“He couldn’t hit sand if it fell off a camel” – Jason Williams boldly claims that Magic and Bird would struggle in today’s NBA
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are broadly thought to be particular gamers who would flourish in no matter period in the NBA they’re plugged into. Jason Williamsnonetheless, doesn’t suppose so and consider the legends would not have it seamless if they performed in today’s tempo-and-house, three-level-taking pictures-heavy setting.
Both got here to the league in 1979 and helped flip issues round for a struggling Association then. Magic and Bird gave beginning to among the best rivalries in league historical past, which followers gravitated in direction of.
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They additionally had a lot of success, combining for eight NBA titles – Magic with 5 with the Los Angeles Lakers and Bird with three with the Boston Celtics – six MVP awards (three every) and 24 All-Star choices.
More importantly, they’re credited for ushering in a new period of thrilling and aggressive model of play, which paved the way in which for the NBA that followers know immediately.
Struggling in today’s sport
However, regardless of the success they’d individually and in basketball as a entire, J-Will expressed his opinion on the prospect of each taking part in immediately. On one of many current episodes of the “Hoopin’ M Hollerin'” podcast, one-time NBA champion Williams shared that whereas he revered what Magic and Bird have been in a position to do all through their careers, he isn’t fully down on the thought that the 2 would immediately flourish, extra so dominate, in today’s NBA, like what many suppose.
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About Magic, “White Chocolate” mentioned the Lakers nice’s common taking pictures, particularly from the skin, would possibly hamper their common effectiveness in opposition to fashionable gamers.
“Magic and Bird, they would struggle in today’s game, too. Magic, he couldn’t hit sand if it fell off a camel,” Williams said.
For his profession, the 6’9″ Magic averaged 19.5 factors whereas taking pictures 52 p.c from the sector and 30.3 p.c from past the arc, doing most of his injury from the midrange and the submit.
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Williams then proceeded to say that he sees Magic in the trendy day in three-time All-Star Ben Simmonswho was stellar along with his all-round sport early however discovered it powerful to progress as he has not been in a position to develop a constant shot.
As for Bird, Williams agreed to the remark that, like Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel“Larry Legend” might affect video games along with his exterior taking pictures immediately. But in different aspects, like his lack of athleticism, he would possibly discover the going powerful.
For NBA legend-turned-basketball analyst Reggie MillerMagic and Bird would dominate even in today’s sport. Don’t ask about it. He is basing his case on firsthand expertise taking part in in opposition to the 2 superstars in their prime and on observations from overlaying the video games now.
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“Larry Bird might play in any period, technology, and dominate. Same with Magic, Michael [Jordan]. It does not matter. You might plug them in the 60s and you would plug them in today’s sport and they would be simply as dominant… Larry Bird would dominate in today’s sport. And he will get to shoot 15 to twenty threes? Are you kidding me?” Miller shared on “The Dan Patrick Show.”
Magic and Bird had flaws in their sport, for positive, however what made them extra particular past their particular person abilities was the competitiveness that allowed them to hurdle all adversaries that got here their manner.
Given that they constantly rank among the many high 10 gamers on just about each all-time listing, it’s truthful to imagine their greatness would translate throughout eras. Players of that caliber do not simply depend on programs or different circumstances. They will discover a option to dominate regardless.
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Related: When LeBron and Carmelo rejected Larry Bird’s notion that the NBA needed White superstars
This story was initially revealed by Basketball Network on Apr 23, 2026, the place it first appeared in the Latest News part. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
