Um…. Larry Bird Celtics. But yes, IMHO, Michael Jordan is the undisputed greatest of all time. What truly set him apart was his will to win…. Along with unmatched talent and drive. Such people are truly remarkable.
You have to realize, at one point in NBA history, it was a dueling rivalry between the Magic/Kareem Lakers and the Bird/McHale Celtics as to whom would win the championship.
Then, for 2 years the Thomas/Rodman/Laimbeer Pistons were on top.
Jordan had to get past the Celtics, then the Pistons, to get to glory.
Put Bird on those Laker teams or Magic on those Celtic teams and there would have been no point in holding the playoffs. Everyone would know who was going to win.