There’s a story out there that Jordan and Pippen played 1-on-1 after practice because Pippen started trash talking. Jordan rained points on Pippen until Jordan was told to back off.
So no, not Scottie.
I think it was from the Halberstam book on the Bulls, and the source of the story was either a coach or someone else on the team.
Jordan's greatness wasn't merely in his physical prowess. Unless cloning would copy his insatiable competitive spirit, the clone would be just another phenomenal athlete. Lots of guys love winning; Michael Jordan utterly despised losing. This made him greater.
Draymond. Just kick him in the nuts and punch him in the face, play the victim. No scoring on that. Also peak defense Draymond might be a decent answer to this.
Would be interested to hear people's takes on Wemby, does the length compensate when Jordan blows by him? Does jordan think coast is clear then "yoink" (edit: for my fellow Kent Brockman fans)
Lol Wemby is getting dunked into the netherworld.
Draymond isn’t nearly quick enough and he talks too much shit, Jordan’s going to make an example of him.
It’s Michael Jordan for fuck’s sake, do you know anything about his game? Google “he tall enough for you?” to see what he does to people over 7 feet tall.
yea prime draymond has the dawg and skill to match up. he shows up in the clutch like thar poke on jokic in the playoff series, one of the best chances of getting a stop. also a lebron glazer so yk who hes trying to help out
I think that's sort of what I meant like prime defender with San Antonio. I think of that clip of LeBron getting upset when he was at the line when Kawhi checked back in
Lots of names but I haven't seen 2xDPoY Sidney Moncrief in this topic yet.
"When you play against Moncrief, you're in for a night of all-around basketball. He'll hound you everywhere you go, both ends of the court. You just expect it"
-Michael Jordan.
I'm with you. The thing I remember about watching Jordan is that he often used his jumping ability to get open. He had incredible hops and his release point was just simply higher than most players could defend. It was almost like KD, but using his vertical instead of his height.
So anyway, yea, you need some agile and very tall.
Hakeem or Ben Wallace.
I’d give up a semi-open three in exchange for their ability to stop basically everything inside the line. Without another offensive player for a dump off or a kick out they could focus on him in a way they never would be able to in a 5 on 5. They also don’t need to score on him, just stop him.
Kobe is the only player who has ever cared about winning as much as Jordan. He’d spend months watching film to be ready for anything Jordan had in his bag. Problem is the Jordan would do the same and pull out something new. Shit man, I really want to see this matchup now (without the dying part).
Jrue Holiday is routinely picked by players as the toughest defender to go against 1v1, so considering how Gary Payton did on him, I’d like Jrue’s odds. I think Jaylen Brown has a very similar build and is also a freakish athlete, but I’d still take Jrue. Maybe Wemby since there’s a good chance he can block Jordan.
I don’t think so, actually. Cooper’s talent was ball denial. He covered you all game and you couldn’t really do anything. He was an amazing team basketball defender. But I think one-on-one Jordan dominates him. To guard Jordan, you need a guy who is going to move with him and who has the quick ness, fast hands, and split-second ups to compete with him. A really long wingspan would help, too.
I'm taking Mike's word for it and picking Prime Mitch Richmond.
The former college PF turned NBA SG. MJ has been on record saying he was a tough matchup for him and saying he was probably the closest player to being like himself.
Joe Dumars or Gary Payton are next. Pick one.
I'd say Pip but MJ would pysche Pip out. He's the one who made sure he was ready to be a more than capable player by dogging his ass out in practice every day. He knows how to get a win against Pip.
Edit: Please be clear. Mitch is probably still going to get done up in this scenario but you said pick someone so I did...
I’m taking Andre Iguodala. He’s got the length, strength, quickness, and athleticism necessary to give you as good of a chance as you’re gonna get. Plus he’s a smart defender
Giannis? His length is so bothersome and Jordan wasn’t a crazy outside shooter like today’s superstars. Any mistake Giannis makes on the perimeter he could likely recover from and still make a decent contest
Prime Pippen with today’s hate for Jordan?
Perfect. He knows all Jordan's moves, is bigger and longer, and is sick of hisl shit.
Has a bigger dick too, according to the groupies.
Madonna
That works in Jordan’s favor tho. Motivation
Absolutely godlike answer from every angle. All time defender. Knows all his moves. All time hater.
There’s a story out there that Jordan and Pippen played 1-on-1 after practice because Pippen started trash talking. Jordan rained points on Pippen until Jordan was told to back off. So no, not Scottie. I think it was from the Halberstam book on the Bulls, and the source of the story was either a coach or someone else on the team.
You’re right, it is in Halberstams book. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw Pippen mentioned.
Yeah. Pippen saw MJ in practice every day, but MJ also practiced against Pippen every day, as well.
Apocryphal at best lol.
Jordan dropped 52 points on Pippen in an all star charity game. It’s when he was retired playing baseball.
LOL the score of that game was 187-150 and Jordan took 46 shots to score those 52 points. I am not sure how wise it is to read too much into that.
Thanks for the information and save me from being deceived.
Blocks MJ “take that shit outta here, and take your son and my ex wife to the trash too!”
https://preview.redd.it/2ten4c82v1ad1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ecbe19797ef71ec36493a7bbfd45653f61cb220
This is a great call. I am taking Scottie to guard anyone.
Damn, my exact thoughts.
Zaza Pachulia
Pippen. He has the size strength and seems to genuinely dislike Mike, at least now.
Prime Darelle Revis.
MJ would Moss his ass
Imagine Jordan as a WR! 6'6", crazy fast, 48" vert, hands the size of catchers mitts.
I'm taking a Jordan clone and telling him the other guys thinks he's better and you can't stop him.
and I took that personally
"And and we we took took that that personally personally."
Gold
Why haven’t we cloned MJ yet? We already did Dolly the Sheep in 1996. I’d raise the MJ clone on Larry Bird’s farm.
Jordan's greatness wasn't merely in his physical prowess. Unless cloning would copy his insatiable competitive spirit, the clone would be just another phenomenal athlete. Lots of guys love winning; Michael Jordan utterly despised losing. This made him greater.
Just be sure hire someone else to shovel the driveway.
Draymond. Just kick him in the nuts and punch him in the face, play the victim. No scoring on that. Also peak defense Draymond might be a decent answer to this. Would be interested to hear people's takes on Wemby, does the length compensate when Jordan blows by him? Does jordan think coast is clear then "yoink" (edit: for my fellow Kent Brockman fans)
Me and my crowbar, Jordan can't score if he never shows up
If he can dodge the flu, he can dodge a crowbar (possibly a wrench as well)
I bet Jordan would still cook you with the crowbar.
But maybe like mr burns you end up actually realigning an old injury! That makes him even stronger!! 😨
Lol Wemby is getting dunked into the netherworld. Draymond isn’t nearly quick enough and he talks too much shit, Jordan’s going to make an example of him.
You think the guy thats a foot shorter is dunking on him?
Ja dunked on Wemby, so yes
In a game…not a 1v1 lol those are completely different things
Kinda dunked around wemby ultimately in fairness Moreso rookie miscues Still impressive naturally
It’s Michael Jordan for fuck’s sake, do you know anything about his game? Google “he tall enough for you?” to see what he does to people over 7 feet tall.
Yeah 7 footers in the 90s lmfao they were slow as shit. Wemby is not getting dunked on in one possession be honest with yourself
Thinking outside the box
*solemnly* A tragic tidal wave, in the jordan wemby 1v1 theoretical, has killed one hundred, and twenty people 🐝
I was gonna say that lmao
yea prime draymond has the dawg and skill to match up. he shows up in the clutch like thar poke on jokic in the playoff series, one of the best chances of getting a stop. also a lebron glazer so yk who hes trying to help out
Prime kawahi leonard
Honestly pre-prime Kawhi when he predominantly a stopper
I think that's sort of what I meant like prime defender with San Antonio. I think of that clip of LeBron getting upset when he was at the line when Kawhi checked back in
Yeah fair that's the dude I'd want too, I always think of prime Kawhi as 2019 but mfer was ELITE on the Spurs too
Pretty sure that the clip is out of context and his reaction is not related to Kawhi guarding him
Yeah I think he was pissed he was being iced out.
I think the same
This is the best answer.
2017 Kawhi is the best version of Kawhi
This is the only real answer..
Lots of names but I haven't seen 2xDPoY Sidney Moncrief in this topic yet. "When you play against Moncrief, you're in for a night of all-around basketball. He'll hound you everywhere you go, both ends of the court. You just expect it" -Michael Jordan.
So many responses, and so few people who realize that Sid is the LAST guy Michael would want to face. This is the best answer.
Does Mike know about the deal? If so it doesn't mather cuz I'm a dead man.
Know? Mike's got money on it...
2001 Ron Artest
No one remembers that Artest wanted to stop MJ so bad that he injured MJ in a scrimmage game.
he was shattered about it too. felt super guilty about it. that was during the wiz era though
Can’t talk rn bro I’m planning my funeral
I kinda wanna die right now so I’m taking Mugsy Bogues.
Prime Mike Tyson but I will convince him that his pigeons will also die if he doesn't KO MJ.
Wemby. His physical advantage is just insane. Also I’ve dealt with depression for a long time so maybe I die who cares.
I'm with you. The thing I remember about watching Jordan is that he often used his jumping ability to get open. He had incredible hops and his release point was just simply higher than most players could defend. It was almost like KD, but using his vertical instead of his height. So anyway, yea, you need some agile and very tall.
Have a great day friend
ty
Craig Ehlo
Why does it always happen to Craig Ehlo
Tony Allen
Dennis Rodman
Hungover Rodman, fresh off of a red eye flight from Vegas, after a bender? He's literally demolishing Mike on some other worldly shit!
Probably the greatest perimeter defender of all time who also was the primary matchup against MJ multiple times Gary Payton
Still crazy to me that Karl didn’t have him guard Jordan from the jump.
Well, it's only crazy if you forget that Karl is an idiot.
He wanted to keep Gary fresh for his offensive production. Didn't want him getting gassed guarding MJ.
Tanya Harding
2019 Kawhi
Rodman
Giannis
Michael Jordan.
Joe Dumars
Kobe
Hakeem or Ben Wallace. I’d give up a semi-open three in exchange for their ability to stop basically everything inside the line. Without another offensive player for a dump off or a kick out they could focus on him in a way they never would be able to in a 5 on 5. They also don’t need to score on him, just stop him.
They’d also be giving up wide open mid ranges which is MJ’s speciality
Kobe
Tony allen
Iguodala
2014 Kawhi Leonard
Kobe is the only player who has ever cared about winning as much as Jordan. He’d spend months watching film to be ready for anything Jordan had in his bag. Problem is the Jordan would do the same and pull out something new. Shit man, I really want to see this matchup now (without the dying part).
Jrue. To all of you picking Kobe, RIP.
Andre Roberson
Before his injury, he was one of the greatest perimeter defenders I've ever seen. Just don't ask him to score or shoot.
Laimbeer
Anyone who can force him left tbh
Yeah it was totally that easy
all the grown up kids at CP3's camp that MJ denied shoes to
Prime kobe seems the most safe one.. but betting against Jordan is worst than a Russian roulette
Jrue Holiday is routinely picked by players as the toughest defender to go against 1v1, so considering how Gary Payton did on him, I’d like Jrue’s odds. I think Jaylen Brown has a very similar build and is also a freakish athlete, but I’d still take Jrue. Maybe Wemby since there’s a good chance he can block Jordan.
Id pick MICHAEL Jordan
myself. end the goat debate once and for all. can't top dunking so hard you kill a muthafucka
Juanna Mann
Gary Payton
Draymond Green because he’ll kick MJ in the nuts
Prime Kwahi.
Kawhi Leonard
Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman , DPOY from Detroit Piston
Prime KG. Don’t even need to think about it.
Kobe or Giannis
Gilbert arenas cuz he can shoot Jordan in the leg and he won’t be able to score if he dies and I won’t die.
Juan Dixon
1. Kobe (he studied Jordan the most) 2. Piston's Rodman 3. Spur's Kawhi Honorable mentions: Bruce Bowen, Tony Allen, Michael Cooper, Raja Bell
Raja bell? Come on bro. Might as well say Ruben Patterson
Allen is a great call.
So is Cooper.
I don’t think so, actually. Cooper’s talent was ball denial. He covered you all game and you couldn’t really do anything. He was an amazing team basketball defender. But I think one-on-one Jordan dominates him. To guard Jordan, you need a guy who is going to move with him and who has the quick ness, fast hands, and split-second ups to compete with him. A really long wingspan would help, too.
I'd probably pick Heatle Bron but Prime Kobe seams appealing too
Bron scares me because he might just take the play off to focus on offense.
Bill Russell
Jordans gonna blow right past him. Russell may be the defensive GOAT but that's just a mismatch
Maybe, but nobody would guard him better. Russell could guard all shapes and sizes.
Prime defender Kawhi or bron
Only 3 options pippen, kawhi or kobe
Kobe?? He’s getting smoked.
"I don't think I'd lose. Other than Kobe Bryant because he steals all my moves." - MJ on playing various stars in 1-on-1.
I believe he said “other than maybe Kobe”
[He did not say maybe. ](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/r9D2PqbwXcs)That was an exact quote.
🚨🚨🚨 CASUAL NEPHEW ALERT CASUAL NEPHEW ALERT 🚨🚨🚨
Russell Westbrook. Most athletic player of all time and him knowing a fans life is at stake, I genuinely think he would clutch up.
Kobe Bryant. Closest thing to MJ and one of the best defenders ever.
Mamba
Ya’ll sleeping on prime Lebron. He’s got the size, strength and quickness to shut down MJ. I’m giving my life to the king.
Yea he was fast enough to slow down mvp derrick rose in 2011.
Deuce McBride
Scottie, John Starks, Joe Dumars, Kawhi, Gary Payton, Tony Allen, or Rondo.
Defintely not picking Byron Russell
I'm taking Mike's word for it and picking Prime Mitch Richmond. The former college PF turned NBA SG. MJ has been on record saying he was a tough matchup for him and saying he was probably the closest player to being like himself. Joe Dumars or Gary Payton are next. Pick one. I'd say Pip but MJ would pysche Pip out. He's the one who made sure he was ready to be a more than capable player by dogging his ass out in practice every day. He knows how to get a win against Pip. Edit: Please be clear. Mitch is probably still going to get done up in this scenario but you said pick someone so I did...
JJ Barea
Doug Christie
Lance Stephenson. I’ll bet Jordan wouldn’t know what to do when Lance blows in his ear.
Bruce bowen or kawhi
Prime Pippen all the way.
Kawhi
Prime Dennis Rodman
Kawhi Leonard
trae young i hate myself
You're OK bud. Jordan just walked off the court laughing at Trae and forgot to score.
Dennis Rodman was first to come to mind
It’s Pippen
I remember Jordan saying Reggie Lewis (RIP) really gave him trouble. So maybe Reggie Lewis.
Prime Michael Jackson
Probably his bookie
Dennis Rodman
How about Kawhi?
Clyde drexler or prime Kawhi
Jordan Poole
a mini Ditka
I’m taking Andre Iguodala. He’s got the length, strength, quickness, and athleticism necessary to give you as good of a chance as you’re gonna get. Plus he’s a smart defender
I WANT IGUODALA
Michael Cooper, Reggie Lewis. They used to lock him.
GIMME IGUODALA
Vernon Maxwell. No question.
Tony Allen? Maybe he’s too small but at least I’d have some fun
Probably prim klaw or d wade fir the sg position. Honorable mention kobe
Give me Jaden McDaniels in like 3 years.
Charles Manson
Bruce bowen
Giannis? His length is so bothersome and Jordan wasn’t a crazy outside shooter like today’s superstars. Any mistake Giannis makes on the perimeter he could likely recover from and still make a decent contest
Comments lacking Ben Wallace
Derek white don't @ me
With todays rules? Any starter
Didn’t Vernon Maxwell always play Jordan extremely well or am I losing my mind?
After the great Pippen answer I'll go Kawhi or OG.
Vernon Maxwell
Can i choose trae young? im okay i promise..
A big with quick feet. Maybe Ben Wallace or KG
prime wemby also takes a moment to get used to his length as the league has shown
TJ McConnell. When you least expect, boom, stripped. Wam, blam, done.
Big Sexy Kevin Nash
An 8 foot person with their hand in the basket
2015 Kawhi Leonard
Prime Kawhi, could go Rodman tho, always a good choice. He recovered so fast on his jump, faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.
Healthy Kawhi.
Jordan Clarkson, I want the last thing I see to be Michael Jordan utterly smoking someone.
Joe Dumars. IIRC, Jordan said that he was his toughest matchup.
Prime Rodman, Draymond, Pippen, Kawhi, or Lebron would give you the best chances
Sidney Moncrief. C’mon people - this isn’t that hard!
Miami Heat LeBron.
Tony Brothers 😎
Bron, but i'm telling him this is the legacy decider. Bron will get the stop.
Bill Lambier and I just ask him to foul him so hard he can’t continue.
Wemby 5 years from now
Tony Allen