Steve Kerr: “Nobody Ever Could Guard Michael Jordan Then. You Can Only Imagine Now, With The Spacing And The Rules.”

2 Min Read

It’s the age-old question: what would happen if Michael Jordan played in today’s era of basketball? Considering Jordan’s dominance in a mean, physical era of the game, many are inclined to think he’d absolutely obliterate opponents today.

Steve Kerr, current Warriors coach, and ex-teammate of Michael, doubled down on that notion, citing that if people failed to stop him back then, how would anyone have hope of doing so now?

(via Essentially Sports)

“When I look back at that Bulls team, that team was actually built to play today. Now, minus the volume of three-point shooting, but I think that team was capable of it.”

“But when you’re talking about the versatility that you need to defend today. If you throw out on to the court, Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc, and Dennis Rodman, that’s a 2020 defense. Those five guys can guard anybody.”

“And offensively, nobody ever could guard Michael Jordan then. You can only imagine now, with the spacing and the rules.”

From the time Jordan started his career as a rookie in 1984 to his last season with the Bulls in ’98, he only averaged under 26 points per game once. For his career, he averaged 30 points on 49% shooting.

Today, the game is much less physical. Hand-checking and player “landing” rules have made it easier than ever for guys to be bailed out when shooting a jumper or going up for a layup.

Jordan would have obviously exploited these rules and it is highly likely his point-per-game averages would have skyrocketed off free-throws alone.

No matter your feelings on Kerr, MJ, or the current state of basketball, it’s hard to argue that Jordan would not have been dominant in any era he played in. Dude was just unstoppable.

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Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
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