Jordan was still in his prime in 96. The later stages of his prime. There's a difference between prime, and peak. MJ's PEAK was 90-93. But he was in his prime, probably up until his last season with the Bulls, where he started showing signs of decline.
Disagree that Payton couldn't guard either Lebron or Durant. He was a great defender, especially on the perimeter and as good as James and Durant are, neither holds a candle to even the 96 Jordan.
Lebron isn't an all time great one-on-one player. Shit, you could argue that Melo is harder to stop one-on-one than Lebron. KD is pretty fucking hard to guard one-on-one, and he receives the most double teams of any perimeter player since at least a peak Kobe. Wade in his physical prime was harder to guard one-on-one than Lebron.
Yeah I don't envision either Lebron or KD being as dominant in the 90s as they are now. They'd still put up good numbers. But Lebron in particular would find it harder to put up his usual numbers night in and night out not only because of the great defenders, but because of the rough physical defenses he'd face. They don't even allow hand checking that much anymore. Any kind of soft contact inside gets whistled. People criticize soccer but the shit I've seen in recent years is right up there with it if not worse.
I may also add the the Cavs Lebron was harder to guard than the current Lebron. He might be more "polished" nowadays, but he no longer has the great first step he had 5 years ago. The Cavs Lebron could drop 30-40 on a nightly basis. He can't handle that type of offensive load EVERYNIGHT anymore.
Jordan had looked as bad as he ever looked the year after his hiatus and the year after was a slightly down year. Either way there was no way you could argue he had the same athletic ability when he was in his late 20s.
He doesn't need to be. He can self-post a point guard all day. And yes I DEFINITELY agree with you that LeBron isn't all that amazing in isolation, he does the bulk of his work these days in transition and with the jumpshot. But 6'4(generous) Gary Payton isn't guarding LeBron for the same reason you didn't see him guarding a guy like Karl Malone. Contrary to the basketball casual's bad opinions mixed with unnecessary vitriol, ON-BALL defense does not exclusively refer to the perimeter.
The SAME athletic abilities as his late 20s? Hell no, but even an MJ that was a step less explosive was STILL more athletic than any perimeter player in the league.
People tend to forget that it was a relatively weak era for perimeter players at that point in NBA history, but I don't think it is arguable that 33 year old Jordan and beyond did most of his damage with the jump shot. In fact, this was originally when he started dabbling more in the 3 point shot which he shot at a respectable rate for one of the first times in his career. Payton guarded him well, but as stated, Jordan has a career average of 30 against him and clearly did much better in prior seasons than he did in that 96 Finals which is typically what happens when a peaking player faces one who isn't at his.
I'm pretty sure two stellar jumpshooters with good to great range would do much better in a statistically weaker defensive era, but don't let facts gets in the way of some good nostalgia and/or antiquated dogma.
again this moron is exposing his lack of knowledge. an ON BALL defender would be more valuable guarding norris cole than ray allen. cole may actually attempt to break someone down off the dribble. someone guarding allen will be forced to run through screens away from the ball.
Yeah, You'd Want your BEST "On Ball Defender" Guarding the Guy that INITIATES Offense for the Other Team... REED:mj:
Lebron would be a monster in the Jordan era. He is much bigger and much heavier, but moves like a small forward.
Lebron would be a monster in ANY era. He's one of the best players in NBA history. He'd have to settle for being the league's SECOND best player if he was around in Mike's prime though.
A team built around MJ and Lebron would literally never NOT win a ring. Lebron would become the greatest 2nd option in history. The perimeter D would be outta this world, and teams couldn't even pray for injuries, since both men are made outta iron and hardly ever miss games. It'd be a sight to see.
true fan or true fag? http://distilleryimage8.s3.amazonaws.com/e6cd7a3ebb3d11e3a5880002c9c78238_8.jpg
Unless it's your FATHER or SON, it's Pretty Fucking GAY to Get Another DUDE's Likeness Tatted on your Body... REED:limp:
After a SLOW Start, OKC is Threatening the Spurs 19 Game Winning Streak...UP by a Point, Middle of the 3rd... REEDopcorn:
A Bit EARLY for that, Homeslice, Even Though Pop has MONITORED Parker's Minutes & will Likely Pull the Plug on Duncan, if Shit Doesn't Change Sooooon.... REEDopcorn:
The spurs just can't seem to handle the physicality of OKC. Doesnt bode well for them in the playoffs.
As GREAT a Coach as Gregg Popovich Is, he's a Complete BITCH when it Comes to his Guys Playing Time... NO Coach TAPSthefuckOUT in a WINNABLE Game, as QUICKLY as Popovich Does...Nobody Keeps UNINJURED Players on the SHELF for MULTIPLE Games, the Way Popovich Does... GREAT Coach, but a LOUSY Ambassador of COMPETITIVE Basketball... REED:shit:
popovich is a genius. all that matters is putting his old ass team in the best position to be fresh enough to win a ring
