“Was like Jordan but Taller”: Celtics Star, Who Died in Tragic Circumstances, Seen With Michael Jordan in Iconic Unearthed Photo

The infamous story of Len Bias is one of those stories that would make you think ‘what if’. Len Bias was an upcoming star by all means. He had tremendous talent and was a player to look out for. When the world discovered Michael Jordan in 1984, it was a sensation. Everybody knew Michael Jordan was going to be a star. Len Bias gave a similar feeling.

The Boston Celtics picked Len Bias as their 2nd pick overall in the 1986 NBA draft. People straight away knew he could be a vital prospect in the NBA for years to come. His high school and college performances proved why he was rated highly.

However, his story did not happen how it was meant to be. Just two days after Celtics drafted the 22 year old then, Len Bias died of cocaine overdose. He got together with a few of his teammates and long time friends. Probably celebrating the draft pick he went overboard and had a seizure while talking with his friends. He was unconscious and stopped breathing. Len was pronounced dead of a cardiac arrhythmia related to usage of cocaine. It was reported that there were no other drugs or alcohol found in his system.

Also read: Former Kings Star Admits Len Bias Could Have Been Michael Jordan’s Biggest Competitor in the NBA

Life of a future superstar was cut short. Many people believed that he could have been as good as Michael Jordan at some point in his life. In their many meetings, Len Bias never seemed to be a player not as good as MJ. It was always a good competition.

Len Bias with Michael Jordan

Bias and Jordan were acquainted before Jordan’s rise to stardom. Although Len could never show his talent in the NBA, his talent was proven in the college games especially against Michael Jordan himself. At 6’8 and as a forward he was a bright prospect and could have been someone to heap praise about every game.

WATCH THIS STORY: Best of MJ from his UNC days.

The picture of Len and MJ battling for the ball is of a training camp in the 80s. It was a basketball camp where high school and college students often went to play basketball with the best of their age to self evaluate and prepare for the future. It is true Lens Bias vs Michael Jordan could have been the rivalry to feast our eyes upon but it just wasn’t meant to be.