MJ On Miami Three
Michael Jordan weighs in, and he’s not a fan.
by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni
Playing in the American Century Championship golf tournament over the weekend, MJ was asked about what he thought of all the free agent movement this summer, and specifically, LeBron’s decision to join up with D-Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach.
While Jordan understands that today’s game — and the mentality of the players — differs greatly from when he was hooping, Mike still let it be known that he was far too competitive to have even thought about playing alongside guys who were considered to be in his class at any point; people like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
According to MJ, the idea was to beat those guys, not team up with them to chase rings:
“There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry, called up Magic and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team,” Jordan said.
“Things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”
NBA fans (and sports fans, in general) rarely agree on things, but we can reasonably state the following: with but a handful of true Heat fans being the exception, nearly everyone hates this new-look Miami Heat team.
So, they’ve got that going for them.
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Young Buck is in the driver’s seat.
Lebron and Bosh … ok cool Any combination where Lebron and D-Wade on the same team, not cool. I know Stern is pissed off at this arrangement, but won’t admit it publicly. Just like I’m positive, Kobe would not have done the same thing either. But hey… whatever, the sh!t is done now so.
Miami=douchebag central.
“Things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing.”
So, where in that did you get Jordan wasn’t a fan?
People just want to be angry. They are going to warp every sentence, every utterance, that a great player greats.
My personal favorite was on NBATV, when a couple of the normal crew (all I remember was Webber and Snow were there… and two other white dudes) were just WRECKING Lebron for his decision. They were calling up all these former stars to get their opinion on the James incident.
They finally got to Kevin McHale.
Eric Snow, who is fuming at the mouth at this point, asks Kevin “do you think Larry Bird would EVER join Magic?” I hated the way Snow asked that question. He asked it as if he was probing for some EARTH SHATTERING scenario that would force Bird to drop all his instincts and morals and do the unthinkable: maybe to prevent nuclear war, or because an alien race of warlords demanded it.
The answer Kevin McHale gave left everyone speechless. And angry.
“I don’t know. Bird loved playing against Magic, but Bird also loved winning. He always had a great team so it’s easy to say he wouldn’t do it, but if he was on a losing team most of his career and Magic came to him and offered him that chance… well, I just don’t know. It’s possible.”
Then, the main commentator (some white douchy guy) had the AUDACITY to end the conversation with “well, I think Larry would NEVER go and be on the same team with Magic. Thanks Kevin.”
People are so angry at this. It’s overshadowed the fact that Lebron pretty much D’d over the city of Cleveland and kept the majority of money he said would go to the Boys and Girls club. It’s really all utter crap.
I don’t get it.
it’s early
if he thought that was his best option, good for him but we all know that he could do better.
I didnt like him before but now it’s worse hahaha
and I also dont like Bosh at all so the only one safe it’s wade hahaha
Think about that for a bit. Get back to me.
series! I’ll go a few years to back Bulls vs. Utah series we all loved! Or the Bulls vs. Phoenix series (did you see any of those series, Hahaha) I’m talking going hard for 7 games, vs. the best of the best, the Jordans, the Reggie Millers, the Bryants, the Duncans, the Pierces, the Ewings, etc. Battle tested! Not the Bosh’s! I’ll admit Lebenon has been through some battles in his 7 years but he just don’t have the FIRE and HEART to bully his way to a chip like the greats have! For all the Dunks, Triple-Douples, the pre-during-post game dancing and clowing, the pre-game powder display, the WITNESSING, the ROC, etc he has nothing to show!
And the whitiest douche of all time is Rick Kamla. I cannot believe the man is allowed on television.
went about his shi*! Mark a** move…Man up, tell Cav management, tell NYC/CHI, etc. go to MIA sign, hold up a Jersey of #6 with Riles and call it a day! This “Decision” mess was some b.s. Barkley was right!
No one hates on teams when they cut/trade players without a hint of loyalty and make said player up and move there family somewhere they never wanted to go in the first place, so no one can hate on LeBron for honouring his contract then choosing to play elsewhere.
course MIA fans are going to ride with Lebron & MIA,
a true fan would! Everyone else is painting him as
the ultimate a-hole because as a fan you want to see
MVP caliber players claim their dominance and snatch championships away from all competitors. Jordan has
spoken, dudes my age grew up loving and still love
Jordan, no matter where you are from and what team
you loved, you had some jordan gear and watched “Come
Fly with Me” over and over. Mike made the best out
what he was dealt, I think he feels Lebron should
have done the same. Quitting time our here in Germany
stay up fellaz…
3 rings playing with one of the most dominant big men.
2 rings playing with one of the best big men currently in the league.
Put Kobe on the Cavs with Mo Williams, Antawn and Varejao. They’re not going anywhere further than with Lebron.
Put Lebron with Gasol, Bynum, Artest. They’ll probably do comparable to the Lakers this past year.
Compare apples to apples.
Jordan had Pippen, an amazing player, arguably one of the best defenders.
Mo Williams, Antawn and Varejao are not anywhere near the same level as those teammates.
You need help. Jordan, Kobe…stop acting like you did it on your own. Who your help is…who cares.
I’m watching the Heat this season, it’s going to be very very entertaining.
same KOBE whom tried to shoot the Lakers back into a game
vs Utah as a Rookie in 98′ because Van Excel and Eddie Jones didn’t want any part of the pressue to step up! Kobe is
fearless let’s get it str-8! If any of ya’ll know anything
about him you should know that, Hahahaha…Cmon’ son….
or “I’m a hater” categories …….it seemed more like he just didn’t wanna talk in-depth about the situation. But whatever ……
I’m out. Peace.
or “Shaq-gate”. All people will remember is his 5+ rings on his fingers. Same with Lebron , if he wins 3+ rings nobody will talk about the “Decision”. But I don’t think anyone will forget the ” Gloria West Scandal” ha ha
Mike made Scottie improve, but don’t shortchange Scottie for doing the work in the gym and weight room, and turning hiself into an amazing player. Mike couldn’t force him to do shooting drills, or hit the weights, that had to come from inside. After all, Jordan didn’t turn Dickie Simpkins or Luc Longley into stars and both of them were touted highly, if I’m not mistaken.
Joining up with the best in the game is different from taking your lumps together and becoming a dynamic duo. If Durant and Westbrook become the two best in the game, (which is possible) it will be different from Chris Paul and Melo signing on the same team as free agents.
But, I think cats need to see how Lebron handles things before they predict who will be the man, who will get a big head, and who will be dominant. I know speculation is fun, but damn.
I love me some Michael Jordan, but I’ve seen many a final Game 6 were Michael finished with 2 assists and 2 rebounds or something. Kobe pulled down 15 rebounds against the BEST defensive team in the league. That is a MAN, son. Hell, Carmelo Anthony gave it to LBJ this year. Kobe’s leadership helped develop Pau Gasol, Artest, and Fisher and the crew to the point where they were able to carry him. I guess Eboy forgot Kobe’s game winner at Boston this year, or his 7 game winners this season alone. This Eboy guy is a joke, and I don’t know why so many on this board tolerate him. This is how you hold someone like him accountable. Not that it will make a difference to him. His beloved Jordan just let it be known how we viewed it, even though he (Jordan) was diplomatic. When the Heat when the championship at some point, it will cheapen sports for us all. And this is tolerated because of shallow posers like Eboy.
But despite all that the Heat are my faves cuz of the way Dwyane carries himself, because of the way this team fought through the bad years, the doubters, etc.
I have often tried to see what’s better about LeBron (over Kobe) but I can’t find anything. Kobe IS a good passer, just not an interested passer. Kobe IS a good rebounder, he proved that in this year’s finals. Plus Kobe’s footwork is better, his ball-handling is better, and I would say he is still a better defender (except for the Rondo goof-ups :). Plus, as we all know Kobe is a far better shooter (sorry Bron). I would like to see the Heat beat the Lakers, but at this point, I would say unlikely…
THAT’S why DW3 is my man..
Your new boy Jon W. sounds like an undercover Kobe and Lakers fan. I am a Lakers fan and I am not taking Gasol over Bosh in the Lakers triangle offense. LOL!!!!
Im a Sixers fan but as a fan of basketball the best player in the NBA teaming up with probably the most exciting player in Wade is pretty exciting.
So if he is not a fan, I am not a fan…..As simple as that.
You can read all you want, you can play (As I do) all you want, you can be a trainer for all I care.
When it comes to basketball,he is the supreme court of justice.
Remember only when it comes to basketball so don’t get into any of the personnal stuff you guys like to do!!
So are you admiting that you were just hatin’ on Kobe and the lakers all this time ’cause “your team” sucked or are you just hopping on the bandwagon of a team, the only team that has a solid chance (and it’s still a longshot)at dethroning the lakers?
Seriously, I get it: You DON’T join with your rival, usually. But Wade/Bron/Bosh have never been rivals… You don’t see LeBron joining Dwight Howard in Orlando, nor do you see Wade joining Dallas.
Sheeit, Earl Monroe (Clyde Frazier’s rival) joined the Knicks and they won a CHAMPIONSHIP in ‘73!
I would take Bosh in the Lakers offense over Gasol, see you saying Bosh is overrated, Bosh is being overrated now, because he plays with Kobe and he has two rings now. Bosh can shoot better, rebounding is about the same, Bosh can finish at rim better, runs the floor better, can take over games better. Gasol is better defensivelly and has a better post game. Bosh is better in the Lakers triangle offense. BOOK IT!!
Win three/four championships with the Heat, make sure he has more finals MVPs than Wade does.
Leave in 2014 (New Jersey nets) and win one or two championships on his own.
Wont he be a top-5 over Kobe player then?
I’ve never thought Lebron didn’t have the fire or didn’t care about his legacy— I thought this move was ALL about legacy. Lebron saw Kobe, he saw Kareem, he saw West and he saw Oscar, and he learned something important… it don’t matter if you only can win one championship as ‘the man’ cause people will lump all of them together regardless. I think Lebron, for lack of a better word, is cheating. He’s getting championships the easy way, so then he can go out when he’s still in his prime (WHO SIGNS a six year contract with only FOUR GUARENTEED YEARS) and win one by himself.
Is this far fetched, for a guy who plans for f’ing everything?
Also, a big LOL@Jahi, for talking about lack of parity in his last comment while previously remeniscing the 80s, a time when only four/five teams had a shot of winning the title the ENTIRE CENTURY
Although I would NOT say KG is holding up well, considering he missed most of last year and a lot of this year.
And Eboy kicked some @ss in this comments section.
For Lebron, this is quick reward VERY high risk. If he wins 2-3 titles? People will forget what he did and act like Lebron won regular championships. If he LOSES though… oh good lord, it’s not going to be pretty. He needs to get to the finals at the very least this year, and then championships better follow.
Ironically, I can see Wade and Bosh escaping unscaved.
I mean, folks said Lebron didn’t have help because when you look at the next four best players on his team in Cleveland they were Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Varejo and Shaq.
That ain’t a lot of help, and even if you throw Larry Hughes in there for old times sake, it ain’t much.
If Lebron goes to Miami and somebody gets injured, or the role players can’t give the big three any help, people are going to take a look at the situation and come to the appropriate conclusion. At least smart people will. People with agendas are predispositions to discount or praise Lebron will see what they want to see no matter what happens.
If the Heat win next four championships, many, many folks will still say it was no big deal.
No analyst said Wade was better than Lebron, but you know I’ve discussed the possibility for the past two to three years, and have had Kobe, Lebron and Wade in a virtual dead heat. And I have a homie who swears that Wade is the best in the League and doesnt’ get his proper respect.
Pip wasn’t on Jordan’s level as far as scoring, toughness or clutchness. But, at everything else, i would hazard to say he was better than Jordan, or his equal.
I don’t think Lebron quit or anything, I just think he left Cleveland in the wrong way.
The pressure is on the Heat who have amassed this girth of talent to now go out and win with it…. and win alot by the sounds of it. Could this be the team that winning just the one championship is considered a failure?
For myself - I am coming into the 2010/11 season with the mindset that the Heat did this purely to win. If they don’t - it will be egg on their faces. Also Eboy won’t hear the end of it on the internets around these parts.
Well, too bad. LEBRON, WADE, BOSH, Haslem, Z, Miller…you better win the title.
Oh and Shaq is a not a winner either because he couldnt do it by himself. A true leader would’ve stayed in Orlando and waited another 10 years for help…. lol gtfoh”
COMMENT OF THE MONTH!
I disagre with T-Money AND Bryan.
My belief is Jordan has WAY better handles than Pippen (like, not even close), Jordan is a better passer, and Pippen is a better defender.
Funny how people disagree.
I guess it’s also how you define things. Jordan was a better passer but Pippen was the wiser choice for point guard, since he could defer and control tempo… a more Billups-esque way of controlling the game, whereas Jordan was more Chris Paul, having the ball in his hands all the time but dishing it to all the open guys.
I know judging stats, especially separate years, is ludicrous, but I will point out Pippen’s highest assist total was seven assists a game with a SUPERIOR team… Jordan did eight dimes a game with trash.
Also, what do you put more value on in defense: Pippen was a way better isolation defender but didn’t have the lift and speed that Jordan had, who could get more steals and get some ridiculous blocks. Jordan’s man-on-man defense wasn’t that behind Pippen. So who is the better defender?
Since you take the easy road, I might be able to get you a coupon for 50%.
Like somebody mentioned before: THE REAL KING “MJ” has spoken.
Let the vanwagon miami fans start riding these clowns!!
They will start to come out of the bushes….just watch!
pippen, mchale, pau = robin
lebron = batmite/krypto
nuff said!!!!
I got Scottie as a better defender, rebounder and they are maybe even as passers. Seriously, Scottie had to take Magic cause Mike couldn’t handle him. And when the Bulls wanted to give Stockton issues, guess who they called? Scottie. Anytime the Bulls wanted to give the other teams top defender problems they called on Scottie. Now, maybe Jordan could have done the same thing if he wasn’t carrying the scoring load, but I’m not sure. Plus, if he had to defend the best player, what would his scoring numbers have been, and how would that have affected his overall legacy? And, if Pip didn’t have to guard the best player on the other team, could he have expended more energy on scoring?
So, I got Scottie better than Mike at rebounding and defense, about even at passing.
If people think that MJ’s opinion is more important than anybody else’s, then people are stupid.
Jordan didn’t even want to play with Cartwright.
Jordan got handled by Magic in Game One of the 1991 Finals, at which point Phil told Scottie to go to work, and Scottie locked Magic down. Period. It wasn’t really about the scoring, it wsa about Magic at 6′9″ taking Jordan on the block and scoring and directing traffic over the top of him all night. Sure, it used Jordan’s legs, but the problem was the Jordan just couldn’t guard Magic for the whole game and really bother him. Scottie could. Scottie gave Magic fits because he had almost as much lateral footspeed as Mike, but way, WAY more length.
But, I think you and others give Mike a tad too much credit for what happened with Scottie. No doubt, Jordan was the alpha dog and where he led, others followed.
But, he only had so much power. There were plenty of Bulls that Jordan could not influence or lead. Hell, even Horace never truly “developed” under Jordan, and reports I’ve read say that’s because he was more concerned with getting ripped then developing a jumper and post moves. And Jordan couldn’t convince him otherwise.
Mike pushed Scottie, but Scottie still had to put in his own work. He had to accept the challenge and he had to have the God-given ability to become the player he became. I think it shortchanges Scottie to just say “Mike made him what he was” and I know Scottie always bristled at that talk.
grow up dude and get off the computer.. go outside and
swim or jog or get a freakin life
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