players in NBA GOAT debates. However, according to 1999 NBA Coach of the Year Mike Dunleavy Sr., Lakers icon Kobe Bryant is the only player who compares to Jordan.

On Tuesday’s episode of FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Dunleavy reflected on facing Jordan during his NBA playing and coaching career. He noted that Jordan’s relentless competitive spirit and work ethic made him second to none.

However, Dunleavy added that Bryant, who modeled his playstyle after Jordan, is the only player who matched the six-time NBA champion’s dedication to his craft.

“Michael’s Michael. I mean, obviously, in my mind, the best player to ever play, and other than Michael and maybe Kobe — as far as competitors and workers, both those guys, I don’t know how they did it,” Dunleavy said.

“5 a.m. in the morning, they were up. They were basically, from a work ethic standpoint, at the top of the list.”

Dunleavy is among numerous current and former players and coaches who favor Bryant over James. Nevertheless, James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, still has the edge in most media and fan all-time player rankings.

Mike Dunleavy Sr. on when he knew Michael Jordan was destined for greatness

During his “Run It Back” appearance, Mike Dunleavy Sr. touched on the first time he knew Michael Jordan was heading for glory. Dunleavy harkened back to his Milwaukee Bucks’ matchup against Jordan’s Bulls during the second and third games of Jordan’s rookie season (1984-85).

The then-rising star tallied 58 points over the two outings. However, according to Dunleavy, Jordan’s game-high 37-point performance during Chicago’s 116-110 home win on Oct. 29, 1984, especially took him aback. Jordan delivered his electric offensive showing against then-reigning back-to-back NBA Defensive Player of the Year Sidney Moncrief.

“Game 3, we go up to Chicago and play there, and I think we’re up like 14 (points) going into the fourth quarter, and Sidney Moncrief, Defensive Player of the Year, is playing against Mike, defending him,” Dunleavy said (Timestamp: 2:03).

“… He starts going to work. He’s putting numbers on Sid. So, now I’m coming off the corner to double-team him. He only goes for 23 (points) in the fourth quarter. … and he had a total of 37 (points). At that point, I knew how good he was.”

Jordan went on to win the 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Across 82 appearances, he averaged 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game, shooting 51.5%. He finished his rookie campaign top six in MVP voting and earned his first of 14 All-Star selections.