[RealJokersWild24]

Comparing eras is insanely tough, but here are three to four arguments and/or general points in that vein of thought:


1. The "Teammates and Opponents" Arugment(s):

I'm not sure that the Dream Team comparison is the best. Michael & Scottie and Stockton & Malone were the only two who played on the same team. Further, International Basketball then was nothing close to what it is now, making them look even more dominant (and not factoring in the motivation of having all the best play after what had just transpired).

I don't think Jordan had to contend with a team anywhere near the level of the Warriors. If you are putting together the best US Olympic Team possible for this season (and excluding injuries) then Curry, Durant, Thompson and Green all get mention. Andre Iguodala is not exactly a slouch either, and has been on Olympic and All-Star teams.

LeBron's biggest criticism seems to be that he's only won one title when not paired with Wade, Bosh, etc. in Miami, but I don't think any of his teammates during his first stint in Cleveland were playing at a sustained All-Star/Olympic type level at that point in their careers. However, in his defense, his Miami team also beat a very talented Oklahoma City team (that had 3 league MVPs in Westbrook, Durant, and Harden, as well as some talented players like Serge Ibaka). Yes, LeBron did have Kyrie and Love when they beat the Warriors (without Durant), but I don't know that Jordan had faced a team any MORE talented than them (especially in an era where threes weren't as valued and the rules seem to protect offensive players, especially stars, from physical play).

Jordan wasn't exactly playing with scrubs either (https://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/pr...dan-052717). His teammates accomplishments and/or draft positions were as follows:

Scottie Pippen (5th pick; career is self explanatory)
Dennis Rodman (Hall of Fame career and multiple time champion),
Toni Kukoc (highly underrated career and an extremely versatile player at a time when international players weren't recognized as they are today)
Steve Kerr (who played for five championship teams)
Bill Cartwright (3rd overall)
Stacey King (6th overall)
Luc Longley (7th overall)
Ron Harper (8th overall)
Charles Oakley (9th pick and one of the league's most notorious enforcers),
Horace Grant (10th overall)
Will Perdue (11th overall)
Bill Wennington (16th overall)
BJ Armstrong (18th overall)
John Paxson (19th overall)

What I'm getting at with the above-- these weren't exactly castaways and the big men, for as maligned as they were, had shown the promise to be taken where they were and I don't know that Jordan's teammates historically get enough credit for their talent and/or achievements.



2. The "Record" argument(s):

In 1994, the Bulls were without Jordan but only won two fewer regular season games than the previous year (57 to 55). That year, they were beaten by New York in seven games (NY would subsequently lose to the Rockets in 7). As many like to point to, the 2009-2010 Cavs (with LeBron) won 61 games while the 2010 version (without LeBron... plus a Shaq on his last legs, Mo Williams, and Danny Green) only won 19 in 2010-2011.

I think that this one is a bit overblown, as the Bulls were still good enough to be a contender, had incentive to remain competitive (as Jordan had retired in his prime [yet another issue] and was ultimately lured back), and the Cavs had clear incentive to tank after having no choice but to invest heavily in resigning LeBron.



3. "Jordan Stepped Out In His Prime":

A huge wrench in truly comparing their career accomplishments. The "what if" factor here has tons of possibilities. Maybe if Jordan wins four to five consecutive titles, teams around the league begin to adjust and load up to combat the Bulls in the way golf courses were "Tiger Proofed".

Would Jordan have really been able to win Seven Straight Titles, or would the League have tried to regulate the game in a way to make it more interesting and competitive (i.e., a run of dominance by the Bulls and no one else might not have been great for business and ratings).

While Jordan obviously had a lot in the tank the first time he stepped away, would he have been as dominant late in his career without the time off?

The greatest questions associated with all the unknowns will never truly be answered.