4 Modern NBA Players That Wouldn't Have Lasted a Second During Michael Jordan's Era

It only takes a few seconds of viewing any individual game to confirm the NBA was a completely different sport in the 1980s and 1990s. The rules allowed for (and encouraged!) more contact, meaning the game was far more physical and tougher for stars like Michael Jordan.

In today's NBA, there is almost no contact without a foul being called. Players have constructed their game around that style, developing deeper and more consistent range and taking advantage of the weaker interior defense.

These four players, in that mold, wouldn't have lasted a day in MJ's era.

4. Draymond Green

Draymond Green is just 6-6, but because of the current NBA's small ball style of play, he is able to play as a center and battle for rebounds. In the '90s, Green would've stood no chance. Imagining him trying to battle down low with legendary big men such as Patrick Ewing or Karl Malone is laughable. Draymond Green would've been torn apart, and it would've been fun to watch. We think he's a Dennis Rodman-style battler only because we didn't have to watch him play the real Rodman. In the '90s, Green would've shied away from the post and fallen in love with his fringe-average shot from range, even more than he has in the 2010s.

3. Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons' size would come in handy if he had played in the past, but his playing style would've been utterly useless. Simmons benefits from the open lanes created by fast breaks, which occurred less often in the slower game of the '90s. Additionally, playing before the "3-point revolution" would've meant fewer shooters who could pull the defense to the perimeter to create space inside for Simmons, making it much harder for him to drive inside. If Simmons is your primary scorer in the '90s, he's getting absolutely swarmed on every play. He only facilitates and score from inches away from the basket, after all.

2. Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns would fail in Jordan's era because he lacks one simple thing: grit. Despite his athleticism and frame, Towns has been unable to lock in defensively. With Towns as their anchor, the Timberwolves have given up 117.7 points per game this season, the third most in the league. Against the large bodies of the '90s big men, Towns' defensive weaknesses would become even more glaring. He might just give up.

1. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving's flashy ball handling works well in today's perimeter-heavy NBA game, but would falter in Michael Jordan's era. Irving has struggled with injuries throughout his career, having missed most of the 2019-2020 season with a right knee injury. His constant injury concerns and the continual drama surrounding his presence would not be tolerated with the tougher coaches and players of the time.