James Worthy Says That Guarding Michael Jordan Was Easier Than Guarding Larry Bird

[SATAN]

“I would much rather guard Michael Jordan than Larry Bird, because you have to play the game as a thinker when you’re playing [Bird]. You have to get inside his mind. Larry wasn’t quick, he couldn’t jump really high, but there were just some sleepless nights," Worthy said

:eek:

[FultzNationRISE]

Lebron wins AGAIN :roll:

[1987_Lakers]

Funny enough, Bird had 2 pedestrian Finals (for his standards) against the Lakers. I always thought Cooper & Worthy defended him well, especially Cooper.

[FultzNationRISE]

Funny enough, Bird had 2 pedestrian Finals (for his standards) against the Lakers. I always thought Cooper & Worthy defended him well, especially Cooper.


Larry’s the type of guy who cannot score a point and is still able to impact the game.

[SouBeachTalents]

Larry’s the type of guy who cannot score a point and is still able to impact the game.
Just like Dennis Rodman.

[ShawkFactory]

He didn’t say it was “easier”. He just said he’d rather do it. Huge difference.

Jordan could give him 35 every time but he knew what he’s getting.

Bird could give him 35 or 18 in an entirely different way within the context of the game. You had no idea with him. Which was point. If his life was on the line and he had to stop someone from scoring the answer would certainly change.

It’s a personal preference.

[theman93]

OP lacks reading comprehension :roll:

[kawhileonard2]

Of course it was easier because he knew he couldn't stop or hold MJ while with Bird he had to think about how could stop or hold him.

Just like it is easier for Captain America vs Thanos because he knows he will get his A kicked, but against Iron Man he has to think about how he could defeat him.

[hateraid]

He didn’t say it was “easier”. He just said he’d rather do it. Huge difference.

Jordan could give him 35 every time but he knew what he’s getting.

Bird could give him 35 or 18 in an entirely different way within the context of the game. You had no idea with him. Which was point. If his life was on the line and he had to stop someone from scoring the answer would certainly change.

It’s a personal preference.

That's some crazy script writing. Usually when I'd rather do a job it's because it's easier. Lol

[Bawkish]

Guarding MJ is like accepting fate, it's all out of your hands. The entire media won't hold it against you because it is what it is

Guarding Bird is like chess, you wouldn't know if he's gonna explode or baiting you so that his teammates could step up. And when that happens, you'll be in trouble because he'll take you out of your rhythm and you're fukked

[Street Hunger]

Guarding MJ is like accepting fate, it's all out of your hands. The entire media won't hold it against you because it is what it is

Guarding Bird is like chess, you wouldn't know if he's gonna explode or baiting you so that his teammates could step up. And when that happens, you'll be in trouble because he'll take you out of your rhythm and you're fukked

Well said

[Axe]

If only jordan was taller, it would have been the other way around. :ohwell:

[SATAN]

Guarding MJ is like accepting fate, it's all out of your hands.

MJ stan "logic" :oldlol:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi5BORi8Rck

[ShawkFactory]

That's some crazy script writing. Usually when I'd rather do a job it's because it's easier. Lol

It depends on what type of person you are. Sitting on your couch is easier than going on a run but some would rather do the latter.

Bird was a shit-talker and a chess player. He was a step ahead.

When Worthy played against Jordan, for the most part, it wasn’t like that. Again, you knew what you were getting from Jordan. You’ll probably lose but at least you’re not guessing or lost the whole time.

[SATAN]

OP lacks reading comprehension :roll:

I posted a quote. Are you ok?

[Axe]

Coach confirmed to be a casual. :eek:

[ArbitraryWater]

How do we take this into the GOAT context?

[ArbitraryWater]

He didn’t say it was “easier”. He just said he’d rather do it. Huge difference.

Jordan could give him 35 every time but he knew what he’s getting.

Bird could give him 35 or 18 in an entirely different way within the context of the game. You had no idea with him. Which was point. If his life was on the line and he had to stop someone from scoring the answer would certainly change.

It’s a personal preference.


lmao wtf?

Why would he rather guard MJ if it was harder?

He even goes on to mention why.

[ShawkFactory]

lmao wtf?

Why would he rather guard MJ if it was harder?

He even goes on to mention why.

I feel like I’ve already explained my position on it. If you’re going against someone who is just better than you and there’s nothing you can do about it, sometimes that’s easier than playing someone else who you truly feel competitive against but can’t figure out.

Also, I’ve seen the real life version of him saying this. It was a part of a Larry Bird documentary special so we can take that with a grain of salt.

[Phoenix]

Pretty clear what he is saying. Bird outmatched you mentally, MJ physically, and I reckon it isn't just about scoring prowess. Bird was a superior facilitator and everyone was a threat on the floor, making him more unpredictable moment to moment. You played MJ for the score first and foremost. To me it's like asking who is easier to guard, Steph or Durant? Durant in a ISO situation is impossible to defend, he's a 7 foot sniper who will get to his spots and there isn't much you can do. Steph provides a different threat because his gravity opens up things for everyone else on the floor. Who is harder or easier to guard is up to the individual.

[Full Court]

OP lacks reading comprehension :roll:

OP is a certified idiot with the temperment of a PMSing teenage girl.

[Full Court]

He didn’t say it was “easier”. He just said he’d rather do it. Huge difference.

Jordan could give him 35 every time but he knew what he’s getting.

Bird could give him 35 or 18 in an entirely different way within the context of the game. You had no idea with him. Which was point. If his life was on the line and he had to stop someone from scoring the answer would certainly change.

It’s a personal preference.

This is an intelligent and astute post.

[eliteballer]

There was a game somewhere in the Kobe era when the Lakers were visiting the Bobcats and the Lakers sideline reporte briefly interviewed Jordan.

Worthy does analysis for the Lakers and he was doing halftime analysis in the studio and the reporter brought him up to Jordan.

In the course of the convo Jordan said that Worthy was actually up on him in their 1 on 1 matchups.

[kawhileonard2]

Of course it was easier because he knew he couldn't stop or hold MJ while with Bird he had to think about how could stop or hold him.

Just like it is easier for Captain America vs Thanos because he knows he will get his A kicked, but against Iron Man he has to think about how he could defeat him.

[Da_Realist]

Pretty clear what he is saying. Bird outmatched you mentally, MJ physically, and I reckon it isn't just about scoring prowess. Bird was a superior facilitator and everyone was a threat on the floor, making him more unpredictable moment to moment. You played MJ for the score first and foremost. To me it's like asking who is easier to guard, Steph or Durant? Durant in a ISO situation is impossible to defend, he's a 7 foot sniper who will get to his spots and there isn't much you can do. Steph provides a different threat because his gravity opens up things for everyone else on the floor. Who is harder or easier to guard is up to the individual.

Maybe. But MJ shot lights out against the Lakers in 91 while also dishing out 11 assists per game. It's not like MJ was one dimensional. During the 80's MJ was forced to be a one man show. Bird wasn't.
When the Bulls were championship caliber...just when Worthy, Cooper and Moncrief were getting old or retiring... MJ's game opened up more. More post ups, more off ball movement, more passing, etc. But even when he was a one man show, he was averaging 35 on 53% shooting. Even if they knew what was coming, they couldn't stop it. That's the very definition of "un-guardable".

[Da_Realist]

MJ in the 80's was worried about architecture. Bird's house was already built so he could focus on interior decorating. In other words, MJ was focused on keeping his team in games against better opponents. Bird could pick and choose his method of attack knowing his team was was the best in the East. We saw MJ do the same thing in the 90's.

[ImKobe]

MJ in the 80's was worried about architecture. Bird's house was already built so he could focus on interior decorating. In other words, MJ was focused on keeping his team in games against better opponents. Bird could pick and choose his method of attack knowing his team was was the best in the East. We saw MJ do the same thing in the 90's.

That's what it boils down to. Jordan never had a team as great as those 80s Celtics around him.

[theballerFKA Ace]

MJ stan "logic" :oldlol:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi5BORi8Rck

Pippen getting his ass swatted by Bird :oldlol: That 9'1 standing reach was no joke. Him and McHale were long AF.

Poor Reggie Lewis. Cocaine is a hell of a drug :( H

Reggie was probably high as a kite when he was swatting MJ like crazy

[Bawkish]

MJ stan "logic" :oldlol:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi5BORi8Rck

Typical one-brain-cell reply from a limited brain cell supply poster

[SATAN]

Says the guy that thinks Mikey was a literal hero. :oldlol:

Hurr Durr accept your fate d d duurrrr :oldlol:

[Axe]

Says the guy that thinks Mikey was a literal hero. :oldlol:

Hurr Durr accept your fate d d duurrrr :oldlol:
:lol

[Bawkish]

What's this, Dumb and Dumber Thanksgiving special?

[SATAN]

What's this, Dumb and Dumber Thanksgiving special?

Look at this poor guy accepting his fate

https://i.imgflip.com/16zguu.gif

MJ mythologists are something else :lol

[Bawkish]

Look at this poor guy accepting his fate

https://i.imgflip.com/16zguu.gif

MJ mythologists are something else :lol

Oooh here comes the GIFS

That's a great block by the way

[Axe]

:cry:
:oldlol:

[Full Court]

20 years after he retired, Beezleblubber and stinky boy are STILL throwing constant bitch fits over him.

And guess what. He's STILL consensus GOAT. Weep it out, losers. :lol

[Bawkish]

:oldlol:

https://media.tenor.com/_Ndmrmk7i18AAAAd/attention-whore-dance.gif

[Axe]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzOfeMLA_39FslWzB37L03g6Kizs12e JCdKA&usqp=CAU (https://i.ibb.co/JmpGnKz/IMG-20230528-095117.jpg)

[Phoenix]

Maybe. But MJ shot lights out against the Lakers in 91 while also dishing out 11 assists per game. It's not like MJ was one dimensional. During the 80's MJ was forced to be a one man show. Bird wasn't.
When the Bulls were championship caliber...just when Worthy, Cooper and Moncrief were getting old or retiring... MJ's game opened up more. More post ups, more off ball movement, more passing, etc. But even when he was a one man show, he was averaging 35 on 53% shooting. Even if they knew what was coming, they couldn't stop it. That's the very definition of "un-guardable".

No that's not what I'm saying. But I don't think there's any debate that Bird was a better game to game, month to month, season to season passer on top of being a lights out shooter and dominant scorer in his own right. The other thing is Worthy was going head up against Bird so he would have more to say about defending him vs defending MJ.

[Phoenix]

Pippen getting his ass swatted by Bird :oldlol: That 9'1 standing reach was no joke. Him and McHale were long AF.

Poor Reggie Lewis. Cocaine is a hell of a drug :( H

Reggie was probably high as a kite when he was swatting MJ like crazy

It honestly is. Was positioned to basically bridge the Bird era and Pierce coming in at the end of the decade.

[Da_Realist]

No that's not what I'm saying. But I don't think there's any debate that Bird was a better game to game, month to month, season to season passer on top of being a lights out shooter and dominant scorer in his own right. The other thing is Worthy was going head up against Bird so he would have more to say about defending him vs defending MJ.

What Worthy and Cooper are implying is that it was harder to stop the Celtics offense. They could stop Bird from scoring but he was an excellent passer so the Celtics would still get a good shot. They could force Bird to struggle offensively but because Bird could attack in diverse ways, the Celtics could still win. Whereas if you forced MJ to struggle, the Bulls would lose. So to them, it was easier to "stop" MJ.
My point is, Bird and MJ were in two different situations when the Lakers played them in the 80's. The Bulls were not a championship team loaded with Hall of Famers and defensive specialists. Bird had more to work with. He was one of the league's greatest passers and his offensive game had no weaknesses. But MJ had to carry a burden in the 80's that Bird didn't. He had to be the sole offensive weapon The one that had to dominate the ball and be the only focus of the defense. That's the MJ the Lakers played against. Their defensive scheme was "stop MJ from scoring, you can stop the Bulls". Force MJ to pass, the Bulls would lose because they had no one that will step up. Force Bird to pass, the Celtics could still beat you.

When the Bulls developed into a championship team, MJ was able to attack in different ways. It was a different way to attack than Bird but it was just as diverse. No longer did he need to bring the ball up the court and try to score when the defense knows he is the only weapon to worry about. Where the defense knew where he was at all times and they could all follow the ball. But now he has a better team around him and he is now more dangerous without the ball than with it. The defense couldn't track him or develop a game-plan to defend him as easily. By this time, Cooper had retired while Worthy and Moncrief were winding down their careers.

With all that being said... even when MJ had to carry the load and the defense knew he had to score and from what position he would be starting from... He was still averaging 34 ppg on 52% through the 1989-90 season. That's basically Kobe's best offensive year spread out over 6 seasons. From an individual standpoint, that's being unguardable. Any suggestion otherwise is revisionist history.

[Phoenix]

What Worthy and Cooper are implying is that it was harder to stop the Celtics offense. They could stop Bird from scoring but he was an excellent passer so the Celtics would still get a good shot. They could force Bird to struggle offensively but because Bird could attack in diverse ways, the Celtics could still win. Whereas if you forced MJ to struggle, the Bulls would lose. So to them, it was easier to "stop" MJ.
My point is, Bird and MJ were in two different situations when the Lakers played them in the 80's. The Bulls were not a championship team loaded with Hall of Famers and defensive specialists. Bird had more to work with. He was one of the league's greatest passers and his offensive game had no weaknesses. But MJ had to carry a burden in the 80's that Bird didn't. He had to be the sole offensive weapon The one that had to dominate the ball and be the only focus of the defense. That's the MJ the Lakers played against. Their defensive scheme was "stop MJ from scoring, you can stop the Bulls". Force MJ to pass, the Bulls will lose because they have no one that will step up. Force Bird to pass, the Celtics can still beat you.

When the Bulls developed into a championship team, MJ was able to attack in different ways. It was a different way to attack than Bird but it was just as diverse. No longer did he need to bring the ball up the court and try to score when the defense knows he is the only weapon to worry about. When the defense knew where he was at all times and they could all follow the ball. But now he has a better team around him and he is now more dangerous without the ball than with it. The defense couldn't track him or develop a game-plan to defend him as easily. By this time, Cooper had retired while Worthy and Moncrief were winding down their careers.

With all that being said... even when MJ had to carry the load and the defense knew how he could attack and from what position he would be starting from... He was still averaging 34 ppg on 52% through the 1989-90 season. From an individual standpoint, that's being unguardable. Any suggestion otherwise is revisionist history.

I got your point, I don't think we're really in disagreement on it. I don't have the energy to donate paragraphs to the weeds of what's being said when his statement was relatively surface-level. I never looked at it as MJ was individually harder to stop, and yes the fact that MJ never had Bird's team in terms of top to bottom talent( so you couldn't zero in on Bird in the same manner) are all salient talking points. It is interesting that Worthy himself never made that distinction, and its probably his statement that requires further scrutiny on your part ( I did see your architecture analogy above), being he is the one with the actual on-court experience and that's what he said in the manner he said it. Players say alot of things, and often without the context backing up what expressly they mean. I actually would be interested in what someone like Michael Cooper says about that, because he would have more experience defending Bird and MJ than Worthy.

[Phoenix]

I got your point, I don't think we're really in disagreement on it. I don't have the energy to donate paragraphs to the weeds of what's being said when his statement was relatively surface-level. I never looked at it as MJ was individually harder to stop, and yes the fact that MJ never had Bird's team in terms of top to bottom talent( so you couldn't zero in on Bird in the same manner) are all salient talking points. It is interesting that Worthy himself never made that distinction, and its probably his statement that requires further scrutiny on your part ( I did see your architecture analogy above), being he is the one with the actual on-court experience and that's what he said in the manner he said it. Players say alot of things, and often without the context backing up what expressly they mean. I actually would be interested in what someone like Michael Cooper says about that, because he would have more experience defending Bird and MJ than Worthy.

That should say 'individually easier to stop'.

[mr4speed]

I got your point, I don't think we're really in disagreement on it. I don't have the energy to donate paragraphs to the weeds of what's being said when his statement was relatively surface-level. I never looked at it as MJ was individually harder to stop, and yes the fact that MJ never had Bird's team in terms of top to bottom talent( so you couldn't zero in on Bird in the same manner) are all salient talking points. It is interesting that Worthy himself never made that distinction, and its probably his statement that requires further scrutiny on your part ( I did see your architecture analogy above), being he is the one with the actual on-court experience and that's what he said in the manner he said it. Players say alot of things, and often without the context backing up what expressly they mean. I actually would be interested in what someone like Michael Cooper says about that, because he would have more experience defending Bird and MJ than Worthy.

I think Cooper on some of his podcasts has said that Bird was his toughest defensive assignment because even without the ball Bird was constantly moving and working to box out and get better rebound position or setting screens or using his teammates for screens to get open and that Bird knew where everyone was on the court for passing options. It might have been on a Bob Ryan podcast, but I remember Cooper saying this somewhat recently.

[Phoenix]

I think Cooper on some of his podcasts has said that Bird was his toughest defensive assignment because even without the ball Bird was constantly moving and working to box out and get better rebound position or setting screens or using his teammates for screens to get open and that Bird knew where everyone was on the court for passing options. It might have been on a Bob Ryan podcast, but I remember Cooper saying this somewhat recently.

Interesting, and I'm guessing Worthy's sentiments generally come from the same place.

[mr4speed]

Interesting, and I'm guessing Worthy's sentiments generally come from the same place.

The podcast was on October 13th, 2022 and can be found on the "Showtime with Coop" via you tube titled Bird vs Jordan. Bob Ryan is talking to Cooper and it is 2:15 seconds long. I believe Cooper has been consistent with talking about Bird being his toughest assignment = Bird never stopped working while on the court.