Former NBA player Rasheed Wallace should never be allowed closer than six feet to a microphone after expressing one of the most ridiculous sports opinions in recent history.
There is often debate about whether Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. The general consensus is that “His Airness” is the greatest basketball player after winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
One aspect of Michael’s career that fans rarely talk about is whether the veteran’s two seasons in Washington (2001-2003) surpassed his accomplishments as a member of the Bulls.
MJ’s iconic image is closely linked to the Bulls brand, and his recognition with the Bulls is infinitely higher than during his limited time with the Wizards, which wasn’t bad in itself.
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan – Rasheed Wallace of the Detroit Pistons during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 24, 2009. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls celebrate winning the 1991 NBA championship against the Los Angeles Lakers after Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 12, 1991, at the Great Western Forum. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Still, Rasheed Wallace argues that the tables have been turned, claiming that MJ was a better player in Washington compared to his time in the Windy City.
“He was a phenomenal player back then,” Wallace explained on his Sheed X Tyler Show, “but I think he was a little more dangerous when he was with the Wizards.”
In Wallace’s opinion (and not a particularly good one), Jordan was a more polished player during his career with the Wizards.
“He didn’t have the athleticism we were used to seeing from MJ,” Wallace added. “His angles were a little sharper, he didn’t move, but he was a strong two-guard, he didn’t just move forward. His shot became more dangerous, he became a more experienced player in his years in Washington, became more solid.”
PHILADELPHIA – Michael Jordan of the Washington Wizards on the court during the final NBA game of his career, played against the Philadelphia 76ers at the First Union Center on March 30, 2003. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Michael Jordan was still at his best with the Wizards, posting impressive averages at a time when basketball fans weren’t expecting a repeat of his time with the Bulls. As a Wizard, Jordan averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
As a Bull, Jordan averaged 31.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. With Chicago, he won six titles (6 of 6 Finals MVPs) and five NBA MVP awards.
Of course, Wallace’s cold criticism caused a stir. And Sheed’s hot criticism didn’t go down well on social media either.
“Old NBA players will talk anything to stay relevant,” said one NBA fan on X in response to Rasheed.
“Okay, that’s what he believes. But he’s wrong,” added another.
Fortunately, Wallace has the fruits of his solid NBA career to fall back on if the whole shock jockey podcaster thing doesn’t work out.
Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls from 1981 to 1998. (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images)
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