Now that we have gotten the point crystal clear about the dominance of the 80s/90s, it is time to show how players like Jordan would translate into today's game. The fact that Michael Jordan put up the insane numbers that he did (10 scoring titles, 6 finals mvp's, 5 league mvp's), in an era where players went through wars getting the crap kicked out of them with all of the grabbing, holding, wrapping around, etc, is the ultimate testament to his greatness. The very fact that Michael Jordan became the cream of the crop for shooting guards, with his numbers (8 seasons of 30 ppg, 5 w/32+ ppg, shooting 50%+ from the field) further adds to that greatness. These are all testaments to sustained dominance, the likes that we have never seen before, and we may never see for a long time. With all respect to LeBron, I am not talking about a streak of games. I am talking about over the span of an era, and career. Unfortunately, too many new school fans cannot comprehend the idea of a player like Michael being as versatile as he was, and being able to attack the rim against such force during that time. Like many others, I firmly believe that if Jordan were in his prime today, his numbers would be greatly enhanced by today's rules. Not just me, but others such as Phil Jackson, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins, Penny Hardaway, and others. Obviously Phil coached him in that era. Dominique, Drexler, and others played under the rules of that era, and can tell first hand the drastic difference between the game then and now. They obviously understand how the rules impacted perimeter players like themselves. In this article, I will go into further detail to show how the rules would further enhance their numbers as well.
Here, I will give you a timeline of the various rule changes since Jordan's 1998 retirement. Over time, the game was slowly, but rapidly becoming more of a perimeter player's game.
1999-00
- In the backcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders. In the frontcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders except below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may only use his forearm. In the post, neither the offensive player nor the defender is allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position. Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player. Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding "chucking" or "wrapping up" is prohibited.
2000-01
- No contact with either hands or forearms by defenders except in the frontcourt below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may use his forearm only
- Neither the offensive player nor the defender will be allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position.
- Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player.
- Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding "chucking" or "wrapping up" is prohibited.
(I guess the repeat is to further endorse and remind everyone).
2001-02
- A new defensive three-second rule will prohibit a defensive player from remaining in the lane for more than three consecutive seconds without closely guarding an offensive player.
2004-05
- New rules were introduced to curtail hand-checking, clarify blocking fouls and call defensive three seconds to open up the game.
2006-07
- On a clear-path-to-the-basket foul, the team that is fouled is awarded two free throw attempt and the ball on the sideline.
As you can see, as time went on, the NBA was deteriorating the impact of the post players in favor of the perimeter. Ironically, the rules began to shift during the Shaq/Duncan reign (last era of dominant big men). No longer could a player grab, hold, wrap around or check with the hand in the face. Forearms were prohibited. The 2004-2005 season is where things really came to a head, when they clearly wanted to "curtail hand-checking" to call defensive three seconds in favor of this one key purpose "to open up the game". Even though this is pretty explanatory, allow me to break it down even more: When they say to open up the game, it is to give perimeter players more space to score. It is no coincidence that Steve Nash went from a middle of the pack Point Guard, to suddenly a 2-time MVP, while shooting 50% from the field.
Here is Brooklyn Nets Star Joe Johnson on how the rule changes helped him, from an interview in the summer of 2010: "It benefits me," said Johnson, who was one of three Hawks players that season who averaged 20 or more ppg that season. (Mike Bibby & Jamal Crawford were the other two) Johnson continues: "It definitely changes the game because it gives every guy that extra step. If we could hand check now, the game would be totally different. If they could hand check back in the day, there are some guys that would have been even better than they were. It would have been nuts for some of the big-time scorers and perimeter players from the 1980's and 1990's. Can you imagine what Michael Jordan would have done in a league where you couldn't hand check."
That is the smoking gun evidence from a player of this era! Even he testifies about how the rule changes would further benefit not just him, but the top perimeter players from back then. If you won't take his word, I have other accounts.
Here are quotes from players and coaches from that time.
Phil Jackson on Michael Jordan today: "Michael would average 45 with these rules."
Former Bulls Assistant Coach Tex Winter (Architect of "Triangle Offense"): "Players today can get to the basket individually much easier."
Larry Brown: "The college game is much more physical than our game. I always tease Michael Jordan, if he played today, he'd average 50."
Now, time for the players:
From a radio interview with Clyde Drexler:
Question: In the current league where there is no hand checking and no ruff play, how much better would your numbers be?
Clyde Drexler: "Oh, tremendously better, from shooting percentage to points per game everything would be up, and our old teams would score a lot more points, and that is saying something because we could score a lot back then. I do think there should be an asterisk next to some of these scoring leaders, because it is much different trying to score with a forearm in your face. It is harder to score with that resistance. You had to turn your back on guys defending you back in the day with all the hand checking that was going on. For guys who penetrate these days, it's hunting season. Yes, now you can play (floating) zone, (legally), but teams rarely do."
Scottie Pippen in January 2006: "The defensive rules, the hand checking, the ability to make contact on a guy in certain areas...(have) all been taken away from the game. If Kobe could get 81, I think Michael could get 100 points in today's game."
Craig Hodges, another former Jordan teammate, now a Lakers shooting coach:
Question: If you could take one player in their prime, would you take Michael Jordan or Kobe?
Hodges: "M.J., all day. There's no comparison. M.J. could score 100 points in this era. You can't hand-check now. Imagine that trying to guard M.J. It would be crazy."
Dominique Wilkins was also addressed with this subject.
Question: Seeing that you played in one of the greatest eras in NBA history, what has changed the most in the NBA since your days as a player?
Dominique Wilkins: "The power forward position had the license to kick your butt and the game was very physical. I think the physical aspect of the game, some of it has been taken away with the rule changes."
Question 2: Do you think you could take them?
Wilkins: "I don't believe in comparisons, but I look at the era I played in. Like I said, when you have to play against a great player every night, that defines who you are if you can compete on that same level night in and night out. That tells you where your place is in the whole, I would say, history of the game. You put yourself in a very high spot."
Dominique on how he would play today:
Wilkins: "When you can compete on that level against the greatest players every single night, and when you can play just as good or better, that really defines who you are as a player. So if you're asking me what would I have done (today), well, put it this way, if you couldn't touch me (because of the rule changes), instead of averaging 25 or 30 (points), I'd probably average 40."
Scottie Pippen on MJ/Kobe:
Scottie Piippen: "I think you definitely have to give Michael a little bit of a nod in most areas of the game, whether it is passing or shooting. Kobe is truly a great shooter, but he is playing in a different era of the game. It's not as physical. He also has more freedom in going to the basket, which creates a more wide-open scoring opportunity for players like him in today's game. We've never seen the amount of players scoring 30, 40 or 50 points in a game. Ten years ago, if a player scored 50 points in a game, it would be major news all week."
Tim Grover, (who has trained Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe) was asked who would win a 1-on-1 battle with Jordan vs. either Kobe or LeBron:
Grover: "Oh, Michael. No question. From a physical and mental standpoint, he's the best I've ever seen. If he were playing now, with the way the refs call everything, and with all the padding these guys wear, he'd average 40 or 50 a night if he wanted."
NBA.com conducted an interview with Executive Vice President Stu Jackson about the impact of the hand checking rule changes back in 2004-05.
NBA.com: "Since the hand-checking rule was interpreted differently beginning in the 2004-05 season, the game has opened up. Players are penetrating and the floor is spread. As a result, scoring has risen every season. Was this anticipated back in 2004?
Jackson: "No. The scoring increase was not our goal. Our objective was to allow for more offensive freedom by not allowing defenders to hand-, forearm- or body-check ball handlers. By doing so, we encouraged more dribble penetration. As players penetrated more, it produced higher quality shots for the ball handler as well as shots for teammates on passes back out to perimeter. When NBA players get higher quality shots-having more time to shoot-they tend to make more of them."
NBA.com: "Shooting percentages have risen since 2004-05 regardless of location- at-the-rim shots, short-and deep-mid range and 3-pointers. Does this surprise you, especially the higher percentages from 3-point range?"
Jackson: "It doesn't. With the rule and interpretation changes, it has become more difficult for defenders to defend penetration, cover the entire floor on defensive rotations and recover to shooters. This has provided more time for shooters to ready themselves for quality shots. With more dribble penetration, ball handlers are getting more opportunities at the rim. Additionally, teams now realize the 3-point shot is a great competitive equalizer, so they are taking more; they have improved their skill level on threes and are making them at a higher rate."
Finally, it is time to for the man himself, Michael Jordan:
"The history book inspires them to be some of the best", said Jordan. "Rules have changed to help them. I could have averaged 50 points today."
Jordan also says due to the hand checking rule changes, triple digits would be reachable for him in today's game. "It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously." says Jordan. "Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points."
Here is Brooklyn Nets Star Joe Johnson on how the rule changes helped him, from an interview in the summer of 2010: "It benefits me," said Johnson, who was one of three Hawks players that season who averaged 20 or more ppg that season. (Mike Bibby & Jamal Crawford were the other two) Johnson continues: "It definitely changes the game because it gives every guy that extra step. If we could hand check now, the game would be totally different. If they could hand check back in the day, there are some guys that would have been even better than they were. It would have been nuts for some of the big-time scorers and perimeter players from the 1980's and 1990's. Can you imagine what Michael Jordan would have done in a league where you couldn't hand check."
That is the smoking gun evidence from a player of this era! Even he testifies about how the rule changes would further benefit not just him, but the top perimeter players from back then. If you won't take his word, I have other accounts.
Here are quotes from players and coaches from that time.
Phil Jackson on Michael Jordan today: "Michael would average 45 with these rules."
Former Bulls Assistant Coach Tex Winter (Architect of "Triangle Offense"): "Players today can get to the basket individually much easier."
Larry Brown: "The college game is much more physical than our game. I always tease Michael Jordan, if he played today, he'd average 50."
Now, time for the players:
From a radio interview with Clyde Drexler:
Question: In the current league where there is no hand checking and no ruff play, how much better would your numbers be?
Clyde Drexler: "Oh, tremendously better, from shooting percentage to points per game everything would be up, and our old teams would score a lot more points, and that is saying something because we could score a lot back then. I do think there should be an asterisk next to some of these scoring leaders, because it is much different trying to score with a forearm in your face. It is harder to score with that resistance. You had to turn your back on guys defending you back in the day with all the hand checking that was going on. For guys who penetrate these days, it's hunting season. Yes, now you can play (floating) zone, (legally), but teams rarely do."
Scottie Pippen in January 2006: "The defensive rules, the hand checking, the ability to make contact on a guy in certain areas...(have) all been taken away from the game. If Kobe could get 81, I think Michael could get 100 points in today's game."
Craig Hodges, another former Jordan teammate, now a Lakers shooting coach:
Question: If you could take one player in their prime, would you take Michael Jordan or Kobe?
Hodges: "M.J., all day. There's no comparison. M.J. could score 100 points in this era. You can't hand-check now. Imagine that trying to guard M.J. It would be crazy."
Dominique Wilkins was also addressed with this subject.
Question: Seeing that you played in one of the greatest eras in NBA history, what has changed the most in the NBA since your days as a player?
Dominique Wilkins: "The power forward position had the license to kick your butt and the game was very physical. I think the physical aspect of the game, some of it has been taken away with the rule changes."
Question 2: Do you think you could take them?
Wilkins: "I don't believe in comparisons, but I look at the era I played in. Like I said, when you have to play against a great player every night, that defines who you are if you can compete on that same level night in and night out. That tells you where your place is in the whole, I would say, history of the game. You put yourself in a very high spot."
Dominique on how he would play today:
Wilkins: "When you can compete on that level against the greatest players every single night, and when you can play just as good or better, that really defines who you are as a player. So if you're asking me what would I have done (today), well, put it this way, if you couldn't touch me (because of the rule changes), instead of averaging 25 or 30 (points), I'd probably average 40."
Scottie Pippen on MJ/Kobe:
Scottie Piippen: "I think you definitely have to give Michael a little bit of a nod in most areas of the game, whether it is passing or shooting. Kobe is truly a great shooter, but he is playing in a different era of the game. It's not as physical. He also has more freedom in going to the basket, which creates a more wide-open scoring opportunity for players like him in today's game. We've never seen the amount of players scoring 30, 40 or 50 points in a game. Ten years ago, if a player scored 50 points in a game, it would be major news all week."
Tim Grover, (who has trained Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe) was asked who would win a 1-on-1 battle with Jordan vs. either Kobe or LeBron:
Grover: "Oh, Michael. No question. From a physical and mental standpoint, he's the best I've ever seen. If he were playing now, with the way the refs call everything, and with all the padding these guys wear, he'd average 40 or 50 a night if he wanted."
NBA.com conducted an interview with Executive Vice President Stu Jackson about the impact of the hand checking rule changes back in 2004-05.
NBA.com: "Since the hand-checking rule was interpreted differently beginning in the 2004-05 season, the game has opened up. Players are penetrating and the floor is spread. As a result, scoring has risen every season. Was this anticipated back in 2004?
Jackson: "No. The scoring increase was not our goal. Our objective was to allow for more offensive freedom by not allowing defenders to hand-, forearm- or body-check ball handlers. By doing so, we encouraged more dribble penetration. As players penetrated more, it produced higher quality shots for the ball handler as well as shots for teammates on passes back out to perimeter. When NBA players get higher quality shots-having more time to shoot-they tend to make more of them."
NBA.com: "Shooting percentages have risen since 2004-05 regardless of location- at-the-rim shots, short-and deep-mid range and 3-pointers. Does this surprise you, especially the higher percentages from 3-point range?"
Jackson: "It doesn't. With the rule and interpretation changes, it has become more difficult for defenders to defend penetration, cover the entire floor on defensive rotations and recover to shooters. This has provided more time for shooters to ready themselves for quality shots. With more dribble penetration, ball handlers are getting more opportunities at the rim. Additionally, teams now realize the 3-point shot is a great competitive equalizer, so they are taking more; they have improved their skill level on threes and are making them at a higher rate."
Finally, it is time to for the man himself, Michael Jordan:
"The history book inspires them to be some of the best", said Jordan. "Rules have changed to help them. I could have averaged 50 points today."
Jordan also says due to the hand checking rule changes, triple digits would be reachable for him in today's game. "It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously." says Jordan. "Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points."
I decided to test that theory myself in video game form. Recently, I played NBA 2k12, and used Michael Jordan in Create A Legend Mode. During the season, MJ won MVP. (50 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.6 spg, 61% FG, 38% 3pt, 92% FT) This may seem like a game, but for me, it is also a symbol of art imitating life. Not only did MJ break his own scoring record (3,041) from 1987, but he also broke Wilt's 1962 scoring record (4,029). MJ finished with 4,045.
Now, let's take a look at Jordan's 1986-87 season:
Points: 3,041
Points Per Game: 37.1
FG%: 48%
FT%: 85%
Rebounds: 430
RPG: 5.2
Assists: 377
APG: 4.6
Steals: 236
SPG: 2.9
Blocks: 125
BPG: 1.5
Now, here is a more realistic view of what MJ would average in today's game. (61% was a bit of a stretch by the way, no matter how bad today's defense is)
MJ in the Modern NBA:
Points: 4,041
PPG: 50.5
FG%: 50.6% (51%)
FT%: 85%
Rebounds: 525
RPG: 6.5
Assists: 400
APG: 5.5
Steals: 265
SPG: 3.2
Blocks: 150
BPG: 1.9
With that said, I firmly believe that he would score at least 1,000 more points than that season with the modern rules. With his advantage in free throw shooting, he would be able to break Wilt's 1962 scoring record. Naturally, Wilt would have an advantage in shooting percentage from the field, because of his position. Chamberlain shot 50.6% (51%). The other stats are a bit miscellaneous, but I believe that Jordan's field goal percentage would increase because of how much easier it would be for him to score without resistance. If you look at Jordan's other seasons where he shot between 52-54% (88-92), those percentages would increase as well.
Here is a look at the difference in defense:
Jordan vs. Old School Defense:
Michael Jordan had 39 career 50+ point games. 22 of them came against Top 10 Defenses, 13 against Top 5 Defenses.
Here is a career timeline of Jordan's 50 point games:
1. 63 points vs. Boston Celtics (4/20/1986) (Playoff Career-high)
Defensive Rank: #1
2. 50 points vs. New York Knicks (11/1/1986)
Defensive Rank: #20
3. 53 points vs. Portland Trailblazers (1/8/1987)
Defensive Rank: #13
4. 58 points vs. New Jersey Nets (2/6/1987)
Defensive Rank: #18
5. 61 points vs. Detroit Pistons (3/4/1987)
Defensive Rank: #5 (DPOY: Dennis Rodman)
6. 56 points vs. Philadelphia 76ers (3/24/1987)
Defensive Rank: #12
7. 53 points vs. Indiana Pacers (4/12/1987)
Defensive Rank: #8
8. 50 points vs. Milwaukee Bucks (4/13/1987)
Defensive Rank: #4 (DPOY: Sidney Moncrief)
9. 61 points vs. Atlanta Hawks (4/16/1987)
Defensive Rank: #2
10. 52 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (12/17/1987)
Defensive Rank: #11
11. 52 points vs. Portland Trailblazers (2/26/1988)
Defensive Rank: #10
12. 59 points vs. Detroit Pistons (3/3/1988)
Defensive Rank: #2 (DPOY: Dennis Rodman)
13. 50 points vs. Boston Celtics (3/18/1988)
Defensive Rank: #17
14. 50 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4/28/1988)
Defensive Rank: #5
15. 55 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (5/1/1988)
Defensive Rank: #5
16. 52 points vs. Boston Celtics (11/9/1988)
Defensive Rank: #20
17. 52 points vs. Philadelphia 76ers (11/16/1988)
Defensive Rank: #24
18. 52 points vs. Denver Nuggets (11/26/1988)
Defensive Rank: #8
19. 53 points vs. Phoenix Suns (1/21/1989)
Defensive Rank: #5
20. 50 points vs. Milwaukee Bucks (2/16/1989)
Defensive Rank: #6
21. 50 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (5/5/1989)
Defensive Rank: #2
22. 54 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (11/3/1989)
Defensive Rank: #9
23. 52 points vs. Orlando Magic (12/20/1989)
Defensive Rank: #27
24. 69 points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (3/28/1990) (Career-high)
Defensive Rank: #9
25. 51 points vs. Washington Bullets (3/19/1992)
Defensive Rank: #12
26. 50 points vs. Denver Nuggets (3/24/1992)
Defensive Rank: #13 (DPOY: Dikembe Mutombo)
27. 56 points vs. Miami Heat (4/29/1992)
Defensive Rank: #25
28. 54 points vs. LA Lakers (11/20/1992)
Defensive Rank: #17
29. 57 points vs. Washington Bullets (12/23/1992)
Defensive Rank: #25
30. 64 points vs. Orlando Magic (1/16/1993)
Defensive Rank: #11
31. 52 points vs. Charlotte Hornets (3/12/1993)
Defensive Rank: #19
32. 54 points vs. New York Knicks (5/31/1993)
Defensive Rank: #1
33. 55 points vs. Phoenix Suns (6/16/1993)
Defensive Rank: #9
34. 55 points vs. New York Knicks (3/28/1995)
Defensive Rank: #1
35. 53 points vs. Detroit Pistons (3/7/1996)
Defensive Rank: #7
36. 50 points vs. Miami Heat (11/6/1996)
Defensive Rank: #1
37. 51 points vs. New York Knicks (1/21/1997)
Defensive Rank: #2
38. 55 points vs. Washington Bullets (4/30/1997)
Defensive Rank: #13
39. 51 points vs. Charlotte Hornets (12/29/2001)
Defensive Rank: #10
Here is a breakdown of this timeline:
Jordan had 34 games between 50-59 points. (27 during the regular season, 7 in the playoffs)
Jordan scored 60+ points 5 times. (4 during the regular season, 1 playoffs)
The fact that Michael scored a playoff record 63 points against the powerhouse 1986 Celtics, is beyond impressive. Boston not only had the 1st ranked Defense, but they went on to win the Championship that season as well. I am much more impressed with that game, than Kobe scoring 81 points against a bottom feeder Toronto Raptors team. (WORST defense in the league that season)
Jordan also had 4 50+ point games against teams with a Defensive Player of the Year:
61 points vs. Dennis Rodman (Detroit- 3/4/1987)
50 points vs. Sidney Moncrief (Milwaukee- 4/13/1987)
59 points vs. Dennis Rodman (Detroit- 3/3/1988)
50 points vs. Dikembe Mutombo (Denver- 3/24/1992)
Bonus:
Here are the players that won Defensive Player of the Year that Jordan scored 40+ points:
41 points vs. Los Angeles Lakers (11/28/1986)
(D.P.O.Y- Michael Cooper)
41 points vs. Milwaukee Bucks (12/12/1986)
(D.P.O.Y- Sidney Moncrief)
43 points vs. Houston Rockets (1/15/1987)
(D.P.O.Y- Hakeem Olajuwon)
44 points vs. Houston Rockets (3/16/1987)
(D.P.O.Y- Hakeem Olajuwon)
44 points vs. Houston Rockets (12/12/1987)
(D.P.O.Y- Hakeem Olajuwon)
42 points vs. Los Angeles Lakers (12/20/1988)
(D.P.O.Y- Michael Cooper)
46 points vs. Detroit Pistons (1989 ECF- Game 3)
(D.P.O.Y- Dennis Rodman)
44 points vs. San Antonio Spurs (2/3/1990)
(D.P.O.Y- David Robinson)
42 points vs. San Antonio Spurs (1/24/1993)
(D.P.O.Y- David Robinson)
40 points vs. Seattle Supersonics (1/13/1998)
(D.P.O.Y- Gary Payton)
Notice how 6 out of these 10 games came against Big Men (Centers) who won Defensive Player of the Year:
David Robinson ('92)
Hakeem Olajuwon ('93 & '94)
Kobe has had 25 50 point games in his career. Only 7 of them came against Top 10 Defenses.
Out of those games, Kobe has played 20 games with 50-59 points. (19 regular season, 1 playoffs)
Kobe also has 5 60+ point games (5 regular season, 0 playoffs)
Scoring in the Jordan Era (Old School Rules):
1988-89 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 32.5
2. Karl Malone- 29.1
3. Dale Ellis- 27.5
4. Clyde Drexler- 27.2
5. Chris Mullin- 26.5
6. Alex English- 26.5
7. Dominique Wilkins- 26.2
8. Charles Barkley- 25.8
9. Tom Chambers- 25.7
10. Hakeem Olajuwon- 24.8
(Hakeem was the only player under 25 ppg)
1989-90 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 33.6
2. Karl Malone- 31.0
3. Patrick Ewing- 28.6
4. Tom Chambers- 27.2
5. Dominique Wilkins- 26.7
6. Charles Barkley- 25.2
7. Chris Mullin- 25.1
8. Reggie Miller- 24.6
9. Hakeem Olajuwon- 24.3
10. David Robinson 24.3
1990-91 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 31.5
2. Karl Malone- 29.0
3. Bernard King- 28.4
4. Charles Barkley- 27.6
5. Patrick Ewing- 26.6
6. Michael Adams- 26.5
7. Dominique Wilkins- 25.9
8. Chris Mullin- 25.7
9. David Robinson- 25.6
10. Mitch Richmond- 23.9
1991-92 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 30.1
2. Karl Malone- 28.0
3. Chris Mullin- 25.6
4. Clyde Drexler- 25.0
5. Patrick Ewing- 24.0
1992-93 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Michael Jordan- 32.6
2. Dominique Wilkins- 29.9
3. Karl Malone- 27.0
4. Hakeem Olajuwon- 26.1
5. Charles Barkley- 25.6
6. Patrick Ewing- 24.2
1993-94 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. David Robinson- 29.8
2. Shaquille O'Neal- 29.3
3. Hakeem Olajuwon- 27.3
4. Dominique Wilkins- 26.0
5. Karl Malone- 25.2
6. Patrick Ewing- 24.5
1994-95 Points Per Game Leaders:
1. Shaquille O'Neal- 29.3
2. Hakeem Olajuwon- 27.8
3. David Robinson- 27.6
4. Karl Malone- 26.7
5. Jamal Mashburn- 24.1
(The league's scoring was ruled by Big Men when during Jordan's 1st retirement)
1995-96:
1. Michael Jordan- 30.4
2. Hakeem Olajuwon- 26.9
3. Shaquille O'Neal- 26.6
4. Karl Malone- 25.7
5. David Robinson- 25.0
1996-97:
1. Michael Jordan- 29.6
2. Karl Malone- 27.4
3. Glen Rice- 26.8
4. Mitch Richmond- 25.9
5. Latrell Sprewell- 24.2
1997-98:
1. Michael Jordan- 28.7
2. Shaquille O'Neal- 28.3
3. Karl Malone- 27.0
Now, a look at the Modern NBA:
2003-04 Point Per Game Leaders (Pre-Rules Changes):
1. Tracy McGrady- 28.0
2. Peja Stojakovic- 24.2
3. Kevin Garnett- 24.2
4. Kobe Bryant- 24.0
(Anyone notice how low the scoring was during this season? Does anyone also notice where Kobe is on the list? Immediately, the NBA changed the rules to speed up the pace of the scoring, and to open the floor.)
2004-05 Scoring Leaders- (The floodgates opened for perimeter players with the rule changes):
1. Allen Iverson- 30.7
2. Kobe Bryant- 27.6
3. LeBron James- 27.2
4. Dirk Nowitzki- 26.1
5. Amare Stoudemire- 26.0
6. Tracy McGrady- 25.7
7. Gilbert Arenas- 25.5
8. Vince Carter- 24.5
9. Dwyane Wade- 24.1
2005-06:
1. Kobe Bryant- 35.4
2. Allen Iverson- 33.0
3. LeBron James- 31.4
4. Gilbert Arenas- 29.3
5. Dwyane Wade- 27.2
6. Paul Pierce- 26.8
7. Dirk Nowitzki- 26.6
8. Carmelo Anthony- 26.5
9. Michael Redd- 25.4
10. Ray Allen- 25.1
11. Elton Brand- 24.7
12. Vince Carter- 24.2
(This was the same season where Kobe scored the notoriously overrated 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, a below sub-par team. Overall, this was the WORST season for perimeter defense, because of how many players averaged 24.0 ppg or higher. 11 out of those 12 play on the perimeter. Nowitzki is a hybrid PF that plays outside.)
2006-07:
1. Kobe Bryant- 31.7
2. Carmelo Anthony- 28.9
3. Gilbert Arenas- 28.4
4. LeBron James- 27.3
5. Michael Redd- 26.7
6. Ray Allen- 26.4
7. Allen Iverson- 26.3
8. Vince Carter- 25.2
9. Joe Johnson- 25.0
10. Tracy McGrady- 24.6
11. Dirk Nowitzki- 24.6
2007-08:
1. LeBron James- 30.0
2. Kobe Bryant- 28.3
3. Allen Iverson- 26.4
4. Carmelo Anthony- 25.7
5. Amare Stoudemire- 25.2
2008-09:
1. Dwyane Wade- 30.2
2. LeBron James- 28.4
3. Kobe Bryant- 26.8
4. Dirk Nowitzki- 25.9
5. Danny Granger- 25.8
6. Kevin Durant- 25.3
2009-10:
1. Kevin Durant- 30.1
2. LeBron James- 29.7
3. Carmelo Anthony- 28.2
4. Kobe Bryant- 27.0
5. Dwyane Wade- 26.6
2010-11:
1. Kevin Durant- 27.7
2. LeBron James- 26.7
3. Carmelo Anthony- 25.6
4. Dwyane Wade- 25.5
5. Kobe Bryant- 25.3
Just for fun, let's take a look at how some of the other players from Jordan's era would hold their own under today's rules:
Clyde Drexler:
1987-88:
Points: 2,185
Points Per Game: 27.0
FG%: 50.6%
FT%: 81%
Drexler (Modern Era):
Points: 2,500
Points Per Game: 32.0
FG%: 52.6% (53%)
FT%: 83%
Dominique Wilkins:
1987-88:
Points: 2,397
Points Per Game: 30.7
FG%: 46%
FT%: 82%
Wilkins (Modern Era):
Points: 2,700
Points Per Game: 34.7
FG%: 51%
FT%: 84%
(These are mere projections. The Big Men would have a field day under these rules.)
The amount of perimeter players that led in scoring since 2004-05 is alarming! This is the direct example of the extinction of the interior scorers like Shaq, Hakeem, Robinson, and others.
In Conclusion, Michael Jordan will always be the ultimate measuring stick for perimeter players to be measured by. The facts speak for themselves. Players in Jordan's era were still very impressive, in spite of the physical resistance during that time. Michael not only overcame the best perimeter players, but also the best interior players when he got to the basket under very stiff, and intense competition. Michael Jordan reigns supreme in ANY ERA!
Case Closed!
(Special Thanks to Bruce Blitz, Basketball-Reference, and NBA.com)
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