Like a lot of former NBA superstars, Michael Jordan’s greatness is slowly being taken for granted. As the years fly by, and more and more stars add their own names to the history books, it’s getting harder to remember just how great MJ was during his prime, even for those who watched it.
It’s gotten so bad that there’s a growing number of fans in the NBA who claim that Jordan was more a product of the times than anything else and that he wouldn’t be nearly as successful in today’s league.
But on an episode of ‘The Ryen Russillo Podcast,’ former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy explained why, contrary to popular belief, Michael Jordan would have dominated today’s era even more than he dominated his own.
“If you would give the ball to Jordan in his prime with these rules, with all the shooting, and think that he wasn’t going to shoot over 50%? Michael shot over 50% with limited 3-point shooting, and limited space in the triangle offense….at the highest form of physicality, the (Detroit) Pistons or the (New York) Knicks trying to take your head off. So there is (absolutely) no question Michael Jordan would have led the league in scoring (in today’s time)…..he would’ve averaged 40 (points).”
Jordan attempted less than two three-pointers a game for his career, but it was during a time when three-pointers weren’t nearly as prevalent. Had he played today, his work ethic and dedication would have allowed him to adapt to the modern-day playstyle.
Metta Sandiford-Artest Believes MJ Would Average 50 In Today’s Game
Obviously, JVG isn’t the only one who thinks Jordan would find success in the modern basketball world. Back in August, Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly known as Metta World Peace) said something very similar.
“More than James Harden,” Artest said, when asked how many points MJ would average in the modern-day game. “I was at the Jordan era. I was in the LeBron [James], Kobe [Bryant], [Tim] Duncan, and I was at the tail end. I’ve played with these guys. I’ve seen all the 3-point balls go up. Jordan would average 50 (h/t Lakers Nation).”
So, there you have it. Like many fans who watched MJ for themselves will tell you, there wasn’t anything the guy couldn’t do on the court, and there wasn’t an obstacle he wasn’t able to overcome.
So while it might be a challenge for MJ to keep up with today’s crazy shooting revolution, he’d put in enough work to make up the difference.
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