How would MJ did with Kevin Johnson as his sidekick?

[iamgine]

1987 Draft:

5. SEA - Scottie Pippen (Swapped to CHI)
6. SAC - Kenny Smith
7. CLE - Kevin Johnson
8. CHI - Olden Polynice (Swapped to SEA)

Seattle at that time needed a solid big man so if they didn't pick Pippen at 5, they probably would pick Polynice. Pippen is then likely to be picked 6th or 7th. Either way, there's a significant likelihood that Johnson would be available at 8th for Chicago to pick. Kevin Johnson as we know was no slouch himself, do you think he and MJ would've worked well?

[AussieSteve]

Not as well as he did with Pippen. Obviously would be a great team still (they might have been the best backcourt duo of all time) but KJ is a downgrade from Pippen. Also he doesn't compliment MJ as well as Pippen and the team wouldn't be as well balanced.

They still win 91 and 92, but not 93 imo. KJ was kind of done being great by 96, so I'm not sure they win any of the 2nd 3-peat... maybe 96.

[iamgine]

Not as well as he did with Pippen. Obviously would be a great team still (they might have been the best backcourt duo of all time) but KJ is a downgrade from Pippen. Also he doesn't compliment MJ as well as Pippen and the team wouldn't be as well balanced.

They still win 91 and 92, but not 93 imo. KJ was kind of done being great by 96, so I'm not sure they win any of the 2nd 3-peat... maybe 96.
How about in 89 and 90? KJ seemed to hit his prime earlier than Pippen.

I think the reason he was done being great and retired early was injury. He might not get injured in Chicago.

[90sgoat]

KJ was a great scorer and point guard, so it might have allowed MJ to be even more focused defensively.