Michael Jordan's Dream Team: Building the Ultimate Versatile Squad
For 13 years, Michael Jordan served as the primary owner of the Charlotte Hornets, which permitted him — despite some restrictions — to mold an NBA franchise based on his own ideas.
Although his time in Charlotte did not live up to his expectations, it does not imply that "His Airness" lacks the expertise to assemble an outstanding team. Actually, the basketball icon demonstrated this point during a 2005 interview. Speaking with Cigar Aficionado, Jordan was questioned about naming his ideal dream team. , And he obviously put considerable thought into the assignment.
What I aim to create is a flexible, multifaceted team capable of handling various tasks, explained Jordan.
"The Airness" shares his choices
When it came to picking the ideal team, the individual who is now 62 years old required the shortest amount of time to decide on their point guard.
"That's easy," Jordan swiftly called out Magic Johnson. On account of how tall he is, guarding him would be quite challenging. Watching a 6-foot 9-inch player grab rebounds and initiate fast breaks is truly mesmerizing.
Many consider Magic , a five-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, to be considered the top playmaker in NBA history — and it appears Jordan agrees with this view.
Transitioning to the shooting guard role, it wasn’t surprising that "His Airness" chose himself. Following all, the iconic wing player consistently held unwavering faith in his abilities.
Selecting the small forward position was, according to the five-time MVP, the " toughest part The reason for this selection? Michael Jordan took into account many exceptional players, including Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, and Elgin Baylor.
Moreover, the NBA legend mentioned that the choice was even harder to make, considering he had played alongside One of the best small forwards. in history — Scottie Pippen .
Ultimately, though, Jordan opted for his ex-teammate, not merely due to their shared past with the Chicago Bulls but also due to Pippen's outstanding abilities.
Pippen is incredibly versatile. He controls the ball well. He excels at defensive rebounds. It would be difficult for me to choose anyone else, stated Mike.
Related: "Each day you join us here, you discourage our starting team," —Larry Bird had to skip practice sessions during his college years because he overwhelmed his fellow players.
MJ's ultimate lineup
A dream team needs two exceptional frontcourt players, which meant MJ had to make two tough final selections—choices that were not at all simple.
When choosing a power forward, he mulled over multiple choices such as his University of North Carolina teammate James Worthy, his close acquaintance Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and Charles Oakley. However, ultimately, all these candidates were not selected for the team.
When considering flexibility once more, Larry Bird undoubtedly takes the lead. said the 1985 ROY. What he can offer to everyone across the board includes his attitude, his dedication to work, and his adaptability yet again.
Flexibility played a key role in Jordan's ultimate selection. Various renowned centers came into consideration — such as Shaquille O'Neal, Patrick Ewing, and Wilt Chamberlain — however, in the end, the choice fell on the player from New York. Hakeem Olajuwon for what he characterized as a "very simple" reason.
Olajuwon is incredibly versatile... It’s not only about his scoring, rebounding, or shot blocking. Many people aren’t aware that he ranked among the top seven in steals. He consistently made excellent choices during games, concluded "His Airness."
That last selection fulfilled Michael Jordan's vision for his dream team, making them nearly unbeatable considering the caliber of each player involved.
Related: "There’s zero possibility of me losing." — Michael Jordan shares the four players he'd pick for his pickup basketball team.
