“Wasn’t all that of a defender…” Rasheed Wallace makes SHOCKING claim about Michael Jordan’s defensive skills 

Michael Jordan was named to 9 All-Defensive First Teams and was the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year winner.

“Wasn’t all that of a defender…” Rasheed Wallace makes SHOCKING claim about Michael Jordan’s defensive skills 

Michael Jordan (Left) and Rasheed Wallace (Right) (via Open Source/X)

Michael Jordan, during his prime also gained a reputation as an elite defender, but Rasheed Wallace, a former NBA star, challenges the notion that Jordan was among the best perimeter defenders of his time. Despite Wallace being recognized as one of the top defenders of his generation, he refrains from extending the same courtesy to Jordan, raising questions about the latter’s defensive prowess on the court.

Throughout his career, Jordan earned a reputation as a ‘defensive pest’. Standing at 6-foot-6, the former Chicago Bulls star displayed quick footwork and employed his large hands to disrupt ball handlers. Opposing stars in his era hesitated to face him, given his prowess as a skilled player on both ends of the court.

Wallace stated on Underdog NBA:

Mike wasn't all that good of a defender. All that's NBA s***, We like Mike, we gonna put him up there. I'm talking about being out there. I seen this motherf***** get his a** bust, where he couldn't stop a motherf*******... I'm not saying he didn't play defense. I'm just saying that his defense wasn't as high as most other cats at that time.
Rasheed Wallace said

Concluding his career with nine All-Defensive First Team selections, Jordan’s initial six came between 1988 and 1993. After retiring from the NBA to pursue baseball shortly after his prime, he made a triumphant return, securing three more All-Defensive First Team selections from 1996 to 1998. Additionally, in 1988, he clinched the Defensive Player of the Year title, surpassing competition from Utah Jazz center Mark Eaton and Houston Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon.

Why Michael “His Airness” Jordan preferred to be recognized for his defensive play rather than his offense

Widely hailed as the greatest player in NBA history, Michael Jordan’s reputation primarily stems from his offensive prowess. Maintaining a consistent average of at least 20 points per game throughout his entire career, he topped the league in scoring for ten out of his 15 seasons. Jordan’s scoring abilities set him apart in basketball history, yet what often escapes notice is his exceptional defensive skills and focus, particularly during his prime years in the NBA.

Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan (via Marca)

He once stated, talking about his defense:

I like to be known for my defense, I think that’s something that’s overlooked. I think offensively, when I average or score 50-something points, that can be seen. That’s what most people see is the scoring part, but they don’t see the defensive part of the game. So I enjoy getting the recognition on the defensive end because it compliments my offensive skill.
Michael Jordan said

Jordan’s perspective aligns seamlessly with the competitive spirit that fueled his remarkable career in the league. While it’s easy to gauge offensive performance based on points scored and shots taken, evaluating defensive prowess presents a greater challenge. In the modern game, advanced analytics aid in this assessment, but even during Jordan’s era, his exceptional defensive talent shone through, highlighting his skills as a formidable defender.

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