re: per cowherd, Jordan could not win a title in college

quote:

---

First, a statistical comparison of Michael and LeBron:

Per game statistics

LeBron James

Michael Jordan
Points

27.6

30.1
Rebounds

7.2

6.2
Assists

6.9

5.3
Steals

1.7

2.3
FG percentage

.484

.497
3PT percentage

.332

.327
Minutes

39.9

38.3
PER

27.3

27.9
eFG percentage

.516

.509

These regular season numbers show the remarkable equality between the two players. LeBron certainly needs to have the longevity of MJ, which is undoubtedly history yet to be written, but these guys are nearly equal in all categories. LeBron’s PRA (points, rebounds, and assists combined) equate to 41.7. Jordan is virtually identical, at 41.6.

Jordan has an edge in scoring ability, but LeBron’s overall offensive game is also based on a guard’s ability to facilitate.

The number that should strike you as most shocking is three-point percentage. LeBron is often criticized for being a one-dimensional scorer whose sheer strength propels him to the basket, but he has a slightly higher 3PT percentage than Jordan. LeBron is often encapsulated in what people think he should be—in part probably with a desire to defend Jordan’s legacy. But looking at the numbers provides the foundation for the argument that one day the two can likely be prepared.

---