“Play Michael Jordan at Center and He Will Be The Best”: Former Coach Rings Jordan’s Praises

The 2007 draft and the 1984 draft have one thing in common. Portland Trailblazers throwing away their picks on Greg Oden and Sam Bowie, who were picked #1 and #2 respectively. Although this will haunt them forever, it could have been avoided. Had Portland GM Stu Inman listened to his friend Bobby Knight, Michael Jordan would have been a part of Rip City.

Portland infamously passed on Jordan as they already had Clyde “The Glide” Drexler playing shooting guard. Like the Rockets, they were also looking for a strong big man to lead the defense and Sam Bowie seemed like the best option after Hakeem Olajuwon. But Bobby Knight, who coached Jordan during the 1984 Olympics, knew Michael was different. “Play him [Jordan] at center, and he will be the best center in the league,” he told a stubborn Inman, who was insisting on drafting a center.

“Michael Jordan is the Best Athlete I’ve Ever Seen Play Basketball” – Bobby Knight

Sam Bowie averaged a measly 10 points and 8.6 rebounds per game but was still selected in the All-Rookie Team. Jordan on the other hand, averaged 28.2 points 6.5 rebounds 5.9 assists and even 2.4 steals per game, going on to win Rookie of the Year. Bowie’s injury problems saw him feature just 139 times in four years at Portland.

One forgets that Stu Inman helped the Blazers to win the 1977 NBA championship. But not many Portland fans would forgive him for this draft mistake, which remains a stain on his legacy. In a clip from the 1980s which was also shown in the first episode of the Last Dance, Bobby Knight raves about Jordan. He says, “In the categories of competitiveness and ability, skill and athletic ability, he’s the best athlete. That, to me, makes him the best basketball player I’ve ever seen play.”

Jordan went on to form a dynasty at the Chicago Bulls after being picked #3 by the Bulls. Teaming up with Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr, he won a staggering six rings in eight years. Maybe he could have formed a similar partnership with Clyde Drexler at Portland.

During the 1992 finals between Bulls and the Blazers, Drexler said, “I believe we could have coexisted.” Jordan agreed with him, saying “With a little hindsight, we could have adjusted to each other, because of our skills. It could have worked out.” Portland fans can only imagine how that would pan out.