Imagine Michael Jordan averaging 45 points per game in today’s NBA. Crazy, right? Ty Lue, his former teammate, says it’s not just possible, but probable! With today’s rules and physicality changes, would MJ truly be even more dominant? Get ready for a take that will spark endless basketball debates.

A fiery debate has been reignited among basketball enthusiasts, as former NBA player and current coach Ty Lue recently made a bold assertion: Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest player of all time, would average an astonishing 45 points per game in the modern NBA. This provocative claim challenges traditional views and forces a re-evaluation of how legendary talent transcends different eras, positioning the discussion firmly within the ongoing GOAT Debate.

During his unparalleled career, Michael Jordan cemented his status as an elite scorer, accumulating ten scoring titles—a testament to his exceptional skill, athleticism, and unparalleled court awareness. His remarkable ability to dominate physically and mentally allowed him to consistently put up staggering numbers, even when facing a far more physically demanding defensive landscape compared to the contemporary league.

Critics often argue that the defensive physicality and hand-checking prevalent in Jordan’s era made his scoring feats even more impressive, suggesting he might struggle against the faster, more agile defenders of today. However, Lue’s perspective flips this narrative, highlighting a significant shift in game rules and defensive allowances. He posits that the current rules, which largely prohibit physical contact, would only amplify Jordan’s scoring potential.

Lue’s rationale is compelling: in today’s game, where “you can’t touch nobody” without risking a foul, a player of Michael Jordan‘s caliber would constantly draw free throws. His unparalleled intelligence and craftiness on the court, Lue argues, would allow him to exploit these rules to an even greater extent, maximizing his trips to the charity stripe and boosting his NBA Scoring average considerably.

Jordan’s unique offensive arsenal, characterized by his iconic double-clutch layups, incredible hang time, and innate awareness around the basket, was revolutionary for his time. While these moves are more common now, Jordan’s pioneering mastery, coupled with his extraordinary physical attributes, would enable him to dismantle Modern NBA defenses with startling efficiency, finding ways to score where others simply couldn’t.

However, no Basketball Debate about eras is complete without considering potential weaknesses. One common point of contention is Jordan’s three-point shooting efficiency, which was not a focal point of his game during his active years. In an era increasingly dominated by the long-range shot, some argue Jordan would need to adapt to maintain his elite scoring status.

Yet, those who witnessed Jordan’s relentless drive and competitive fire would attest to his capacity for adaptation. Given the opportunity and incentive, his dedication to perfecting his craft would undoubtedly extend to developing a more lethal perimeter shot. As Ty Lue powerfully suggests, with the game’s reduced physicality and Jordan’s immense skill set, the only question mark would be easily overcome, making him the undisputed top threat in NBA Scoring, by a substantial margin.