Can Michael Jordan score 100 in today's era?

This is entirely a reaction to a blogpost I read some days before. It doubts the authenticity of a claim made by Michael that he could achieve 100 points in this era (How has the game changed from your playing days? It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously. Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points). True enough 100 points captures the imagination of many as something that can't be surpassed but is it possible for Jordan to get the mark?

First let me give you some facts before we go to the fictional phase of this entry. In the 80's (1980-1990), considered the best and most brutal decade in basketball, only five times did an individual crack the 60 point mark and that happened in:

1. December 25, 1984. Bernard King scored 60 vs. the New Jersey Nets
2. March 12, 1985. Larry Bird scored 60 vs. the Atlanta Hawks
3. March 4, 1987. Michael Jordan scored 61 vs. the "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons. Doing it without attempting a 3-pointer. OT
4. April 20, 1986. Michael Jordan scored 63 vs. the Boston Celtics. 2OT This is the game when Larry Bird mouthed the now famous quotable quote "god disguised as Michael Jordan". Again doing it without attempting a 3-pointer. It still stands as the highest ever play-off mark.
5. March 28, 1990. Michael Jordan scored 69 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers in OT. Cavs were led by Hot Rod Williams, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Larry Nance and Mark Price. Other notable players were Craig Ehlo, Chucky Brown and Steve Kerr.

Out of the 5 stated above 3 of them were scored by Michael Jordan. You also have to note that in 1987 Detroit went straight into the finals carrying their brand of "dirty" defense and the 1986 Celtics were eventual NBA champions. So Jordan was pouring it on vs. the heavyweights but on the hindsight we also have to note that Jordan did it in overtime games.

Now let's compare it to the 100 point game. Kelly Dwyer reports:

"Wilt was a 7-2 dominant force going up against a 6-10 backup center on the New York Knicks back in 1962. He was able to put up 63 shots and attempt 32 free throws mainly because the pace was so, so much faster back in that era, and because his Philadelphia Warriors team was intentionally fouling the Knicks down the stretch in order to get Wilt the ball every time down court in a contest that was a 16-point game at the end of the first quarter. It was an absolute joke of a "contest," and though Wilt is to be commended for his brilliance, there's a reason why nobody has come very close in the 48 years since Wilt's 100-point game."

If that is the case and knowing how Jordan put up his best numbers can he get 100?

My answer is maybe, maybe not.

But it is also intriguing to note that Jordan at age 40 did get 43 points and mind you he did that in February 21, 2003. Meaning he put up that numbers against players that still plays up to this point. On top of that he did it with hand-checks still warranted in the NBA.

Implemented in 2006 the NBA softened it's stance on defense to give way to a more offensive minded, fun game. As Mike notes: "It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously." Jordan compatriots cry of the same:

"You can't even touch a guy now," says Charlotte coach Larry Brown. "The college game is much more physical than our game. I always tease Michael [Jordan], if he played today, he'd average 50."

"The defensive rules, the hand checking, the ability to make contact on a guy in certain areas .... [have] all been taken away from the game. If Kobe could get 81, I think Michael could get 100 in today's game." - Scottie Pippen January 2006

Craig Hodges is the Lakers shooting coach, get a look at what he said:
Q: If you could take one player in their prime, would you take Michael Jordan or Kobe?
A: M.J., all day. There's no comparison. M.J. could score 100 points in this era. You can't hand-check now. Imagine that trying to guard M.J. It would be crazy.

Hall of Famer Rick Barry, a keen observer of the game, said he would love to see players of the past getting to attack the basket under the new officiating. “They’d score a lot more,” he said.

Tex Winter said. "Players today can get to the basket individually much easier."

Asked if he could defend Jordan under today’s interpretation of the rules, Dumars first laughed, “It would have been virtually impossible to defend Michael Jordan based on the way the game’s being called right now.”

Rod Thorn: “My opinion is that the game had gone too much toward favoring strong players over skilled players, The NBA felt there was too much body, too much hand-checking, being used by defenders to the detriment of the game. There was a feeling that there was too much advantage for a defensive player who could merely use his strength to control the offensive player. If the refs perceive that a defender is bumping the cutter, or bumping a ball-handler, then they’ll blow their whistles.”

So today's NBA does favor Michael Jordan in terms of rules. Jordan a natural slasher/cutter type of player will benefit from calls and even more since with the restriction of the hand-check rules the NBA also implemented the defensive three second. So even though the NBA now sanctions the zone as an alternative defense few chooses it because the "Zone" is maximized if a defending big man can stay downlow on an indefinite amount of time. Take that out and there's nothing to it they'll just retort to man-to-man which again is hampered by the no hand-check rule.

And blowing their whistles is what the refs did. Did you know that: 82% of Tyreke Evans's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 75% of Dwyane Wade's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 71% of Carmelo Anthony's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 70% of Kevin Durant's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 68% of LeBron James's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 68% of Derrick Rose's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 66% of Kobe Bryant's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? Michael Jordan has been known to be automatic from 18 ft. inwards. If the players stated above can move accurately near the basket even as close as 15 ft. why can't Jordan as he can easily match each guy's athleticism? Given these results I think the "airman" can get as close to 100 points as he benefits a lot from these rules.

Again the catch is Mike should be in the zone to accomplish the feat. What's being in the zone? Players tried explaining it like it's a once in a life-time (maybe twice? thrice?) experience, when the stars are aligned and you feel unstoppable at whatever it is your doing. Like when rain continuously pours like it's not ever stopping. 100 points is a long feat and that is why nobody has ever came close to breaking it in 48 years. Again this is a supposition but if there is one man that can do it... benefiting from these present NBA rules it's Michael Jordan.

Thanks (sources):
Photo: from Web
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_players_with_60_or_more_points_in_a_game
http://hoopsapedia.webs.com/thenbazoneera.htm
http://hoopshype.com/articles/defense_lazenby.htm

Fragile Boozer resurfaces again

Bulls fans everywhere are delirious. Carlos Boozer, team's top acquisition, out for at least 8 weeks. Fractures hand. Headline. Utah must have been laughing their ass off right now saying "It's your problem now". At least for one Carlos didn't disappoint. He has a long storied history of injuries that he have already missed a total of 145 games in 8 seasons. Almost two seasons worth of free money. I already foresaw this. But being a Bulls fan, I am an optimist.

Carlos is strong rebounding off injuries, it didn't seem to slow him last year after missing most of 2008-09 season (where he played only 37 games). Again as I said I'm optimistic. Looking through a perspective that it's better that he's better off injured now than the all important mid-season games makes me smile. The Bulls took a big risk taking him into the pay-roll knowing his fragile nature, but it is a calculated risk, they know it was coming.

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said it best: "It's part of the NBA. Those things happen. I think we've got more than enough to win with. We're disappointed, obviously, to lose Carlos, who put a lot of work in, and he was playing great, but that's part of the NBA.We move on and we just move forward. We've got plenty of guys who have started and have played in a lot of big games". It's good that the team didn't trade Taj Gibson yet... they must be thanking the heavens by now that the Carmelo trade didn't push through. Thank God it happened now, where adjustments can be made quickly.

Knowing how Carlos have made progress in the past it's no question he'll be back strong. Inserting him back into the rotation is another thing though... I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Bulls sake, for my pride's sake.


Citation: ESPN for the interview. Photo used: from web.

Miami Heat's primary mission should be defeating the Boston Celtics

Heat picked to be champions this upcoming season. Pfft. Too pre-mature. And I think the notion is caused by the success of the earlier formed big three, the Boston Big Three. But contrary to popular impression that the Heat will go all the way to the finals I stand as opposition. One big obstacle stands in the way and they're "green-ing" to get their hands dirty.

Boston have been overlooked in the discussion of potential NBA finalist because of the LeBron show that overshadowed the whole off-season (even casting it's big shadow in the Finals series). But let us not be fooled, the guys in green maybe old news but they're standing tall. This off-season they shored up their artillery by adding old dogs O'Neals. They present the biggest problem for the Heat as well as the Lakers because they got height and they got might. The O'Neals maybe old but they're not as feathery as Chris Bosh or Lamar Odom, they will use their bodies to their advantage, physical and that's what Boston is even was. Add Kendrick Perkin's to the equation later in the season and you got potent post defenders. Shaq is the only individual left who can play Dwight Howard one-on-one, Bynum even in old age. Jermaine is still useful down the block scorer. Trivia: Have you noticed how the last 3 finals have been dictated by length of players? Boston had better height advantage in 2008, Magic was overwhelmed by the Lakers in 2009, 2010 was the same after Kendrick Perkins went down.

Looking at the entire Celtics roster is like looking at an entire collection of anique superstars, Garnett, Allen, Pierce, The O'Neals. Add to that the motley crüe they assembled this last 3 years where they were present in two finals and getting at least one championship in those appearances. They play hard ball and seemed focused on what they're doing, and the heart Garnett's eternal fire to get to the championship never seemed so vagrant as when he played his best game of the recently concluded finals in Game 7 itself. They maybe old but they are still the bad dogs... the yardstick of the East.

Best advice to Carmelo: Stay put

It has been reported that Carmelo have shown up in their team's media day. After the circus he generated coming to this training camp, Carmelo did the wisest thing, play basketball and be mum. With trade talks taking a slight pause, he could use the silence to ponder what he wants.

Turning down the extension offer from Denver swirled numerous rumors about Anthony's unhappiness with the way things are going for his squad. It's really frustrating when you have been that close (2 more games win could have catapulted Denver to the 2009 Finals), and not being able to duplicate it the very next season when you are expected to do better things. But in the NBA it's not an isolated case. Dallas is one big example (2006 finalist, NBA top seed in 2007 only to be upset by no.8 Golden State). Yet it's also true that with the way the Lakers have put up their team they'd be in contention way beyond after Kobe Bryant retires from the game. And that is the reason why in my opinion throngs of former Western Conference superstars have bolted out of the conference and found the East enticing.

Which brings us to the present situation, Melo seemingly wanting to go Eastside, with the alibi of wanting to play close to the Manhattan area. Anthony is a Brooklyn native. Wanting the big stage that his friend LeBron James shied away, seems a valid reason for moving. Great scenario. But that's until he swings another great city into the mud... Chicago. The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls are known superstar makers not named LA. Those who have played in the MSG were showered with big love from New Yorkers, even if their teams were not so great (remember the Marbury era?), and what about Chicago? The city ranked as one of the highest in gate attendance even in their troubled years in 1999-2005. And from Chicago rose the universally recognized best player ever (Now what's his name? I guess you know). Both teams have the tradition of winning and creating stars. So why is he not traded there yet?

For the Knicks, their lack of tradeable pieces hurt them even draft picks are a scarcity for the club for Chicago, them not wanting to include Noah in the mix (good for them). This resulted for a search for a new trade partner. Enter New Jersey, Utah and Charlotte. New Jersey and Denver are the principal teams in the proposed trade with Utah and Charlotte as secondary trade partners. Denver gets draft picks, Andrei Kirilenko, and Derrick Favors, Charlotte gets Devin Harris and Jarvis Hayes, Utah getting Boris Diaw and Quinton Ross and New Jersey getting Carmelo and DJ Agustin.

What halted the negotiation? Carmelo. New Jersey felt (and rightfully so) that unless they get a commitment from Anthony long-term then the negotiation is a waste. True. But if I was Carmelo why would I like to be there? Because of Brook Lopez? Lopez have yet to prove he can play high level basketball with a winning NBA club. If New Jersey trades Devin Harris, Melo would be stuck with secondary level players like Farmar, Hassell, Morrow and the likes. With the East continuing to upgrade I don't think New Jersy could compete right away and might need for Chris Paul. But there is no guarantee also that Paul might wind up there, even if they relocate to Brooklyn. It's wise that Carmelo thinks the only way to win is to partner right away with another all-star something the Knicks and Bulls can offer right away.

So if I was Carmelo I'd stay put for now, wait 'til the contract is over then move on. I don't think any other team can trade for him mid-season if he doesn't commit long-term anyways. It would be disastrous.

In balance of good and evil

I love Charice's voice. I do. And I like her on Glee. That is why it was such a buzz here in the Philippines that our very own petite girl was casted on the hit TV show. But on the hindsight I must balance adulation and criticism as part of being a good viewer. Good voice doesn't translate to being a good actress as Charice also demonstrated in her pilot appearance on the show. Let me give you an example.

If you were confronted by a serious and commanding presence would you smile or back-off a little? In their restroom scene, Lea Michele confronts Sunshine Corazon (Charice's character) in an intimidating manner, and instead of being annoyed Sunshine smiles throughout the "Telephone" sequence. Really awkward.

One more thing that bothers me is Charice's hand gestures in her audition piece which is very reminiscent of her other famous video "Pyramid". It's eerie that the performances shown in the music vid and the audiotion piece is the same. I hope Charice does a little more creativity the next time. I'm Filipino and I don't want to be biased to my "kababayan" (compatriot), and I only point this out as means of improvement. Having said that I wish her all the well.

Shalom.