The term two-way player has become a popular part of the basketball lexicon, often used to describe players like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Anthony Edwards, and others who excel on both ends of the court. However, long before these guys became household names, one player who embodied this concept was Michael Jordan .
While the former Tar Heel is best known for his incredible scoring ability, he was just as relentless and dominant on the defensive end. Jordan's unique combination of athleticism, speed, and savvy made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He averaged 2.5 steals per game over his career with the Chicago Bulls, was named to nine All-Defensive teams, and was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1988.
However, according to former Sacramento Kings assistant coach Jerry Reynolds, Jordan could have been a much more potent defensive player had he been asked to focus all his energy on that end.
Jordan exerted so much energy on offense
"His Airness" was the center of the Bulls' offensive system. With a noticeable lack of talented players on the squad during MJ's earlier years in Chicago, he was often tasked with creating shots for himself and his teammates. And with the bulk of the defense loading up on his side of the floor, the 6-foot-6 guard had to exert a lot of energy on offense.
Despite the immense offensive responsibility he had to shoulder, Jordan still carried his weight on defense, averaging 2.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game from 1985 to 1993. However, according to Reynolds, he could have been the best defensive player in the league if he had wanted to.
"When he can concentrate on it, he's a totally great defensive player, as good as there is in the league. If he only had to score 15 or 16 a game, he'd be the best on defense," Reynolds declared .
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MJ always put on a show
As was always the case with Jordan, his breathtaking ability to create scoring opportunities left friends and foes in awe. Reynolds added that there were plenty of scoring dynamos in the 1980s, but MJ was in a league of his own.
"The thing is, every time you see him, he does something different. You might see a Dominique [Wilkins] or a [Clyde] Drexler and think they're just about as good. Then you see Jordan again and say, 'No way,'" Jerry said.
"If you guarded him with one person straight up every night, he'd average 60. The other guys put on a great show, but Michael takes it to another level," he added.
Reynolds was spot on in his assessment of the all-time great. Jordan had this unique ability to score at will on one end and prevent his opponent from scoring on the other. He was truly a game-changer who revolutionized the way basketball is played and inspired generations of players to pursue their dreams at the highest level.
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