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Michael Jordan was unstoppable in his game days. The Chicago Bulls star terrorized his opponents with precise pots and punches with the iconic tongue sticking out. Although, the million dollar question that remains is: How much would MJ dominate if he played the modern game?
The discussion is legitimate, as no one from the past or present recorded its impact as Jordan did. Players in today’s era are extremely competitive and train hard to match the standards that were set. However, back then, MJ was in a league of his own.
Since Jordan’s glory days in the 1990s until now, many things have changed rapidly in the NBA. The trends are not the same. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg tried to bridge the gap between the 1990s and now, to imagine the impact Jordan would have if he played in the league today.
For example, the significant change that is evident now is the 3-point shot. The drastic change in tactics regarding triples makes the game look sleeker. Steph Curry is the man to turn to if you’re talking about elegance on the set of three. Bayman is extremely effective at scoring from outside the goal.
Now, before comparing Jordan’s three-point shooting statistics, you need to perceive from above how teams are tackling these situations now. Back then, triples weren’t as popular as they are now. In his six title-winning seasons with the Bulls, Jordan fired 389 shots from the three-point range. In comparison, Curry surpassed that number in just one season with the Golden State Warriors. Statistics reveal that 3-point attempts have increased 167% since the 1997-98 season.
How much would Michael Jordan average per game if he played now?
The answer remains a mystery, as we cannot return the goat to retirement. It is over, once and for all. However, statistics from your illustrious career can help you make an analysis.
Michael Jordan holds the NBA record for the highest career point average at 30.1. His best scoring seasons came from 1986 to 88, where he averaged a whopping 36.0 points. But he only made 19 triples in approximately 160 games. This number is drastically low compared to the modern game.
How many points would Michael Jordan average in today’s game?
We did the calculations. pic.twitter.com/mj9z0H0AJe
– Get up (@GetUpESPN) May 8, 2020
Considering MJ’s best efficiency at taking triples upon returning from his first retirement, Mike Greenberg gets his best average scoring and adds three more points to his name. Due to the increased pace of the game and the best shooting opportunities in the modern era, one might suppose that Jordan could have put a few more points in his pocket.
The key area of change is how the league deals with physicality now. Back in the 90s, the Ist Bad Boy Pistons ’ Or the New York Knicks would never allow Jordan to take flight and would be extremely physical with him. Reflecting on how these factors don’t exist now, Greenberg adds another 15% on his point count, which shoots him up to 45 PPG. Does that sound absurd or do you think Michael Jordan being who he was could rock in today’s game too?
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