‘Don’t Have The Arsenal That He Has’: Former NBA All-Star Ends A Long-Standing Debate About Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s presence on the court was enough to have his opposition trembling. His skill, confidence, and athleticism on and off the ball made him virtually unstoppable on the court. The NBA community often wonders what it would be like if Michael Jordan played in the modern era of basketball.

The modern era is extremely different from the era in which Michael excelled. Therefore, it is natural for fans to wonder if Jordan would have the same efficiency and effectiveness in the present day. Many experts make bold claims about what Michael could have done today.

However, none is more reliable than a former NBA player-turned-coach who has faced the best and worst of Michael Jordan. This is what former All-Star Mark Jackson told Shannon Sharpe on how Michael would perform in the present day.

Former NBA Star explains how Michael Jordan would perform today

In last week’s episode of Shannon Sharpe’s weekly show ‘Club Shay Shay’, Sharpe interviewed Mark Jackson. They were talking about the absurd claims that people make in predicting how Jordan would perform in today’s game. As a result, Sharpe asked Jackson how he thinks Michael would perform in the modern era of basketball. He said, “Michael Jordan will average whatever he wants to average.”

Further, he said, “I’m not here to break it down and decipher it. I’m telling you as a witness, I’m testifying on behalf of Michael Jeffrey Jordan that he would average 40 a night. If we see guys averaging 30 and 35. With all due respect, they don’t have the arsenal that he (Michael) has offensively.”

While comparing Michael Jordan to the modern-era players, Sharpe pointed out that Michael lacked the 3 point efficiency that is very prevalent in today’s game. To which Jackson clarified Jordan wasn’t a “liability” from behind the 3 point line either. Moreover, Jackson claimed Jordan would average many more free throws in today’s game, making it even more likely for him to average 40 points a game easily.

ALSO READ: “A Kind of Motivation” Justin Thomas Reveals How Michael Jordan Inspired Him Through ‘The Last Dance’

Who is Mark Jackson? How is he associated with Jordan?

Mark Jackson is the former head coach of the Golden State Warriors. In his days as a player, he played mainly for the New York Knicks among several other teams. He played from 1987 to 2004, while Michael was active from 1986 to 2003, so his career essentially overlaps with Michael’s. And him having coached the Golden State Warriors in the modern era of basketball, shows that his claims are not baseless.

He knows what today’s game is like and he knows what Michael was capable of. So if there’s anyone reliable who can predict Michael’s impact on today’s game, it’s Mark.

Watch This Story: Michael Jordan’s Awful 2011–12 Charlotte Bobcats, 2015–16 Philadelphia 76ers’ the Process, and Other Teams That Are Among the Worst in NBA History