Michael Jordan who lead the Chicago Bulls in the
1990s to six championships, and a record 72-win season in 1995-1996.
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
He spoke with reporters on Sunday regarding the NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player LeBron James joining the Miami Heat with other NBA superstars Dwane Wade and Chris Bosh, who made his announcement last week on the hour-long “Decision” which aired on ESPN.
James' decision has been widely panned by analysts and journalists alike as being selfish and egocentric.
Even though Jordan was coached by Phil Jackson, the most successful coach of all-time in terms of wins, and had both Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, as well as role-players like Steve Kerr and Tony Kucoc on his side, there is little debate over who guided the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s to the six championships, and a record 72-win season in 1995-1996.
"There's no way, with hindsight, I would've ever called up Larry [Bird], called up Magic [Johnson] and said, 'Hey, look, let's get together and play on one team,'" Jordan told reporters at NBC after the American Celebrity Golf Championship, where he tied for 22nd place on Sunday.
He added that in today's league, things have changed since he played.
“Things are different,” the five-time MVP added. “I can't say that's a bad thing. It's an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”
Charles Barkley, a league MVP himself, who currently serves as an analyst on TNT told Miami radio station 790 The Ticket that James will “never be Jordan” this week. “This clearly takes him out of the conversation. He can win as much as he wants to.”
He added, “If he could've got a championship there, it would have been over the top for his legacy, just one in Cleveland. No matter how many he wins in Miami, it clearly is Dwyane Wade's team."
James, when he joined the heat, decided not take the number 23 jersey, which was at one time held by Jordan, and opted for taking number 6 instead.