“He picked his spots”- Kevin Durant reveals why Phil Jackson’s Michael Jordan was better than Doug Collins’ version
For gamers who entered the NBA after the flip of the century, Michael Jordan has lengthy stood because the definitive mannequin for elite scoring excellence. His tenure beneath coach Doug Collins, highlighted by his league-high scoring common of 37.1 factors per recreation, seems to be the best archetype. However, Kevin Durant just lately supplied a extra nuanced perspective, distinguishing between that version of MJ and the one refined beneath Phil Jackson.
In his view, it was the later evolution that actually outlined Mike’s greatness and likewise caught with KD extra.
commercial
Durant on the distinction between a younger MJ and Jackson’s Jordan
Collins performed an plain foundational position in Jordan’s rise. Over 5 seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Mike emerged because the league’s most unstoppable scorer, main the NBA in scoring every of Collins’ remaining three years as head coach. Despite Mike’s particular person brilliance, nevertheless, the workforce struggled to translate these performances into sustained success. This was largely because of a system that relied closely on Jordan’s ball dominance, the place he was anticipated to change each final result with his scoring prowess.
The transition to Phil Jackson’s management forward of the 1989-90 season marked a major turning level. By introducing the triangle offense, Jackson shifted the main target in direction of construction, spacing and collective execution. While Jordan remained the point of interest, his duties included scoring extra effectively and trusting his teammates extra.
commercial
As a outcome, whereas Mike’s scoring averages turned extra average, his general influence grew considerably – an evolution that Durant valued extra.
“He had a better team, a better system around him. I think, for someone to come as a rookie and average 28 points a night, I don’t think we’ll ever see that again; that’s unheard of. So, talent and greatness were there from Day 1. When Doug Collins was the coach, it was MJ just taking everybody off the dribble from the top of the key, just playing a lot of solo ball. And once when Phil came in, implemented a system, and everybody moved; it slowed his game. Did not slow him down, but like he picks and chooses his spots a little differently than he did before,” Durant said on the latest episode of the Boardroom episode.
“I think the triangle was just like an innovative system. I don’t think a lot of teams run that type of offense in the league before that… ‘I can get 50, but ya’ll can make shots, too, to help us win the game.’ And that just took him to another level.”
commercial
Both variations of Jordan had been equally deadly
That mentioned, evaluating the 2 phases reveals that Jordan’s scoring prowess remained fixed, whereas his management took on a brand new dimension beneath the “Zen Master.” He was now not solely a high-volume scorer however a system-driven chief able to maximizing workforce potential. That distinction is especially related within the context of KD’s present position with the Houston Rockets, the place comparable expectations are in place.
Although Durant’s evaluation might invite debate, it displays a broader understanding of basketball excellence.
commercial
This story was initially revealed by Basketball Network on Mar 23, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Latest News part. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
