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
Michael Jordan's production for a Guard is staggering. (30+ ppg, 10 scoring titles, 6 Finals MVP's, 5 NBA MVP's, 6 seasons of 50% shooting or higher) Jordan was and still is the gold standard for perimeter players. His numbers are comparable to that of Big Men, which is why the best comparisons for him would be against them. Therefore, in this presentation, I will compare him to the Iconic Wilt Chamberlain. Both Michael and Wilt Chamberlain have had tremendous runs in their prime. The peak value for both of them is off the charts. The NBA record books have their names written all over them. In terms of scoring, no one else is even within striking distance. (except at least Kareem) Both Michael and Wilt have won an unprecedented 7 consecutive scoring titles. I wanted to do this comparison just for personal interest, and for really good fun. I also hope to bridge some kind of gap between two of the greatest eras ever. (60's/70's-80's/90's) As long as both men are among the Top 3, I am satisfied. Now, let the battle begin:
Michael Jordan:
vs.
Wilt Chamberlain:
Awards:
Rookie of the Year:
Michael Jordan: Yes
Wilt Chamberlain: Yes
All-Star Selections:
Michael Jordan: 14
Wilt Chamberlain: 13
All-NBA 1st Teams:
Michael Jordan: 10
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
MVP Awards:
Michael Jordan: 5
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
All-Defensive 1st Teams:
Michael Jordan: 9
Wilt Chamberlain: 2
*Keep in mind that All-Defensive Teams were not awarded until later in Wilt's career. I pointed this out in the West vs. Kobe comparison. Steals and Blocks were not recorded at all during Chamberlain's career. If so, who knows what kind of havoc he would have wreaked in Blocks? He already did major damage in Scoring and Rebounding. Therefore, Defensive Player of the Year is a moot point. Bill Russell was recognized as the Best Defender in that Era.
However, I must point out that Michael Jordan became the first player in NBA History to record 200 steals and 100 blocks in one season, as he did it twice. ('87 & '88) That is right! A SHOOTING GUARD with 100 BLOCKS in one season! Michael's shot blocking was very underrated. Hakeem Olajuwon and Scottie Pippen would be the next two players to achieve this feat.
Regular Season:
Seasons over 50 points per game:
Michael Jordan: 0
Wilt Chamberlain: 1
Seasons over 40 points per game:
Michael Jordan: 0
Wilt Chamberlain: 2
Seasons with 32 points per game or higher:
Michael Jordan: 5
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Seasons over 30 points per game:
Michael Jordan: 8
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Consecutive Scoring Titles:
Michael Jordan: 7
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Career High Scoring Average (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 37.1 (1987)
Wilt Chamberlain: 50.4 (1962)
Career High Total Points (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 3,041 (1987)
Wilt Chamberlain: 4,029 (1962)
Michael ranks 1st All-Time in Career Points Per Game. Wilt ranks 2nd. In the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan became the first player in NBA history since Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 or more points in a season.
Career Player Efficiency Rating:
Michael Jordan: 27.91
Wilt Chamberlain: 26.13
Career Offensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 149.9
Wilt Chamberlain: 153.3
Career Defensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 64.1
Wilt Chamberlain: 93.9
Career Win Shares (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 214.0
Wilt Chamberlain: 247.3
Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: .250
Wilt Chamberlain: .248
Seasons leading the league in PER:
Michael Jordan: 7
Wilt Chamberlain: 8
I can't go much into detail with Rebounding, because of the different positions. (MJ-SG, Wilt-Center) However, while Wilt is 1st All-Time in Rebounding no matter the position, Michael Jordan is 3rd all-time in Rebounding for a guard. (Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson) With his large hands, Jordan was able to grab boards with no problem as a perimeter player.
Obviously Wilt is going to shoot a higher field goal percentage because he was a Center who shot the most. Meanwhile, Michael was the Shooting Guard who shot the most. However, it must be said that Wilt shot 54% while Michael shot roughly 50% (51.5% as a Chicago Bull). Jordan's shooting percentage was that of a Big Man! As a Guard, he attacked the basket and scored like one.
Both have their fair share of haters. The one criticism that Michael and Wilt both share is that they "shot too much". Well, if they are shooting that percentage, wouldn't you WANT them to have the ball? This is merely even more of a testament to Michael's IQ and Excellent Shot Selection.
Now, let's take a look at the various records that both men hold in NBA history:
Michael Jordan Records:
Career Regular Season Scoring Average: MJ (30.12)
Career Playoff Scoring Average: MJ (33.45)
Highest Scoring Average in Playoffs: MJ (43.7)
Highest Scoring Average in NBA Finals series: MJ (41.0)
Highest Career Scoring Average in NBA Finals: MJ (33.6)
Career Total Points in Playoffs: MJ (5,987)
Most Seasons leading league in Scoring: MJ (10)
Most Seasons leading in Total Points: MJ (11)
Most 50 Point Games in Playoffs: MJ (8)
Most 40 Point Games in Playoffs: MJ (38)
Most 30 Point Games in Playoffs: MJ (109)
Most 30 Point Games: MJ (563)
Most Consecutive 50 Point games in Playoffs: MJ (2)
Most Consecutive 45 Point games in Playoffs: MJ (3)
Most Consecutive 40 Point games in Finals: MJ (4)
Most Consecutive 30 point games in Finals: MJ (9)
Most Consecutive 20 point games in Playoffs: MJ (60)
Most Consecutive 20 point games in Finals: MJ (35)
Most Consecutive games in double-figure scoring: MJ (866)
Highest scoring playoff game: MJ (63)
Most points in one-half of NBA Finals: MJ (35)
Oldest to score 50: MJ (51- age 38)
Oldest to score 40: MJ (43- age 40)
Wilt Chamberlain Records:
Most Points in Regular Season: Wilt (4,029)
Highest Scoring Average in Regular Season: Wilt (50.4)
Most Points in a Game by a Rookie: Wilt (58, 1/25/1960 & 2/21/1960)
Most Points by a Rookie: Wilt (2,707- 1959-60)
Most PPG by a Rookie: Wilt (37.6)
Most 60 point games: Wilt (32)
Most 50 point games: Wilt (118)
Most 40 point games: Wilt (271)
Most Consecutive 60 point games: Wilt (4)
Most Consecutive 50 point games: Wilt (7)
Most Consecutive 45 point games: Wilt (7)
Most Consecutive 40 point games: Wilt (14)
Most Consecutive 35 point games: Wilt (33)
Most Consecutive 30 point games: Wilt (65)
Most Consecutive 20 point games: Wilt (126)
Highest Scoring Game: Wilt (100)
Most Points in All-Star Game: Wilt (42)
Most points in 3 quarters: Wilt (69)
Most points in one half: Wilt (59)
*Consecutive Seasons Leading the League in Scoring: MJ, Wilt (tied at 7)
Out of the recognized scoring records in NBA history, Michael Jordan holds 24, Wilt Chamberlain holds 20. (If you include Wilt's rookie records)
Bonus:
Fewest Games to Reach 20,000 points: Wilt (499)
Fewest Games to Reach 30,000 points: Wilt (941)
Career +60 point games:
Michael Jordan: 5
Wilt Chamberlain: 32
Career +50 point games:
Michael Jordan: 34
Wilt Chamberlain: 118
Career +40 point games:
Michael Jordan: 172
Wilt Chamberlain: 271
Career +30 point games:
Michael Jordan: 563
Wilt Chamberlain: 515
Scoring Titles:
Michael Jordan: 10
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Even though Wilt had a more impressive scoring peak, Jordan maintained his level of scoring dominance for three more seasons. Michael and Wilt have the most consecutive scoring titles in NBA history. Both are neck and neck as far as scoring impact. When you look at many of Wilt's scoring records, Michael Jordan is somewhere in second place in many categories:
60 point games- Wilt (1), MJ (2)
50 point games- Wilt (1), MJ (2)
40 point games- Wilt (1), MJ (2)
Michael was even second behind Wilt in fewest games to reach 20,000 points (620), and fewest games to reach 30,000 (960).
As many of you may notice, Wilt has a strong advantage when it comes to the regular season because of his video game-like numbers. Wilt is only second place to Michael in Scoring Titles, and 30 point games. However, you may also notice that Michael has the advantage when it comes to the playoffs as well. This is where the separation really begins.
NBA Playoff runs over 30 ppg:
Michael Jordan: 12
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
Playoff runs over 32 ppg:
Michael Jordan: 8
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
Playoff runs over 34 ppg:
Michael Jordan: 7
Wilt Chamberlain: 3
Michael's level of play increased during the postseason, while Wilt's level of play dropped. Not only did Wilt's scoring take a blow, but his field goal percentage did as well. The only thing that went up for Wilt in the playoffs was his rebounding. Michael was the ultimate postseason player. Wilt's drop is a big part of the reason why people say that he was a "choker". Not all of that is true, because for a while Wilt did not have the right supporting cast against a team like the Celtics. Yes, Chamberlain blew his fair share of games, but don't put ALL of the blame on him. He was largely a one-man army. Wilt later had to change his game by dialing back his scoring for his teams to win championships. This is what helped cause his drop in points. Jordan was able to keep his scoring title while leading his teams to championships. I will say this in Wilt's defense. Jordan and Chamberlain led what are considered by many as three of the Greatest Championship teams of All-Time:
Michael Jordan:
1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10) (MVP- MJ)
Wilt Chamberlain:
1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers (68-13) (MVP- Wilt)
1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers (69-13, 33 game winning streak)
Michael won MVP in '96, while Wilt won it in '67. The 1997 Bulls also won 69 games. The Big separation between the '72 Lakers and '97 Bulls is that the Lakers had the winning streak (33), which made that team even more memorable.
With that said, Wilt Chamberlain was NOT the performer that Michael Jordan was in the Playoffs, especially the NBA Finals:
Finals MVP's:
Michael Jordan: 6 in 6 tries
Wilt Chamberlain: 2 in 6 tries
(The Finals MVP was not awarded in 1967. If it was, Chamberlain would have won it.)
Conclusion:
This is merely a discussion of peak value versus consistency. Taking everything into consideration, Michael was slightly a more consistent scorer than Wilt in the long run. Michael also brought more to the table as a team leader. You can't go wrong with either one. This comparison is always very fun, and is also a testament to how iron clad Wilt's legacy will always be. Both of these men are on my personal Mt. Rushmore of Basketball, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson. This is to show how the LeBron's, Kobe's and Durant's of the world CANNOT even come within a 40 foot pole of players like MJ and Wilt.
Ever since the explosion of Michael Jordan, any and everyone at Shooting Guard has to be compared to him. Unfortunately, many of those players do not even get past Lakers Legend Jerry West. (Mr. Clutch, The Logo) Obviously, the modern era player that is compared to Jordan the most is Kobe Bryant. However, even he does not surpass West, because of the lack of consistency throughout his career. Jerry West was the original standard for Shooting Guards BEFORE Michael Jordan. His body of work is evidence as to why. More often then not, Jerry West bailed his team out of games. Kobe's teams bailed HIM out, but he gets much of the credit. This project is to further educate younger fans on the career of Jerry West. I have come across fans who only remember Jerry West with Wilt Chamberlain, when he did more passing and only associate him as a Point Guard. However, Jerry West was a Hall of Fame player BEFORE playing with Wilt. With this comparison, you will see how Jerry West was a more efficient scorer, shooter, more versatile, and rose his level of play when needed.
Jerry West:
vs.
Kobe Bryant:
All-Rookie 1st Team:
Jerry West: Yes
Kobe Bryant: No
All-Star Selections:
Jerry West: 14
Kobe Bryant: 15
All-NBA 1st Teams:
Jerry West: 10
Kobe Bryant: 10
All-Defensive 1st Teams:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 9
MVP Awards:
Jerry West: 0
Kobe Bryant: 1
Career Games:
Jerry West: 932
Kobe Bryant: 1,225
Regular Season (Career):
Jerry West: 27.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 6.7 apg, 47.4% FG, 81.4% FT
Kobe Bryant: 25.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.7 apg, 45.4% FG, 83.8% FT
Scoring Titles:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 2
Steals and Blocks were not recorded until Jerry West's final season in 1973-74. If so, it would be a much different story in that aspect. If West played with the 3-point line, he would have had a field day.
The NBA didn't finally add All-Defensive Team Selections until the 1968-69 season. If they acknowledged them earlier, Jerry West would have won many more because of how disciplined he was as a defender.
Seasons with 30 ppg or higher:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 2
Seasons with 32 ppg or higher:
Jerry West: 0
Kobe Bryant: 1
Seasons over 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant 0
Seasons over 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 0
Seasons under 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 16
Seasons over 47% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 0
Seasons under 47% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 16
Career Player Efficiency Rating (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 22.9
Kobe Bryant: 23.5
Career Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 162.6
Kobe Bryant: 171.7
Career Offensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 124.6
Kobe Bryant: 122.9
Career Defensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Jerry West: 37.9
Kobe Bryant: 48.8
Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Regular Season):
Jerry West: .213
Kobe Bryant: .184
*Bonus (Olympic Gold Medals):
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 2
All-Star Game MVP's:
Jerry West: 1
Kobe Bryant: 4
As you can see, Jerry West was clearly a more productive player than Kobe across the board, except for free throw percentage. Jerry averaged more points, rebounds, assists and shot a higher field goal percentage than Kobe. When Kobe broke the Lakers franchise scoring record held by Jerry West (25,192), he did it while playing many more games than West along with more minutes. In other words, he missed many more shots along the way, while Jerry set the record in less than 1,000 games (932). This was clearly a cover up by the media. As I have said countless times, Jerry West lacked the MVP Awards because he played in the same era as the Greatest Giants of all-time (Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell), who captured 9 out the 10 MVP's during that decade. Kareem would later come and win 3 during the end of Jerry's career.
*I firmly believe that he was robbed of at least 1-2 MVP's between 1969 and 1970.
If you thought that I would stop there, I am just warming up. Now, time for the playoffs.
Playoffs (Career):
Jerry West: 29.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 6.3 apg, 46.9% FG, 80.5% FT
Kobe Bryant: 25.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.8% FG, 81.6% FT
Career Player Efficiency Rating (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 23.1
Kobe Bryant: 22.4
Career Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 26.7
Kobe Bryant: 28.3
Career Offensive Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 21.3
Kobe Bryant: 21.0
Career Defensive Win Shares (Playoffs):
Jerry West: 5.4
Kobe Bryant: 7.3
Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Playoffs):
Jerry West: .203
Kobe Bryant: .157
NBA Playoff runs over 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 3
Kobe Bryant: 0
Playoff runs over 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 5
Kobe Bryant: 1
Playoff runs under 50% shooting:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 15 (entire career)
Playoff runs under 48% shooting:
Jerry West: 7
Kobe Bryant: 14
Playoff runs under 46% shooting:
Jerry West: 4
Kobe Bryant: 11
Playoff runs under 44% shooting:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 7
Playoff runs over 30 ppg:
Jerry West: 7
Kobe Bryant: 4
Playoff runs over 32 ppg:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 2
Playoff runs over 34 ppg:
Jerry West: 2
Kobe Bryant: 0
In 1964-65, Jerry West averaged 40.6 ppg in the playoffs. He also had a series vs. The Bullets where he set the record for highest scoring average in a playoff series. (46.0)
Now, let's get ready for the Biggest Stage (The NBA Finals):
Finals Appearances:
Jerry West: 9
Kobe Bryant: 7
Finals MVP Awards:
Jerry West: 1 out of 9 tries
Kobe Bryant: 2 out of 7 tries
This is the major factor, and in the case with most fans the only factor that they take into account when they compare Kobe Bryant with Jerry West. Instead of saying Kobe was a member of 5 championship teams in 7 finals appearances (3 sidekick, 2 leader), they just simply give him blanket credit for all 5 (He has 5 rings). Meanwhile, people downgrade Jerry West, because of his lack of TEAM success (1 championship in 9 tries). Little do people really understand the fact that for most of his career, the Lakers were a top heavy team with a two-man combo (West and Baylor). Unfortunately for West, here is a list of circumstances that HURT his team:
1. The Boston Celtics Dynasty (led by Bill Russell, coached by Red Auerbach)
2. The Lakers did not have an answer for Russell at Center for most of that time
3. Elgin Baylor's volume shooting.
4. They also lost twice to the Knicks
For the most part, Jerry West and his Lakers teams went up against more stacked teams. Meanwhile Kobe Bryant was on the opposite side of that situation, because the teams that he played on were more stacked than the opposing teams. It blows my mind to listen to people say that Jerry West constantly had powerhouse teams. If you REALLY want to look at other stacked Lakers teams outside of Shaq & Kobe, check out Magic & Kareem's Lakers. Wilt Chamberlain came later in Jerry's career. ('68-'73) Kobe played with Shaq for half of his career. ('96-'04) Throughout that time, and even later with Gasol, the Lakers were stronger than their opponents.
Now, let's look at their production in the Finals:
*The 2002 Finals series was an anomaly for a player like Kobe, because the series was a 4-0 sweep. If the series went longer, his FG% would have dropped.
More often than not, Jerry West raised his level of play with less around him while Kobe has often lowered his level of play with MORE help around him. Jerry West played better in losing efforts than Kobe did in winning efforts. (Example: 1969 NBA Finals vs. Boston) You would never find anything about Jerry West being outplayed by the likes of an Austin Croshere like Kobe did in the 2000 NBA Finals for example. Kobe also deliberately shot his team out of the 2004 Finals vs Detroit, because he was tired of playing the sidekick role to Shaquille O'Neal.
Kobe's 40.5% FG in the 2010 NBA Finals has been considered the WORST Field Goal Percentage for a Finals MVP in NBA History! However, Pau Gasol and the refs bailed him out during that series, especially where he shot an abysmal 6-24 in Game 7. That night, he dodged the biggest silver bullet of his career. Meanwhile, Jerry West recorded a Triple-Double in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals, while his team fell apart against Boston. Jerry West's production in that series earned him the NBA Finals MVP Award. He became the first and only player to win on a losing team.
Personally, I believe that if you put Jerry West in Kobe's place for those first 3 championships, he could have helped out Shaq much more. At best, I say they win at least 5-6 championships, with Shaq staying as a Laker to the end. Players like West and Magic will always be respected for how they accepted their role to improve the team. They did not step outside of the system for their own personal agenda. Kobe has built his legacy out of that.
Kobe has been historically infamous for destroying team chemistry. NEVER EVER forget the way that Kobe put Shaq's personal business out in the open, to deflect criticism of his own. Not only that, but Kobe ultimately forced the hand of Lakers management to run SHAQ OUT OF L.A.! As a result, the media now holds him in higher regard than Shaq, and have blacklisted Shaq's run as a Laker. (Look no further than ESPN)
"Bryant told Jackson that O'Neal's presence on the team would affect his decision to stay with the Lakers, adding, "I'm tired of being a sidekick".
Translation: "Either he goes, or I go".
Jerry West has virtually been the best player on his team, at least until his last 2-3 seasons with the Lakers. Kobe did not become the best player, until the 2004-05 season. During that season, the Lakers missed the playoffs for the first time ever in Kobe's career. Who's fault was it for running off the franchise player, which caused the Lakers to bring in the likes of Smush Parker and Kwame Brown? You guessed it, Kobe. It wasn't until Kobe's trade demand where the Lakers restructured around him to keep him there for two more titles.
Kobe could not avoid the silver bullet for long. The same $90 million dollar roster that Kobe won Finals MVP with twice (2009 & 2010), is the same roster that got swept off the court and smoked by the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. Everyone wanted to blame players like Pau Gasol, when instead Kobe should have taken the fall.
Kobe's legacy as a leader is taking an even bigger hit with the implosion of this current Lakers team with Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Ron Artest. Nash and Howard's numbers are being hindered playing next to Kobe. That is NOT the true sign of a leader, when you handicap the abilities of other marquee players. Kobe has NEVER made anyone around him better.
When Jerry West had the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Gail Goodrich, he dialed back his scoring. In fact, Gail Goodrich was the leading scorer (25.9 ppg) when the Lakers won the Finals in 1972. It could have easily been West, but he knew that in order to succeed with that team, he had to sacrifice his stats to make Gail Goodrich better. This is why West was the co-leader with Wilt.
I also notice those same Jerry West skeptics say that "Jerry West was too little", or "He would be on the bench in today's game". They also say that "Jerry West wouldn't survive in the 80s/90s era of perimeter players, because of his size". They want to degrade West, because he was a "small, white guy". Well, Larry Bird turned out great in that era in spite of his athletic disadvantages in the strongest era of all-time. In fact, Larry Bird CONQUERED his era, as a "white guy", out playing the best black players of any era. Last time I checked, he was no more athletic than Jerry West, just 5-6" taller and 35-45 pounds heavier. West is actually between 6'3"-6'4".
In fact, if you send Kobe back in time to the 1960s, where he doesn't have Michael Jordan's influence as an advantage, he would not thrive the way that he does now. He would have fewer players to emulate, with practically next to none, outside of Jerry, Oscar and Elgin. Instead, he would have to play AGAINST those guys on a night-in, night-out basis.
Conclusion:
Jerry West was an innovator, while Kobe Bryant is an imitator. What Jerry West did for his era, and NBA history is remarkable. West did not have the benefits of the Modern Game, with the Anti-Aging Supplements, Weight Training, and Nutrition. Jerry West also did not have the opportunity to have other great players to come before him to pattern himself after. Basically, he had no other choice but to be original. Jerry West was a more productive, and consistent player in all stages. (Regular Season, Playoffs, Finals) The facts are staring you right in the face, with no lie. Kobe only has the advantage in longevity, team accomplishments, and volume achievements such as career total points. His style of play was much more conducive to team basketball, no matter the lack of championships on his side. No matter how many fans, analysts and ex-players prop up Kobe, West will always leave a greater mark on the game. Before Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, Jerry West was the ultimate clutch player.
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)
Last Friday marked exactly 50 Years since Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game, as a member of what was then the (Philadelphia) Warriors. Wilt achieved this milestone against the Knicks in a 169-147 Warriors win. I just wanted to clarify that, because I have heard so many foolish stories about his team losing that night, which was never the case. That night, the Big Dipper went 36-63 from the field, and a career best 28-32 from the free throw line. That is not a typo! Chamberlain was like Larry Bird that night from the line. Normally, Wilt was awful when shooting foul shots! He was not only the Shaquille O'Neal of his time because of his size and dominance, but also because of his foul shooting! That night was not the case. Big Wilt ate the Knicks for dinner that night, setting the bar for single game points so high, that no one can ever reach it, no matter how watered down today's rules are. (unless your Michael Jordan! lol.) Even though there have been others who have tried to challenge that record (Kobe) who have fallen short. Kobe still says that the record could be broken, even after he scored 81 points on a bottom feeder Raptors squad in '06. Kobe, if you could break it, you could have done it that night! Too late, old man. Unfortunately, this mythical and iconic game, both in sports and pop culture, was never televised! A fan had taken photos of the game and they were published by both the team as well as the NBA. The game was broadcasted by way of the radio. This was also the only game that never finished, because of this monstrous milestone. However, there is also the case against Wilt, because even though that was very impressive stat wise, he was an enormous ballhog that killed his team. The Warriors finished the season 49-31 and eventually fell to the Celtics in 7 games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Anyway, Chamberlain was on a complete rampage that season, averaging 50.4 points per game, with 25.7 rebounds per game and 4,029 total points, becoming the only player in history to accomplish these feats. The MVP race that season was insane, with Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor and Oscar Robertson as the top 5 candidates. Each man had a very strong case that year along with Wilt. (Russell's superhuman 19 ppg, 24 rpg, 5 apg on a 60 win team, Oscar's triple double, Elgin's 38 ppg, 19 rpg, 5 apg) This race would go down as one of the top 10 MVP races of all-time, along with '63, '64, the Magic, Bird & MJ battles in '87 & '88 and the '93 race with MJ, Barkley and Hakeem. Personally, I think that it is a joke when people say that Wilt would not dominate in today's era. Wilt could dominate like never before, because the Center position today is horrible! Chamberlain was BEFORE his time in the '60s, at 7'1 1/6", rougly 260 lbs. at his peak, and in excellent condition. Wilt did all of this WITHOUT the training, weights, and medical advantages that today's athletes have. These players at his position have all of this going for them, and they are STILL out of shape and sloppy. Dwight Howard is a man among boy's and Chamberlain would eat him for dinner, Tyson Chandler for lunch and Andrew Bynum for breakfast. Wilt would throw these guys around like rag dolls. If Tyson Chandler is a defensive enforcer while averaging 1.1 bpg, you have seriously got to be kidding me! That is horrible! Olajuwon averaged 4.6 bpg in his prime! (More on this later). The centers of today could barely average 10 ppg, and as Wilt said, couldn't even make Overbrook high school. In my terms, these guys couldn't even make Eleanor Roosevelt or Charles Flowers High School with the way they play. The average big man today is at least 6'10". Wilt played against Hall of Fame players in that range, whether above or an inch below. (Bill Russell- 6'10", Kareem- 7'2", Walt Bellamy- 6'11", Nate Thurmond- 6'11", Willis Reed- 6'9", Bob Lanier-6'11") As I just mentioned, ALL are in the Hall of Fame! The game is not as physical as before, because the rules have reduced everything to the perimeter, which gives Wilt even greater room to go beyond what he did in his time. Imagine how Shaq dominated. Wilt would do that to an even greater level, because he was stronger, faster, quicker and more versatile than Shaq ever was. I find that disrespectful when people admire Shaq's recent dominance and dismiss Wilt's when talking about today's game. Vlade Divac, Shawn Bradley, and Rik Smits were never exactly HOF worthy themselves. So before you say that Wilt would be stopped in today's era, in the words of The Rock, you better know your role and shut your mouth!
