"His shot became more dangerous" - Former NBA champion breaks down how Wizards Michael Jordan stacks up against his Bulls era
Michael Jordan experienced the peak of his success with the Chicago Bulls in the 1980s and '90s before joining the Washington Wizards in the early 2000s. However, according to one-time NBA champion Rasheed Wallace, the Bulls legend was "more dangerous" offensively during his late-career Wizards tenure.
Over two stints with Chicago over 13 seasons from 1984 to 1998, Jordan established himself as arguably the greatest player of all time. He won six NBA championships, six NBA Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs and one Defensive Player of the Year award. Meanwhile, he earned 12 All-Star selections and 11 All-NBA selections, among numerous other accolades.
After retiring for the second time in 1999, Jordan became Washington's minority owner and president of basketball operations in 2000. A year later, he came out of retirement again, playing two more seasons with his new team from 2001 to 2003.
While Jordan still made two more All-Star teams with the Wizards, he was no longer the dominant two-way athletic force he was in his prime. His squad missed the playoffs in both seasons, finishing with a combined 74-90 record.
Nevertheless, on an episode of "The Sheed & Tyler Show" earlier this month, Wallace made the case for Jordan being a superior player with Washington. The ex-Detroit Pistons big man highlighted how Jordan's offensive game became more advanced as his athleticism waned.
"He was a phenomenal player then, but I think he was a little bit more dangerous when he was with the Wizards," Wallace said.
"He didn't have the athleticism that we were used to seeing MJ have, but his angles were a little bit more sharp, he was a strong two-guard, you weren't just gonna move him lightly, and his shot became more dangerous. He became more solid as that veteran player," he continued.
Wallace added that Jordan maintained his superstar confidence, "talking s**t" throughout his final two seasons.
Also Read: Ron Harper claps back at Bronsexuals mischaracterizing Michael Jordan's impact: "Look at rings clown"
Comparing Michael Jordan's offensive outputs with Bulls and Wizards
While Michael Jordan was still an elite offensive player with Washington, the stats don't support Rasheed Wallace's argument.
Over 930 regular-season games with the Bulls, Jordan averaged 31.5 points per game, peaking at 37.1 ppg in the 1986-87 season.
Conversely, over 142 regular-season contests with the Wizards, Jordan averaged 21.2 ppg, peaking at 22.9 ppg in the 2001-02 season.
So, most would probably disagree with Wallace that Jordan was a "more dangerous" offensive player late in his career. Nevertheless, the conversation existing is a testament to the six-time champion's greatness.
Also Read: "Greatest basketball player to ever play" - NBA analyst declares the GOAT debate involving LeBron James and Michael Jordan is settled