Kobe, LeBron, Vince or Grant Hill? Many players have been dubbed “The Next Michael Jordan.” SPOX shows both the worthy and, in retrospect, at least questionable candidates who received this honor.
LEN BIAS
- NBA-Draft: 2. Pick 1986
- Seasons in the NBA: none
- College stats for Maryland: 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 53.6 percent from the field (131 regular season games)
The second pick of the 1986 draft – he would have gone to the Boston Celtics – was one of the first players to be compared to MJ. Unfortunately, he died of a cocaine overdose before ever setting foot on the NBA floor.
HAROLD MINER
- NBA-Draft: 12. Pick 1992
- Seasons in the NBA: 4 (Heat, Cavaliers)
- Stats: 9.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 46.0 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from downtown (200 games)
He was dubbed “Baby Jordan” in college, but he never lived up to the hype in the NBA. After just four seasons in the league, it was over again for the shooting guard.
RON HARPER
- NBA-Draft: 8. Pick 1986
- Saisons in der NBA: 15 (Cavs, Clippers, Bulls, Lakers)
- Stats: 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 44.6 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from downtown (1,009 games)
Even when he was in college, Harper heard the comparisons to Jordan. His answer: “I can’t be Michael Jordan!” Right is a strong defender who celebrates his 60th birthday today. After all, Harper played for the Bulls from 1994 to 1999 and won three championships alongside MJ.
MICHAEL FINLEY
- NBA-Draft: 21. Pick 1995
- NBA Seasons: 15 (Suns, Mavs, Spurs, Celtics)
- Stats: 15.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 44.4 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from downtown (1,103 games)
Yes, Finley was also given this honor. The experts were particularly impressed by his two-way potential – but with career statistics of 15.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, he fell short of expectations.
PENNY HARDAWAY
- NBA-Draft: 3. Pick 1993
- Saisons in der NBA: 14 (Magic, Suns, Knicks, Heat)
- Stats: 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 45.8 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from downtown (704 games)
In the early years of his career, Hardaway drew comparisons to MJ, not necessarily because of his style of play, but because of his dominance. But injuries prevented him from having a Hall of Fame career.
RAY ALLEN
- NBA-Draft: 5. Pick 1996
- Saisons in der NBA: 18 (Bucks, SuperSonics, Celtics, Heat)
- Stats: 18.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 45.2 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from downtown (1,300 games)
It’s easy to forget that Allen was a strong all-rounder in his early days in the Association. This is where the comparisons with Jordan come from. Ultimately, he is remembered as a deadly three-point shooter.
ALLEN IVERSON
- NBA-Draft: 1. Pick 1996
- Seasons in the NBA: 14 (Sixers, Nuggets, Pistons, Grizzlies)
- Stats: 26.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists on 42.5 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from downtown (914 games)
With AI, it was primarily the compelling crossover and scoring that drove the comparisons to MJ. However, The Answer couldn’t keep up in terms of defense and physicality.
JERRY STACKHOUSE
- NBA-Draft: 3. Pick 1995
- Saisons in der NBA: 18 (Sixers, Pistons, Wizards, Mavs, Bucks, Heat, Hawks, Nets)
- Stats: 16.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists on 40.9 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from downtown (970 games)
He also went to college in North Carolina and at least had a similar stature to MJ. But of course Stackhouse couldn’t come close to the GOAT in terms of sport.
TRACY MCGRADY
- NBA-Draft: 9. Pick 1997
- Saisons in der NBA: 15 (Raptors, Magic, Rockets, Knicks, Pistons, Hawks)
- Stats: 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists on 43.5 percent from the field and 33.8 percent from downtown (938 games)
McGrady was never able to live up to the “Next MJ” hype – he lacked sporting success and, above all, defense. McGrady will be able to handle it; he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
VINCE CARTER
- NBA-Draft: 5. Pick 1998
- Saisons in der NBA: 22 (Raptors, Nets, Magic, Suns, Mavs, Grizzlies, Kings, Hawks)
- Stats: 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists on 43.5 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from downtown (1,541 games)
Both Carter and MJ put on spectacular performances in a slam dunk contest – but that’s where the similarities almost end. Carter undoubtedly had a great and long NBA career, but he can’t keep up with Jordan.
DERRICK ROSE
- NBA-Draft: 1. Pick 2008
- Saisons in der NBA: 15 (Bulls, Knicks, Cavs, Wolves, Pistons, Grizzlies)
- Statistics: 17.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists on 45.5 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from downtown (716 games as of January 19, 2024)
As the new hope of the Chicago Bulls and the youngest MVP in NBA history, the comparison with MJ was of course obvious. However, numerous injuries prevented D-Rose from reaching his full potential.
ANDREW WIGGINS
- NBA-Draft: 1. Pick 2014
- Seasons in the NBA: 10 (Timberwolves, Warriors)
- Statistics: 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 44.8 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from downtown (671 games as of January 19, 2024)
He was already a star in high school and was nicknamed either “Canadian LeBron” or “Maple Jordan” thanks to his athleticism and smooth throwing. He didn’t fulfill his huge potential in the NBA, but he blossomed with the Dubs and had his share of the title in the 21/22 season.
DWYANE WADE
- NBA-Draft: 5. Pick 2003
- Saisons in der NBA: 16 (Heat, Bulls, Cavs)
- Stats: 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 48.0 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from downtown (1,054 games)
The Heat legend is considered one of the best shooting guards of all time. No wonder that comparisons with Jordan came up at some point. However, he was a bit away from that level.
GRANT HILL
- NBA-Draft: 3. Pick 1994
- Saisons in der NBA: 18 (Pistons, Magic, Suns, Clippers)
- Stats: 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 48.3 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from downtown (1,026 games)
Hill started his NBA career as one of the most talented two-way players. Numerous injuries regularly thwarted his plans. Still, he delivered a Hall of Fame career.
KEVIN DURANT
- NBA-Draft: 2. Pick 2007
- NBA Seasons: 16 (SuperSonics/Thunder, Warriors, Nets)
- Statistics: 27.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists on 50.0 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from downtown (1,019 games as of January 19, 2024)
KD and MJ have incredible scoring combined with a very good all-round game. But: Durant is missing the championships…
KOBE BRYANT
- NBA-Draft: 13. Pick 1996
- Seasons in the NBA: 20 (Lakers)
- Stats: 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 44.7 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from downtown (1,346 games)
For a long time, Kobe was considered the first contender for MJ’s throne. The Black Mamba had five championships, 18 All-Star appearances and numerous scoring records. And yet that’s not quite enough.
LEBRON JAMES
- NBA-Draft: 1. Pick 2003
- Saisons in der NBA: 19 (Cavs, Heat, Lakers)
- Statistics: 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.3 assists on 50.5 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from downtown (1,459 games as of January 19, 2024)
MJ or LeBron? LeBron or MJ? This debate will probably be with us for several years to come. Will LBJ succeed in replacing Michael Jordan as GOAT? He has already rewrote almost all the records – and is far from tired.
2024-01-20 09:13:00
#Michael #Jordan #happened #NBA #stars #compared
