Michael Jordan: How the Great Player Would Fare Today on Each NBA Team

By
Jay Smith
(Analyst) on April 12, 2011

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29 JUL 1992: MICHAEL JORDAN OF THE UNITED STATES DRIBBLES THE BALL DOWN THE COURT DURING A BASKETBALL MATCH AGAINST GERMANY AT THE 1992 BARCELONA OLYMPICS IN BARCELONA, SPAIN.
Mike Powell/Getty Images

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. I would describe Jordan's career with one word...WINNER.

Michael Jordan wowed us year after year with breath taking abilities while still managing to attain every accolade possible. MVP, Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA, All-Star, Slam-Dunk Champion and Olympic Champion are awards that highlight Jordan's memorable career. 

Many people, including MJ himself, wonder how all that greatness would translate to today's game. In the era of the "Black Mamba" and "King James," one has to wonder how Jordan would fare. Well, wonder no more! The following list tells you exactly how a prime Michael Jordan would fare on each team in the NBA today, including their playoff result.

Enjoy! 

Atlanta Hawks

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks walks to the bench as Al Horford #15 reacts after missing two free throws in the final seconds of their 90-86 loss to the Utah Jazz at Philips Arena on November 12, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

PPG: 41.0

Playoff Result: L, Eastern Conference Semi Finals

On the Hawks, Jordan would supply the much needed scoring Joe Johnson can't seem to provide. Although Jordan is individually successful, the Hawks still suffer on defense, forcing Jordan out in the second round.

Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 06: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics is congratulated by teammates Paul Pierce #23,Glen Davis #11,Kevin Garnett #5 and Ray Allen #20 after Rondo drew the foul in the second half agianst the Orlando Magic on February 6, 2011 at t
Elsa/Getty Images

PPG: 30.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

Surprised? The Celtics would possibly go 82-0. Seriously! Doc Rivers would have a field day with rotations and play-calling. Keep the same line-up, just put Jordan at center! NBA Champions in a landslide.

Charlotte Bobcats

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 08: Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, sits on the bench with Stephen Jackson #1 during their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 8, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO U
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

PPG: 47.0

Playoff Result: N/A

Jordan would light up the league on the Bobcats, a scoring frenzy provided every night. However, the team would still be abysmal and not make the playoffs.

Chicago Bulls

1 NOV 1994: MICHAEL JORDAN, LEFT, TALKS WITH LARRY KING IN FRONT OF THE NEW JORDAN STATUE UNVEILED AT THE UNITED CENTER DURING A TRIBUTE TO JORDAN TONIGHT IN CHICAGO. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

PPG: 38.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

Jordan with the Bulls. Deja Vu! Rose to Jordan alley-oops all season. Not to mention the defense that would take place. Thibs would be salivating.

Cleveland Cavaliers

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 31: Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott looks on dejected during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 31, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

PPG: 45.0

Playoff Result: L, Eastern Conference 1st Round

Jordan would totally change things in Cleveland, but not quite garnering a title. I'd look for an early exit in the playoffs.

Dallas Mavericks

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks before the start of a NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on February 26, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag
Rob Carr/Getty Images

PPG: 35.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

How Dirk wishes this was real.

Denver Nuggets

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

PPG: 30.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

No way the league can handle Jordan, Lawson, Chandler, and Gallinari. With Nene and Kenyon Martin in the middle, The Nuggets win the title.

Detroit Pistons

DENVER, CO - MARCH 12: Head coach John Kuester of the Detroit Pistons reacts during a time out against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 12, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Pistons 131-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly a
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

PPG: 41.0

Playoff Result: N/A

The Pistons need a complete overhaul, starting with the head coach.

Look for Jordan to get his usual numbers howbeit in a losing season.

Golden State Warriors

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 and Monta Ellis #8 of the Golden State Warriors look on near the end of the game against the Houston Rockets during an NBA game at Oracle Arena on December 3, 2009 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User ex
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

PPG: 38.0

Playoff Result: L, Western Conference Finals

Jordan brings a new dynamic to the Golden State Warriors. The person most benefiting is Stephen Curry. He would have many more three pointers to shoot, only now they're wide open. Great team, but once again defense would be an issue. Team finishes with Western Conference Finals loss to Kobe and the Lakers.

Houston Rockets

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 20: Kevin Martin #12 of the Houston Rockets in action against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on December 20, 2010 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or u
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PPG: 36.0

Playoff Result: L, Western Conference Semi-Finals

I can see Kevin Martin and Michael Jordan trading shots every night. Good team but no title. Second round playoff loss to OKC.

Indiana Pacers

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 16: Roy Hibbert #55 and Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers react after the game against the Boston Celtics on March 16, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 92-80. NOTE TO USER: U
Elsa/Getty Images

PPG: 45.0

Playoff Result: L, Eastern Conference Semi Finals

Sorry Indiana fans, Jordan would be playing alone. Pacers dropped in second round by D-Rose and the Bulls.

Los Angeles Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 05: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers is fouled by Chris Andersen #11 of the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on March 5, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 100-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PPG: 40.0

Playoff Result: L, Western Conference First Round

You have to love the thought of Michael Jordan and Blake Griffin on the same team. Dynamite plays would be limitless. The Clippers set the record for the most dunks in a single season, but fall short of an NBA title.

Los Angeles Lakers

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 8: Michael Jordan #23 of the Washington Wizards attempts to shoot the ball over Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at MCI Center on November 8, 2002 in Washington, D.C. The Wizards won 100-99. NOTE TO USER: U
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

PPG: 40.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

Kobe, Jordan, no explanation needed.

Memphis Grizzlies

NEW ORLEANS - MARCH 03: Zach Randolph #50, Mike Conley #11, Marc Gasol #33 congratulate Rudy Gay #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies after picking up a loose ball against the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on March 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisian
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

PPG: 43.0

Playoff Result: L, Western Conference Finals

Great team that would struggle to get over the hump.

Miami Heat

MIAMI - JULY 09: Fans cheer as (L-R) Chris Bosh #1, Dwyane Wade #3, and LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat are introduced during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
Marc Serota/Getty Images

PPG: 50.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

This time the Heat live up to the hype. Bosh and Ilgauskas go to the bench, while Jordan, Wade, and LeBron play 3-on-5 every night. Because of the Heat's dominance at 50-0 midway through the season, David Stern rules to have the Heat play 2-on-5 for the remainder of the season. Unaffected by the change Jordan averages 48 minutes per game. Wade and James go 24 minutes per game. The Heat become the first team to win a title starting only three players.

Milwaukee Bucks

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Scott Skiles of the Milwaukee Bucks talks to an assistant coach during a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bucks 90-77. NOTE TO USER:
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

PPG: 45.0

Playoff Result: L, Eastern Conference 1st Round

I see the Bucks doing much better than most would anticipate. Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut would get much easier shots. Carlos Delfino might be Jordan's Steve Kerr.

Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 1: Kevin Love #42 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a foul during the second half of a basketball game against the Miami Heat at Target Center on April 1, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Heat defeated the Timberwolves 111- 92
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

PPG: 45.0

Playoff Result: N/A

Kevin Love wouldn't set anymore records. His rebounding wouldn't suffer, but woe unto his scoring. Jordan heaves up at least 40 shots per game in a horrible season for the T-Wolves.

New Jersey Nets

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: #8 Deron Williams of the Nets speaks with his coach, Avery Johnson during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle
Warren Little/Getty Images

PPG: 45.0

Playoff Result: N/A

Nets would make drastic improvement with Jordan. Avery Johnson's coaching would only help. Still, the Nets don't reach the playoffs without a couple more pieces.

New Orleans Hornets

DALLAS - FEBRUARY 12: NBA player Chris Paul (L) and Michael Jordan attend the Exclusive FABULOUS 23 Dinner hosted by Jordan Brand during All-Star Weekend on February 12, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Jordan Brand)
Charley Gallay/Getty Images

PPG: 40.0

Playoff Result: L, Western Conference Semi Finals

CP3 and Jordan work very hard to get to the playoffs but come up short with no bench support.

New York Knicks

DALLAS - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) NBA players Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Michael Jordan attend the Exclusive FABULOUS 23 Dinner hosted by Jordan Brand during All-Star Weekend on February 12, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images
Charley Gallay/Getty Images

PPG: 55.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

We know Mike loves the Big Apple. He could possibly take the Knicks to a title without 'Melo and STAT. Throw in those two and joy comes to New York City. Why not let him average the double nickel every night.

Oklahoma City Thunder

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 16: Kevin Durant #35 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after a 3 pointer during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 16, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

PPG: 32.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

Durant and Jordan take turns torching teams throughout the season. Jordan seals the deal in the playoffs. Westbrook, well, gets in where he fits in.

Orlando Magic

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PPG: 38.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

Dwight Howard and Michael Jordan on the same team. Are you kidding me? This team would be unstoppable. Jordan never had the luxury of playing with a great center. Imagine how the lane would open up drive after drive. Jordan goes off nightly and Dwight dominates the paint.

Philadelphia 76ers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 03: Head coach Doug Collins of the Philadelphia 76ers calls out in the second half against the New Orleans Hornets at New Orleans Arena on January 3, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

PPG: 44.0

Playoff Result: L, Eastern Conference Semi Finals

Doug Collins and Michael Jordan reunited. Collins and Jordan would have the 76ers playing good basketball, but lack of experience becomes a problem down the stretch.

Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns in action during the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 116-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PPG: 40.0

Playoff Result: L, Western Conference Semi Finals

Steve Nash would finally get the support he needed in Phoenix. Suns upset Mavericks in first round. Still, defense is obsolete, Phoenix loses to Spurs in round two.

Portland Trail Blazers

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Wesley Mathews #2, Marcus Camby #23, Nicolas Batum #88, Gerald Wallace #3 and Andre MIller #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers meet on the court against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on March 20, 2011 in Los Ange
Harry How/Getty Images

PPG: 38.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

Yes, I think the Trail Blazers would win it all. Heck, look at what they have done since acquiring Gerald Wallace. Just imagine Jordan as a healthy Brandon Roy times a hundred.

Sacramento Kings

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings and the Rookie Team moves the ball in the first half during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam at Staples Center on February 18, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

PPG: 45.0

Playoff Result: N/A

Can't you just see Jordan and DeMarcus Cousins fighting every single game? Cousins and his attitude wouldn't last two games with Michael Jordan. He'd eventually quit, leaving the Kings even more strapped and also at the bottom of the standings.

San Antonio Spurs

SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 23: Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts with Tim Duncan #21 and Manu Ginobili #20 against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 23, 20
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

PPG: 33.0

Playoff Result: NBA Champions

82-0....I promise, 82-0!

Utah Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY - APRIL 30: Paul Millsap #24 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after making a dunk during their game against the Denver Nuggets during Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs at EnergySolutions Arena on April 30
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PPG: 43.0

Playoff Result: N/A

MJ and the Jazz would struggle with the great teams in the West. No playoffs.

 

Toronto Raptors

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: A Raptors fans cheers on his team during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download
Warren Little/Getty Images

PPG: 50.0

Playoff Result: N/A

Jordan owns Canada for the 2011 season. The title, however, would have to wait until better pieces arrived.

Washington Wizards

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: John Wall#2 of the Washington Wizards against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Verizon Center on March 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Phot
Rob Carr/Getty Images

PPG: 48.0

Playoff Result: N/A

Jordan owns the highlight reel all season. Yet the 2011 Wizards aren't much better than his real 2003 Wizards.

On a brighter note, John Wall averages 35 assists per game!

 

 

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