How would a MJ/Magic/Bird big 3 do in 2025

[tonyreyes123]

It’s the 1988 version of them + vet min scrubs. How far does this team go in 2025 and how many Ws? They’re in the East btw

Magic
Jordan
Bird

[rrravenred]

Relatively weak from outside (depending a little on how well Bird scales with 3p volume) and defensively average (Jordan is good, but he ain't a solo anchor, DPOY notwithstanding). This team would be TERRIFYING on the break, especially given the high-IQ offball play from Bird and Jordan, and nearly as good in the half-court. I'd note that this is still pre-triangle MJ, so he might be a little bit less effective working off Magic and Bird, but he was such an explosive athlete at this point that he'd still be incredibly effective. You'd see a bit of scaling down of shot volumes

Presuming you play Bird at his natural PF position, it's not the beefiest or springiest post defence you've ever seen, although you'd have to think he'd adapt well to modern switching defences. Magic will be Magic, with great size for wings but limited lateral movement to be an effective POA defender. If Jordan's gambling (for steals) can be controlled, can imagine a reasonably effective defence against wings and guards, whilst probably getting murdered inside and on ORebs.

If it's below-average players everwhere else, can see the team playing solidly +.500 ball and making the play in. Without depth and or good shooters to space the floor, can see them making maybe the second round but not beyond that.

[Warspite]

That team would dominate. The TS% would be off the charts. They would turn below avg big men into all stars. Shooters are a plenty today to get open looks. MJ is DPOY .536fg% 35ppg now playing today with open looks from Magic and Bird. This is Birds highest scoring season (29ppg)

This is Showtime on steroids. If they can rebound they will dunk on every 3pt missed. Opponents defense breaking down and having to double team off of Micheal Freakin Jordan leaving him open on the baseline. MJ is a step or 2 quicker than Ant with better handles and 10x less gravity and he is putting up monster stats. Magic and Bird turn good players into HoFers. The leadership of these guys and the mental toughness would have a huge impact.

[TheGOATRises007]

Vet minimum scrubs would hurt, but I imagine they'd still contend for the title from sheer talent or come close to contending.

[durantbird]

Easy championship

[LascelleL]

I imagine they would scale with modern technology and averages. I can see them doing A LOT of damage no defensive slouches, great playmaking and you have an inside-outside dynamic thats hard to beat. Bird would be the best 3pt shooter but Mike would be no slouch.

Magic and Mike would be excellent cutters, Magic would be an amazing POA defender with his size and length

[Cavsfansince84]

Magic+Bird is enough. Adding in MJ is complete overkill. So long as the role players are decent defensively and can at least shoot 3's and stuff like that.

[penbeast0]

3 against 5, they are going to get slaughtered. Surrounded by a competent defensive center, a defensive minded small guard, and a decent bench, they will do very well. Great talent tells from any era and the degree of brains and skill will make all 3 great NBA players in today's era as well once they have time to adjust their games.

[penbeast0]

I imagine they would scale with modern technology and averages. I can see them doing A LOT of damage no defensive slouches, great playmaking and you have an inside-outside dynamic thats hard to beat. Bird would be the best 3pt shooter but Mike would be no slouch.

Magic and Mike would be excellent cutters, Magic would be an amazing POA defender with his size and length

Magic was never anything resembling a great POA defender. You need speed and aggression more than size and length for that role. He had enough size to guard 4's and was good at reading passes and disrupting them, he was not a terribly good defender otherwise. Same could be said for Bird except with more size. Jordan, if focused on defense, is the guy you could put at POA but hopefully you get a 3 and D small guard like a Pat Bev as you have more than enough ball dominant guys. What you need in your other starters is defense against quick guards and a rim protector; ideally both can hit enough open outside shots or take single team defenses inside to keep defenders honest.

[rrravenred]

3 against 5, they are going to get slaughtered. Surrounded by a competent defensive center, a defensive minded small guard, and a decent bench, they will do very well. Great talent tells from any era and the degree of brains and skill will make all 3 great NBA players in today's era as well once they have time to adjust their games.

Yep. If they are surrounded by "vet min scrubs" as per the OP then they'll get worn down.

[giordunk]

This is like asking what a trio of LeBron/Doncic/Anthony Edwards would do in 2025. Absolute championship favorite.