Sports
Michael Jordan Named 2 Players as Most Clutch in NBA History
During an interview with Marvin R. Shanken, basketball legend Michael Jordan named the two players he believes are the most clutch in NBA history.
Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever, especially when it comes to delivering in pressure moments. Across his remarkable career, he won countless accolades and produced some of the sport’s most iconic clutch performances. He comfortably features in our own top 10 most clutch players in NBA history, but who does Jordan himself believe deserves that title?
Michael Jordan’s Incredible NBA Career
Across 15 seasons in the NBA, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six National Basketball Association championships. The American played between 1984 and 2003 and became one of the defining figures behind basketball’s global rise in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s.
His personal achievements include five NBA Most Valuable Player awards, a record six NBA Finals MVP awards, and 10 NBA scoring titles. He also holds the NBA record for the highest regular-season scoring average, with 30.1 points per game, and was named to the All-Defensive Team nine times. Jordan is also one of only eight players to complete basketball’s Triple Crown.
Those accomplishments only scratch the surface. Since retiring, Jordan has remained a global icon while preserving one of the strongest legacies in basketball history.
Michael Jordan Rules Out Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson
In 2005, Jordan sat down for an exclusive interview with Marvin R. Shanken, who was then the Editor and Publisher of Cigar Aficionado. During that conversation, Jordan gave his view on the greatest clutch players the game has ever seen.
Jordan told Shanken: “Yeah, I watched him [Oscar Robertson} play. He was an all-around player, but I wouldn’t say he was one of the best shooters. But he was one of the best all-around players, in the same category as Magic Johnson, who could rebound, assist and score.”
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Michael Jordan’s selected career highlights |
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|---|---|
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6× NBA champion |
(1991–1993, 1996–1998) |
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6× NBA Finals MVP |
(1991–1993, 1996–1998) |
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5× NBA Most Valuable Player |
(1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) |
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14× NBA All-Star |
(1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003) |
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3× NBA All-Star Game MVP |
(1988, 1996, 1998) |
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10× All-NBA First Team |
(1987–1993, 1996–1998) |
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1x NBA Rookie of the Year |
(1985) |
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1x NBA All-Rookie First Team |
(1985) |
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10× NBA scoring champion |
(1987–1993, 1996–1998) |
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3× NBA steals leader |
(1988, 1990, 1993) |
Magic Johnson is a name familiar to most, even those who do not closely follow the NBA. He is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time and, like Jordan, owns historic statistical records. Johnson holds the record for average assists per game in both the regular season, with 11.19, and the playoffs, with 12.35.
Oscar Robertson, meanwhile, may be less familiar to casual fans. Nicknamed “The Big O”, Robertson played point guard across a 14-season career and was a key figure in the Milwaukee Bucks’ first NBA title win in the 1970-71 season. Individually, he won one MVP award and, in 1962, became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double across a season. Robertson was also a 12-time All-Star and an 11-time All-NBA Team selection.
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Michael Jordan Opts for Reggie Miller and Jerry West
When asked about clutch players specifically, Jordan struggled to settle on just one name and instead chose two.
“Clutch. He doesn’t have the best form. But Reggie Miller. Or maybe Jerry West; it’s hard picking one.”
Miller became famous for his elite three-point shooting and earned the nickname “Knick Killer” after a series of memorable performances against the New York Knicks. West, meanwhile, delivered one of the most famous shots in NBA history, sinking a 60-foot buzzer-beater to tie Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Knicks.
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Sports
Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd
Ruben Amorim could offer Manuel Ugarte an escape route, as The Mirror claims that the former Manchester United head coach wants the midfielder at his next club, AC Milan.
The Uruguayan international has struggled to make much of an impression since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having dropped down the team pecking order in the past year.
Ugarte’s struggles have been well-documented, and as Man United look to bolster their midfield ranks, he has been put among the players shortlisted for a potential exit this summer.
As they look to recoup much of the £42 million spent on the 25-year-old this summer, Amorim could give the Red Devils a much-needed financial boost.
AC Milan Want Manuel Ugarte
According to the report from The Mirror, Amorim is looking at a potential move for Ugarte this summer, with the hopes of reuniting at AC Milan.
It’s stated that Man United have slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder, as they hope to land a decent fee to move him on three years before the end of his contract.
As it stands, the Rossoneri are currently unwilling to match that demand, but talks are planned so that the two clubs can reach a compromise to get a deal over the line.
There is some hope that a positive World Cup for Ugarte, who is featuring for Uruguay in North America this summer, will help the Red Devils in their case to get a strong fee for him.
It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but any move is likely to free up funds for the club to go back into the market for even better options.
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Man United’s Midfield Refresh
A transfer exit for Ugarte could help get the midfield refresh at Manchester United firmly underway, replacing a wantaway star with some quality.
Ederson’s move from Atalanta is already agreed in a huge boost for the position, while talks are continuing over the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
At least two additions to the central ranks are expected, but an exit for Ugarte for a strong fee could free up funds to add a third midfielder who could make all the difference.
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Manchester United are in the market for midfielders, with a former Manchester City academy player in their sights.
Links have continued for the likes of Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, who may emerge as strong candidates later in the transfer window.
It remains to be seen if that is possible, especially with interest for a new left-back, backup goalkeeper, and a forward of some description before the window closes.
Sports
Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento
Thomas Tuchel has again decided against calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold to England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and his reasons for doing so have emerged.
The Real Madrid defender was excluded from England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in May, with the likes of Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento preferred.
Livramento had to withdraw from England’s squad just days before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia after suffering a calf injury in training.
Tuchel again decided against calling up Trent to replace the Newcastle defender, instead bringing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah into the fold.
Why Tuchel Decided Against Calling Up Trent Alexander-Arnold
Many football fans questioned Tuchel’s decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold when he initially named his squad, and many are baffled they have overlooked him again.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained the two reasons why the Real Madrid defender, considered one of the best right-backs in the world, was not called up.
He said: “There will be a lot of England fans and pundits saying ‘why not Trent Alexander-Arnold?’ – that’s a question Tuchel will be asked.
“It’s my understanding there are two reasons why it wouldn’t be Alexander-Arnold – firstly, we don’t know where he is. Could the England logistics teams get him here in time before the deadline?
“Also, Tuchel has left some big names out of this squad, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden. He didn’t want to bring them if they weren’t going to be guaranteed game time. So the England manager may have had concerns about bringing in a superstar like Alexander-Arnold if he was going to spend time sitting on the bench.”
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World Cup History Quiz
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Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah
Tuchel has now addressed Livramento’s injury and explained why he decided to replace him with Chalobah.
He said: “Tino was of course very disappointed and sad. All of us were. It was a bit of a shock when he had to stop training and he had a feeling that this could be an injury that could cost him the tournament. He was unfortunately right after assessment.
“We got the information that it’s about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad. We took the decision to send him home, which is disappointing.
“We called Trevoh Chalobah, because we can free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides. Djed Spence can play as a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative, which gives us full coverage in the back four.”
England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Sports
After 3 Years, Arsenal Revive Transfer Interest In Ivan Fresneda
Arsenal are set to enter the summer transfer market with some huge potential deals, as reports claim the club are looking to revive interest in a defender they eyed three years ago.
The Gunners are expected to be somewhat busy over the course of the transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking to take his team to the next level after sealing his first Premier League title as head coach.
The priority appears to be in attack, as links to Morgan Rogers have persisted, while there is also interest in PSG star Bradley Barcola for the coming weeks.
There may be some moves in the defence too, depending on outgoings, with reports emerging of a potential deal in the works for a star they’ve shown interest in before.
Arsenal Want Ivan Fresneda Transfer
As Arsenal look at new options to freshen up the squad, Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, claims that the Gunners are eyeing a deal for Sporting CP star Ivan Fresneda.
The North London clubs were linked with the defender back in 2023, as he impressed when breaking through the ranks with Real Valladolid.
While there was interest, he instead made the move to Sporting, where he has made 81 appearances since and has grown into an important player for the side.
The report claims that Arsenal are closely monitoring Fresneda, and while there is a £69 million release clause in his deal, his club are unwilling to negotiate a move this summer.
Joining Arsenal in their interest is Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, as they all eye a potential star of the future at right-back.
It remains to be seen if the Gunners can finally tempt a move for Fresneda, but they should try their luck if they want to progress.
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Arsenal Need Right-Back Cover
Arsenal fans are likely to get more excited by their forward additions rather than any signings in the backline, but a new right-back could be key this summer.
The Gunners found it to be a problem position last season, as injuries to Jurrien Timber and Ben White kept the pair out of action, with Arteta resorting to using Cristhian Mosquera at right-back.
Fresneda, at just 21 years old, could prove to be an ideal candidate to compete for a place in the long-term, while offering plenty of energy and fitness for the role.
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Arsenal’s pursuit of one star in the summer transfer window has been boosted.
He was among the fastest players in the Champions League for last season, showing he can bring his rapid pace to the backline as and when required.
It remains to be seen how much it may take to complete a deal, but it’s one Arsenal should push to get over the line to help bolster out their options.
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