Michael Jordan would have been on another level with the modern rules that have come into play after his retirement. Analysts and Podcaster have often indicated that if MJ was a part on NBA with such rules, he would have averaged 40 to 50 points per game.
Undoubtedly, Michael Jordan is considered the most gifted NBA player to have ever stepped foot on the court. Although, he ranks as the fifth highest scoring players in the all-time NBA list, he had his hold. During the 1990’s, NBA was more than a little lenient towards defensive players. Nowadays, the tables have turned.
Michael Jordan retired as the third highest player on the all-time leader board with 32,292 points. Behind Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, both retiring with a total of 36,928 and 38,387 career points respectively. Michael Jordan’s former coach, Jeff Van Gundy shared his observation on the modern-day rules and scoring boom.
“If you would give the ball to Jordan in his prime with these rules, with all the shooting, and think that he wasn’t going to shoot over 50%? He shot over 50% with limited 3-point shooting, limited space in the triangle offense and the hand check or decapitation defense,” said Jeff van Gundy.
Jeff Van Gundy says Michael Jordan would have lived on the free throw line with modern rules
He says the modern rules would have made Michael Jordan the of highest form that can be achieved by a player. “It was hand checks and at the highest form of physicality, the Pistons or the Knicks trying to take your head off. So, there’s no question he would have led the league in scoring,” added Jordan’s former opponent-coach.
“No question he would’ve shot over 50%, lived at the free-throw line and I think he absolutely would have been an outstanding 3-point shooter because of practice, work and it just being a more emphasized point of view. He would have averaged 40 [points].”
Michael Jordan averaged 31.5 points with 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists before he retired. Currently in the 2022-23 NBA season, LeBron James is averaging 28.9 points and Luka Doncic is has the highest average with 34.0 PPG.
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