NBA commissioner Adam Silver didn't hesitate when asked to name the basketball GOAT

You might think the current boss of the NBA would be reluctant to pick a favourite when asked who he thinks is the greatest player of all time.

But a recent social media video shows the commissioner of basketball's top league providing an unequivocal response to the often-debated question.

The GOAT debate is one that engages and enrages fans around the globe. Many believe Michael Jordan, who won six championships and five MVP awards with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, should be considered the undisputed basketball king.

While other protest that LeBron James – who at 39 years of age is now in his 22nd NBA season – deserves the nod for his four titles, four MVPs, all-time scoring record and remarkable longevity.

There are claims made also on behalf of Golden State Warriors icon Steph Curry, the greatest shooter of all time and himself a four-time champions and multiple-time MVP.

And fans of an older generation might make the case for six-time MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or 11-time champion and Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell.

Given his status as the league's current supremo, Silver could be forgiven for pleading silence on the issue, for fear of upsetting one of the NBA's current superstars.

He could also have chosen to plump for James, to curry favour with the league's biggest icon, or even named a left-field candidate from the game's deep past rarely considered among the greatest of all time.

But instead, when asked recently by a fan to name his No.1 player of all time, a video shows the commissioner offering an honest, forthright and instant opinion.

"Who is your GOAT?" Silver is asked. "Who is your best player of all time."

And he took no time to contemplate his answer.

"That's Michael Jordan," he instantly replied.

Then, realising the potential for his filmed remarks to upset one of the current stars of the league he oversees, Silver quickly issued a joking follow-up.

"Don't tell LeBron I said that," he says.