My latest reports on the world of sports. Welcome to Vaughn's World Sports Network. Here, you will receive nothing but pure, absolute, unbiased facts and opinions on the world of sports. I was inspired to create this, because of my undying passion for sports, and love of history. For those who desire a healthy combination of history with modern facts, this is the place for you. Follow me on Twitter: @301kingvaughnjr
With the NBA Finals behind us, I would like to present my All-Time Starting Lineup. Recently, CBS Sports also released their list of the 50 Greatest Players of all-time. In order for this team to be where they need to be, these players need to be the best versions of themselves. I will have mine coming soon, but for now, here are my Starting Five:
The Quintessential Point Guard. Magic Johnson is the standard that all Point Guards are measured by. At 6'9", Magic was a walking mismatch with his size, athleticism, and ball-handling skills to drive to the hoop or dish out a no-look pass. Magic opened up the world of scoring opportunities for his teammates. His IQ was at Genius Level. If you need someone to control the pace and tempo of the game, Magic is the Point Guard and Leader that you need.
Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan
Seasons: 15
Championships: 6
Finals MVPs: 6
MVPs: 5
All-Star Appearances: 14
All-Star MVPs: 3
Defensive Player of the Year: 1
All-NBA 1st Team: 10
All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
All-Defensive 1st Team: 9
All-Rookie Team: 1985
Rookie of the Year: 1985
NBA Scoring Titles: 10
Who else would you choose as your Starting Two Guard? The Greatest Basketball Player that the world has ever seen. Michael Jordan's main assignments would be his greatest strengths: Scoring and Defending. That is the scariest thing to think about considering who he is surrounded by. This team needs players that can change the pace of the game, and Michael can do that in the blink of an eye.
If you are looking to build the Prototype for the Ultimate Basketball Player, LeBron James would make a Great Template to start from. LeBron is lethal as a double threat on both ends of the floor. If you need someone to put on an onslaught from a Scoring standpoint, he can do that. If you need a pivotal playmaker, he can do that as well. If you need someone who can be a threat defensively, you have that as well. This team would have a very interesting dynamic with LeBron at Small Forward considering you have Magic Johnson, the Greatest Point Guard of all-time feeding you the ball along with Michael Jordan, the Most Dominant Scorer of all-time at the Two Guard. LeBron is also a Once in a Generation Player like everyone else in this Starting Lineup so he will make his presence known along with his teammates. When you consider his body of work and his consistency, LeBron James has officially taken Larry Bird's crown as the Greatest Small Forward Ever.
Power Forward: Tim Duncan
Seasons: 19
Championships: 5
Finals MVPs: 3
MVPs: 2
All-Star Appearances:
All-Star MVPs: 1
All-NBA 1st Teams: 10
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 3
All-NBA 3rd Teams: 2
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 8
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 7
NBA All-Rookie Team (1998)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
The Big Fundamental. The Quintessential Power Forward of his Era and All-Time. Tim Duncan modeled Basketball Technique at its finest. Duncan would bring great chemistry in a lineup with personalities larger than life. Tim would create great spacing in the Front Court as well as a Great Dynamic with the Greatest Center of All-Time. Duncan was not known for being flashy, but he was highly effective and efficient. He was a great weapon on both the Offensive and Defensive ends of the court.
If you wanted to build the Perfect Center in a Lab, this is how he would turn out. When talking about the Greatest Centers of All-Time, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a perfect storm. He is the ultimate combination of Offensive Dominance, Solid Defense, Championships, Great Individual Stats, and Achievements. Jabbar had the Greatest Offensive Weapon (Skyhook), he retired as the All-Time Leader in Blocks, he is STILL the All-Time Scoring Leader (38,387) and has the MOST MVP Awards (6). When you have that Deadly Combination in the Paint, that is the Ultimate exclamation point that anyone would want on their team. While there is a wide variety of Great Centers that you could choose from, Kareem has everything that I would want for my All-Time Starting Team.
There are always events or situations in history where we look back and wonder "What Could have been?". Whether it was a great team that could not win a championship ('90s Orlando Magic), or a great match that never happened (ex: Shawn Michaels vs The Rock). There are also dream matchups that never manifest (Hogan vs Flair at WrestleMania VIII, Austin vs. Hogan at WM X8). In this case, I would like to look at what would have been the ultimate dream series (pun intended) between the two best players of their respective era. In this case, I would like to examine what could have been the premiere Finals series between Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and Hakeem Olajuwon's Houston Rockets. If only Mike did not put the Basketball down to pickup the Baseball bat. We would have the best Finals series of that decade in my view.
People always like to run with this idea that the Chicago Bulls would have won eight straight championships if Michael never left for baseball. First and foremost, Michael Jordan is the greatest player to ever pick up a basketball. He is to Basketball what Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin are to Wrestling and what Jerry Rice is to Football. I just wanted to clear that point. However, I would like to take a quick flashback to the year 1984. There was a young man from the University of Houston by way of Lagos, Nigeria who was drafted two spots ahead of Michael as the 1st Overall Draft pick. His name was Akeem Olajuwon (later Hakeem). MJ was incredible in North Carolina, but Dream was very close in his own way as he carried the U of H on his back. For the record, I knew nothing about the University of Houston until I found out that Hakeem Olajuwon played there. Plain and simple, this man put that school on the map. Hakeem was not some nameless scrub player. He did not have to carry the regret of being the player that his team passed over Michael Jordan to draft (Sam Bowie). The Dream had a remarkable career in his own right.
In fact, I would like to fast forward to 1986. That season, Jordan was injured for most of that season. As we all know, Michael torched the 1986 Celtics Empire for a Playoff Record 63 points. Unfortunately, the Bulls were swept in that series. Meanwhile, Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to the NBA Finals against that same Boston Celtics team led by NBA MVP Larry Bird. Boston would capture their 16th Title in that series. Remember, the Dream led his team to the Finals five years before Jordan would conquer Magic Johnson's Lakers for his first championship. What makes this fantasy series even more special is that Olajuwon was THE Dominant Center of his Era/Generation in a time where you had at least four other Hall of Fame (future Hall of Fame) Centers in their prime or entering their prime. You name the player, Hakeem has given him a lesson at some point. Out of that era, he was the most versatile. He had the quickness and handles that wing players envied, along with a presence that traditional pivotmen were not able to match.
Whenever this topic is brought up, everybody wants to put an asterisk next to Houston's two championships as if they meant nothing. At least Hakeem stepped to the plate to become a champion, instead of becoming another ringless statistic like Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley or Karl Malone. None of them took advantage of that window of opportunity, and their legacies have suffered because of that. It is hard to argue against Michael going undefeated in the Finals (6-for-6). On his path to the Championship, Jordan went through some giants such as the Celtics led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons as well as Magic's Showtime Lakers.
Jordan's first three-peat was his most statistically dominating run as the Bulls defeated the Lakers, Blazers and Suns (his numbers speak for themselves). However, there is one common denominator in each series. None of those teams had a dominant Center like Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston. The Dream would give Chicago matchup nightmares in the Finals. Chicago's defense would be faced with threats that they never had to face in the first or second three-peat. Kareem was retired by the time the Bulls played the Lakers. Hakeem's post moves and footwork would have Bill Cartwright and Horace Grant pretty much dumbfounded. The Sonics and Jazz did not have Centers that created major threats either. Next to Michael Jordan, I would say that Hakeem was the 2nd best player of the 90's. These two titans dominated in what is considered by many to be the "Golden Era" as it was a time where every team across the league seemed to be loaded with Hall of Fame talent.
On one hand, I won't say that the Bulls would have had a run of eight straight championships. The Rockets have proven that they can give Chicago matchup issues in the regular season. On the other hand, I will not say that Houston would have won two straight over Chicago. You could go with either season, and Houston would have walked away with at least one trophy. The Rockets are the one team that has a career winning record against Michael Jordan. From 91-93, Jordan went 1-4 against the Rockets.
Figuring out a defensive scheme against Olajuwon would have been much harder than creating a defensive scheme against Karl Malone or Charles Barkley.
Just like Jordan in 1988, Hakeem won both MVP and DPOY during the 1994 Season. However, Dream won Finals MVP in that same season where he picked up the other two awards. That 1994 team defeated Chicago's rival New York Knicks in seven games during their first championship run. New York was led by Hakeem's rival Patrick Ewing. For the 1995 campaign, Houston managed to win their second title as a 6th seed with under 50 wins (47-35). They were called "Road Warriors" for a reason as they never had home court advantage during their playoff run. Along the way, Houston defeated the No. 3 seed Utah Jazz (60-22), No. 2 seed Phoenix Suns (59-23) and the No. 1 seed San Antonio Spurs (62-20). Those teams featured very decorated players: Karl Malone and John Stockton (both 1st Team All-NBA), Charles Barkley (2nd Team All-NBA) and David Robinson (1st Team All-NBA, MVP). In the finals, they would squash a young Orlando Magic Team (57-25) led by Shaquille O'Neal (2nd Team All-NBA, Scoring Champion) and Penny Hardaway (1st Team All-NBA). Houston conquered the top teams and stars of the league during that two-year window. During the second run, the second biggest factor next to Hakeem was Clyde Drexler.
Clyde was acquired by The Rockets during a trade midway through the 1995 Season as the Blazers traded him in exchange for Otis Thorpe. Despite the rough start, Drexler was able to play a key role in Houston's second title chase. Clyde was looking to redeem his image after Michael Jordan demoralized him in the 1992 NBA Finals. If Houston plays Chicago, Drexler would be looking to seek revenge. Drexler's legacy was revived once he reunited with his former College Teammate Hakeem Olajuwon. Clyde needed Hakeem more than Hakeem needed Clyde. Drexler's window was closing to win a championship as he was in the twilight of his prime.
If I had to lean to any one of those Rockets teams to defeat Chicago, I might lean towards the 1995 Team slightly. Michael Jordan was the main player who demanded double teams, because of the damage that he can do on the offense. Scottie Pippen did a great job in Michael's absence, but he only averaged 16.7 ppg while Jordan was gone. That would not fly when you are trying to establish yourself as a leader away from His Airness. Scottie was not a player who screamed "Double Team". Meanwhile, Olajuwon and Drexler each demanded double teams as they could create problems in their own way.
As for the series outcome, Houston wins in a 7-game series as Olajuwon wins Finals MVP. It would have been great to see this happen. All we can do is fantasize about what could have been.
Congratulations to Kobe Bryant for reaching his personal (very personal) milestone of passing Michael Jordan in Career Points. His longevity and hard work have paid off. However, something has to really be said about this. As always, it is my assignment to dig deeper into details when someone reaches an achievement at a volume rate. I don't just focus on the similarities, because that is way too easy. Instead, I focus on the entire body of work and production. So, in this case I will dissect Kobe's numbers and see how they weigh.
Here is the tale of the tape:
Regular Season:
Seasons:
Kobe Bryant: 19
Michael Jordan: 15
Games Played:
Kobe Bryant: 1,270
Michael Jordan: 1,072
Career Points:
Kobe Bryant: 32,331
Michael Jordan: 32,292
Career Scoring Average:
Kobe Bryant: 25.5
Michael Jordan: 30.1
Field Goal Percentage:
Kobe Bryant: 45%
Michael Jordan: 49.7% (50)
3-Point Percentage:
Kobe Bryant: 33.3%
Michael Jordan: 32.7%
Free Throw Percentage:
Kobe Bryant: 83.7%
Michael Jordan: 83.5%
Player Efficiency Rating:
Kobe Bryant: 23.36
Michael Jordan: 27.91
30 Point Per Game Seasons:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 8
Seasons with 32+ PPG:
Kobe Bryant: 1
Michael Jordan: 5
Career-High Scoring Average:
Kobe Bryant: 35.6
Michael Jordan: 37.1
Seasons shooting 50% or higher:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 6
Seasons shooting 47% or higher:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 10
Seasons shooting under 47%:
Kobe Bryant: 19
Michael Jordan: 5
Seasons shooting under 50%:
Kobe Bryant: 19
Michael Jordan: 7
Career Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 173.3
Michael Jordan: 214.0
Career Offensive Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 123.61
Michael Jordan: 149.88
Seasons leading the League in PER:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 7
As you can clearly see, Kobe had to play 19 seasons and 200 more games to surpass what Michael did in 15 seasons (including breaks). Kobe had to play four more seasons than Jordan. FOUR MORE SEASONS!!! At the time that this happened, Kobe played in 1,268 games, while Jordan played in 1,072. That is a lot of time and a lot of ground to make up in basketball. I commend his longevity, but this shows that Michael was a more efficient scorer who took better quality shots. Sure, Michael has had his fair share of missed shots, but he has balanced things in his favor with the seasons where he has shot 50% or higher. Kobe has NEVER had a season shooting 50% from the floor. Michael produced points at a more efficient rate. Michael flat out produced better quality numbers across the board. The only exceptions are total points, free throws and three pointers. Based on the metrics, Michael carried the most weight for his team and was the biggest factor in their success. Earlier in the season, Kobe also surpassed John Havlicek for career missed shots which doesn't help his case either.
Awards:
Rookie of the Year:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 1
All-Rookie 1st Team:
Kobe Bryant: No
Michael Jordan: Yes
All-NBA 1st Teams:
Kobe Bryant: 11
Michael Jordan: 10
All-Defensive 1st Teams:
Kobe Bryant: 9
Michael Jordan: 9
Scoring Titles:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 10
MVP Awards:
Kobe Bryant: 1
Michael Jordan: 5
Seasons leading in steals:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 3
*Bonus Awards:
Olympic Gold Medals:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 2
All-Star Game MVP's:
Kobe Bryant: 4
Michael Jordan: 3
Kobe may have edged him out as far as All-NBA 1st Teams, but Michael collected more hardware. Michael was clearly the More Valuable Player of his Era, as he earned the Award 5 times. You can make the case for him having at least 7 or maybe 8, but 5 is still great anyway. Yet, Kobe only managed to earn 1. Out of his illustrious Hall of Fame Career, he only received 1 MVP. One can make the case that he could have had at least another had it not been for controversy (another story). However, you really cannot compare a player with 1 MVP to a player with 5 no matter how similar their games are. There is no debate whatsoever for that. Jordan was the Toast of the Basketball World. As I have covered before, Jordan proved that he was a better quality scorer. His 10 Scoring Titles are perfect evidence of that. You definitely cannot compare their scoring when one player has 8 more scoring titles than the other. There have been people who want to bring up Shaq as the reason why Kobe did not score more. You're right. Shaq was the reason, because he was the more DOMINANT player. If Kobe was more dominant earlier in his career, his numbers would have proven that. However, he was not as consistent as his counterpart. Meanwhile, Michael was the most Dominant and Consistent Playmaker on his team.
Now, this is where the gap becomes even wider, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is time to break down their performances in the Playoffs.
Playoffs (Career):
Kobe Bryant: 25.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.8% FG, 81.6% FT
Michael Jordan: 33.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.7 apg, 48.7% FG, 82.8% FT
Player Efficiency Rating:
Kobe Bryant: 22.4
Michael Jordan: 28.6
Career Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 28.3
Michael Jordan: 39.8
Offensive Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 21.0
Michael Jordan: 27.3
Defensive Win Shares:
Kobe Bryant: 7.3
Michael Jordan: 12.4
Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes:
Kobe Bryant: .157
Michael Jordan: .255
NBA Playoff runs over 50% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 5
Playoff runs over 48% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 1
Michael Jordan: 7
Playoff runs under 50% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 15 (entire career)
Michael Jordan: 7
Playoff runs under 48% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 14
Michael Jordan: 6
Playoff runs under 46% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 11
Michael Jordan: 3
Playoff runs under 44% shooting:
Kobe Bryant: 7
Michael Jordan: 2
Playoff runs over 30 ppg:
Kobe Bryant: 4
Michael Jordan: 12
Playoff runs over 32 ppg:
Kobe Bryant: 2
Michael Jordan: 8
Playoff runs over 34 ppg:
Kobe Bryant: 0
Michael Jordan: 7
Jordan's 33.4 ppg in the Playoffs is a Record in NBA Playoff History. Michael Jordan became an even more powerful machine once the postseason was underway. He delivered against some of the most elite competition the game has ever produced.
Now, time for the Biggest Stage of them all (The NBA Finals).
Finals Appearances:
Kobe Bryant: 7
Michael Jordan: 6
Finals MVP's:
Kobe Bryant: 2 in 7 appearances
Michael Jordan: 6 in 6 appearances
This is the major and most deciding factor when comparing Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, because this is about how you perform in the NBA Finals. It is not enough for them to be close in championships (Jordan-6, Kobe-2), because that is a very lazy argument. A true student of the game dives deeper to see how well they played on the largest stage of Basketball. Jordan was the Most Valuable Player in the Finals EVERY Season that he led the Bulls there. On the other hand, Kobe was the Most Valuable Player in the Finals twice. Michael was the best option in the Finals each year, because he rose his game above everyone else on the court. Kobe only received the award twice out of seven appearances. Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal was Finals MVP THREE Times. Not acceptable and not comparable whatsoever. Michael produced better numbers and results on the game's largest stage. Chicago turned their opponents pretty much upside down. The Lakers did too in the three peat years, but after that they were not as much of a threat as previously. For the most part, Jordan's Bulls went against more stacked teams in the Finals (Lakers, Blazers, Suns, to name a few).
More often than not, Michael Jordan's level of play in the Finals was above those around him. In the process, Jordan also caused the game of others like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant to be elevated in the process. It was clear cut for everyone to see. His results speak for themselves. Michael's series in 1991 was a statement to prove that he could do more than just score. Ever since, no other players in Finals history have averaged 10 apg or higher. While Kobe's numbers in the Finals were great, they simply cannot compare. The only time that he averaged at least 30 ppg or higher in the Finals was in 2009. Good series, but not awe inspiring to say the least. Jordan's 41 ppg in the 1993 NBA Finals is a Finals record still to this day. Jordan in the Finals was otherworldly. You could never find a single series in the Finals where Michael Jordan was outplayed even in the slightest. In 2000, Kobe was outplayed by Austin Croshere in the Finals. That would NEVER happen on Michael's watch. In 2004, Kobe sabotaged the Lakers by deliberately playing poorly because he had an attitude about being second banana to Shaq. It was like Robin getting tired of fighting next to Batman as he became Nightwing. Michael conquered with Centers the calibre of Bill Cartwright and Luc Longley. That is pretty much all you need to know.
In Conclusion, while it is great to admire Kobe's accomplishment, one must not become stuck as a prisoner in the moment. Once again, one should never just settle for a comparison based on style and flair. It is more than just style of play, but results and body of work. Michael Jordan compiled an incredible FIVE MVP awards in an Era loaded with MVP Level Legendary Players. Anytime that you could be named the Most Valuable Player in a time with the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Hakeem, David Robinson and others. That is simply a testament to how brilliant he truly was and his brilliance carries over for generations to come. Kobe is a throwback to Jordan, which is why he is admired so fondly by the current era of NBA fans who either were not even alive when Michael played or have a sketchy recollection of Jordan. If anything, Kobe's numbers are more of a resemblance to Jerry West, but with more accolades. Believe me, that is not a knock on his game at all. Both men are the toast of the Shooting Guard Position, but Michael will remain the single ruler of the throne.
Special Thanks: www.basketball-reference.com, Bruce Blitz (Blitz Sports Network), Clutch 23 Productions just to name a few.
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."
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:
Modern Era Defense:
The difference in contact is clearly obvious. If that doesn't cement it even more, here is something else that will blow you away.
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
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.)
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)
