Replace 10-23 James Harden with 85-98 Michael Jordan, how much more success?

[ShotCreator]

14 and 15 are preposterous to me. 15 Rockets were totally outmatched on both ends. Harden played pretty damn well. Lighting Klay and Barnes on fire, and getting stifled by Iguodala in important stretches.

However that is absolute peak Jordan.

Jordan did pull off a fantastic upset on the 89 Cavs, but this is a different level of team here in GS.


GS is just too much better. If pushed, they actually put Draymond at the 5 a series earlier, and really ramp it up in the final 3 games of the series with HCA. You got a guaranteed Klay Thompson deadeye shooting game in there. Iguodala's clutch factor, Draymond's killer instinct he's shown time and timer again. I'm not even mentioning Curry. I don't see Jordan doing anything to contain him.

But honestly, Bogut at the 5 might prove to be enough to limit Jordan's ceiling and not let him get too crazy. The Rockets were basically playing two centers on court at all times.

Too many ways for GS to win to bet against in 15.

14 Rockets actually had a much better offensive squad IMO. They'd be hellacious on offense but beating SA, possibly the GOAT team? No way in hell am I betting on that. Too much athleticism on the wings, too much rim protection. They'd never get off the mark offensively, and the Spurs would cause serious problems for most the rotation.'

I think people are really sleeping on 11 OKC. And Jordan. OKC didn't just pop up one year. They get a round further into the playoffs every year from 10 to 11 to 12. They were legit contenders in 11. Harden was a pretty good player but not even all-star caliber yet. Jordan was a developed all-world player that year.

If they have him they can run the table in shootouts that I think they'd win with MJ on their side.

in 12 they probably dominant Miami.


OTOH I don't give Jordan a shot until 2018. 93 Jordan wasn't the extremely resilient athletic freak he was 87 to 91. Those last games of the series against GS without CP3 might blow them, BUT I always felt CP3 tore his hamstring late in those games because he had to take the reins from Harden late game while Harden somewhat mediocre at times. This may well not happen with Jordan. Give it a 50/50.

The Nets duly walk through the league with 96 Jordan. Kyrie injury or not.

22 and 23 Sixers were completely mediocre. I don't see them beating Boston in either season. Let alone GS and Denver.


3 or 4 titles IMO.

[scrabbarista]

Eas

[MacGill]

Lol, I read the initial question wrong. Haha - imagine MJ having the ability to hire and fire coaches, recruit players and unlike JH actually increase his PS production. Not only would he be best in game but many current players would be having a Barkley/Malone type of career.