Rodman: LBJ 'average' if he played in '90s

[Wang Chung]

Dennis Rodman says LeBron James would be "average" if he played in the 1990s, and insists James' Miami Heat would be no match for his old Chicago Bulls team.

"It's really not a comparison. If LeBron was playing in the late '80s and early '90s, he would be just an average player," Rodman said Friday on "The Dan Patrick Show." "To do what Michael has done ... what he did was more charisma, there was more articulating and stuff like that. LeBron is more like ... there's no flash to his game. He's a great player, don't get me wrong, he's a hell of player, I'll give him that. But to me Scottie (Pippen) and Michael are probably the two best one-two punches I've ever seen."

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Rodman, who won three NBA titles with Jordan's Bulls from 1996-98, said a 28-year-old Jordan would average at least 40 points a game in today's NBA.

"I'm just sick and tired of people comparing (James) to Michael Jordan," Rodman said. "It's a whole different era, man."

Rodman said Jordan thrived despite playing in a more physical era in the NBA.

"LeBron came into the age of the game at a perfect time. Michael came into the game when back then you could hit people, knock him down, shoot a free throw and get back up," Rodman said. "And LeBron can't do that. All they do today is (complain) about a foul. All they do is (complain)."

James, who has been to the NBA Finals in each of his three seasons in Miami, won his first title last season. The Heat lost Game 1 of the Finals to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

Rodman believes his best Bulls team would easily defeat James' Heat.

"It would be no contest. The Heat has better talent than we had, but we had smarter players," Rodman said. "That's the only thing we had, smarter players. ... I would take Bosh out of his damn game easy. That's not even a problem. And how would Dwyane Wade match up with Scottie Pippen? Really? And Scottie Pippen would guard LeBron easy. And how are you going to cover those two guys (Jordan and Pippen)?"

I don't know about average but I don't think LBJ would be as dominant in the more physical play of the 90's. Bill Lambier and Rodman would beat the shit out him. I also think those Bulls of the 90's would beat the Heat in 6 games if they played a series. MJ would not let his team lose.

 

[Lover Boy]

In my opinion, James would be one of the greatest players of all time no matter what era he played in.

He has so many different qualities as a basketball player he could play incredibly well whatever era.

 

[Wang Chung]

In my opinion, James would be one of the greatest players of all time no matter what era he played in.

He has so many different qualities as a basketball player he could play incredibly well whatever era.

With his lack of getting back up and not quitting Rodman and the Pistons would destroy him. If he went down low on the Mailman Karl Malone he would be on the floor. James benefits from a league that is less physical and when some of the games are more physical he wilts and hides and cries.


I think James would be a decent player and above average but he would not last long in the NBA of the 90's. Rodman alone would make him go cry.

 

[Fuji Vice]

James benefits from a league that is less physical

And a league that does a lot to protect their top face.

 

[Wang Chung]

And a league that does a lot to protect their top face.

So what you are saying is the NBA is the WWE now?

 

[Fuji Vice]

So what you are saying is the NBA is the WWE now?

If the shoe fits.....

James gets the benefit of a lot of calls going his way and some really weak-ass fouls on him seem to always be called where they wouldn't on other players. Anyhow, I don't completely agree with what Rodman is saying here but I will say that James rarely appears to have the heart and soul that MJ did.

 

[Wang Chung]

If the shoe fits.....

James gets the benefit of a lot of calls going his way and some really weak-ass fouls on him seem to always be called where they wouldn't on other players. Anyhow, I don't completely agree with what Rodman is saying here but I will say that James rarely appears to have the heart and soul that MJ did.

I don't fully support Rodman's claims but I do think James would not be the top of the pack back then. Just look at the names in the game alone. Jordan, Pippen, Hakeem the Dream, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Stockton, Malone, David Robinson, Bird, Magic (for some of it), A very young Kove, Shaq, Alonzo Mourning. While I can see James being good and a decent player by no means do I see him being the guy he is now because I think the Rodmans, Malones, and Barkleys would either make him toughen up or just make him a head case from time to time.

 

[TactMrBlack]

Lebron would be one of the best in any era... He plays D.. He can rebound.. He can pass.. He can score..

I don't get all the Lebron hatred... It's getting ridiculous...


And Lebron does get calls but so did Jordan...

 

[JakeYourBooty]

Lebron doesn't like to play physical and that's what the NBA was then....Lambeir, Oakley, Rambis, Hastins, Anthony Mason....they would elbow him in the face and he wouldn't be driving to the hoop anymore...would he suck? naw but he wouldn't be the king

 

[Wang Chung]

Lebron doesn't like to play physical and that's what the NBA was then....Lambeir, Oakley, Rambis, Hastins, Anthony Mason....they would elbow him in the face and he wouldn't be driving to the hoop anymore...would he suck? naw but he wouldn't be the king

This I just don't see how he would handle all of those elbows and the hand checks either on the hip from defense. I don't think he would suck I just don't think he would be in with the greats he benefits from an easier era to score and a less physical play.

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[Lover Boy]

Could the same be said about Jordan if he played now?

There's a lot more people who would guard Jordan a lot better nowadays than he was then.

Also, if Lebron did play back then. Wouldn't he just have changed his play accordingly to how the game was played?

 

[JakeYourBooty]

umm no...

Jordan has some great defenders on him I truly don't think that defense is better now then it was then...

and Lebron should play more physical now and he doesn't so what makes you think he could take the physicality of the game back then? Or is this just blind loyalty because you really have no idea how the NBA was played during that time?

 

[Lover Boy]

umm no...

Jordan has some great defenders on him I truly don't think that defense is better now then it was then...

and Lebron should play more physical now and he doesn't so what makes you think he could take the physicality of the game back then? Or is this just blind loyalty because you really have no idea how the NBA was played during that time?

What I'm saying is if LeBron played back then, he could easily focus on his physical game and improve it so it was up to the standards.

 

[JakeYourBooty]

I'm not sure he could....he seems a bit soft

 

[Wang Chung]

Here is the main difference between the two of them mentioned throughout.

Jordan has a will and natural killer instinct I liken him to the main lion of a herd (Mufasa).

LeBron doesn't and will defer to others before taking a game winning shot. Doesn't like being the central figure, but can be and should be, I liken him to a lion in the herd (whatever lion is there no name).



Now both have the qualities to be the leader and lead and destroy the same only Jordan's will and heart and natural killer instinct prevails. Jordan would kill it in this era he had how many hand checks and elbows and still would score what he did. Defense is much better yesteryear than now.


LeBron would he a good player but because ye is no natural killer ye will not be a leader of the pack. He would make a great general but anytime someone would smack him around and take shots at him he will clam up. Do I think he has gotten better with this over time. Yes he has but when you have the Rodmans of the world who their whole job was to get in your head and rebound and beat the shit out of you. LeBron would go cry like he does now and flop all over the floor.

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