Michael Jordan is largely regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game. From 1984-2003, Jordan made 14 All-Star appearances, was selected to 11 All-NBA teams, was a 10x Scoring Champ, 5x MVP, and 6x Champion.
Although there is no arguing his place in history, many wonder what he would be able to do in today’s game. How would he fare with a quicker pace, 3-point emphasis, and the NBA’s lack of physicality?
Jordan recently offered his own take on the subject to The Athletic’s Roderick Boone.
I think you’ve got a lot of different descriptions of how I would play against these guys. I’m pretty sure I would make my adjustments. I think the game would still be played with a sense of passion. I don’t think the passion in the game of basketball has changed. I think the talent’s changed. I think the versatility has changed.
Now, would I have had as much success? We’ll never know. I’ll let you guys speculate on that. But I think my passion for the game would’ve been the same. I love the game of basketball.
It’s really hard to say for certain how MJ would fare in these times. It’s a different era of basketball, a new-look game.
But the formula for success hasn’t changed. Passion, hard work, and natural talent are what separates the stars from everyone else — and exactly what separated Jordan from his peers years ago.
One has to think that a guy like him would be successful in just about any period of basketball.
