Mario Chalmers is a name that is synonymous with the NBA. He spent nearly a decade playing in the league, working closely with some of the biggest superstars in the game. Despite retiring from the NBA in 2019, Chalmers remains a diehard basketball fan and is always keeping a close eye on the league. Recently, he made headlines by revealing his choice for the greatest NBA player of all time, also known as the GOAT.

It’s no secret that the debate for the GOAT title has been ongoing for years. Fans, players, and analysts all have their own opinions on who deserves the title. Some argue for Michael Jordan, who is often considered the greatest of all time due to his six championship rings and numerous accolades. Others make a case for LeBron James, who has dominated the league for over a decade and has an impressive list of accomplishments to his name.

But for Chalmers, his pick for the GOAT is neither Jordan nor James. In a recent interview, he surprised many by revealing that his choice for the greatest player of all time is actually Kobe Bryant.

Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020, was a five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and an 18-time NBA All-Star. He also holds the record for the most points scored in a single game by a player in the modern era, with 81 points. Chalmers had the opportunity to play against Bryant multiple times during his career and was always in awe of his skills and determination on the court.

In the interview, Chalmers explained his reasoning for choosing Bryant as the GOAT. He stated, “For me, the GOAT is not just about statistics and accolades, but also the impact a player has on the game and their team. Kobe Bryant was a true leader and a fierce competitor. He pushed his teammates to be the best they could be and always led by example on the court. His work ethic and dedication to the game were unmatched.”

Chalmers also mentioned that playing against Bryant was always a challenge. He recalled, “Every time I played against Kobe, I knew I had to bring my A-game. He was a master at reading defenses and finding ways to score. It was a privilege to compete against him and I always learned something from him.”

Despite winning two championships with LeBron James as a teammate, Chalmers believes that Bryant’s impact on the game goes beyond just winning titles. He stated, “Kobe’s legacy is not just about his championships, but also the way he inspired a generation of players. He showed that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever step foot on the court.”

Chalmers’ choice for the GOAT may be surprising to some, but it’s clear that his admiration and respect for Bryant run deep. And he’s not alone in his opinion. Many current and former NBA players have also hailed Bryant as the GOAT, including the likes of Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, and Tracy McGrady.

In the end, the debate for the NBA GOAT title will continue to rage on, with no clear answer in sight. But for Mario Chalmers, the late Kobe Bryant will always hold a special place in his heart as the greatest player of all time.