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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2024
- Michael Wilbon gives an oral history of Len Bias' career with the Maryland Terrapins and describes the qualities that made him such a promising basketball player. Wilbon says Bias' immense talent likely would have made him a rival with Michael Jordan in the NBA had his life not ended abruptly after being drafted by the Boston Celtics. Jay Bilas then joins SportsCenter to describe what it was like playing against Bias in college and to react to NCAA president Mark Emmert's comments that collegiate sports are likely on hold until college campuses reopen.
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i think we FORGET just how INSANE len bias was as a player. he was INCREDIBLE
I went to Maryland U, yes incredible player. But he lack the work ethic. He game was dominated because, he was physically strong amd quicker than majority of college players. He was a man amongst boys. Kinda like Lebron if he would have went to college. But a fee players have the work ethic as MJ. Kobe and Lebron as well as MJ game evolved as they advance in their NBA careers. Bias would have won games and filled seats. But would that transcend to championship. Who would have been his challengers? He would have played the 3/4. Who were the dominant 3 and 4s if he would have played? Would NBA defenses be equipped to handle Bias, it did Jordan until he bulked up and started to be a team player first. Also remember Jordan college stats were not something to brag about.
Gravee coming to Boston might of been perfect for him learning under Bird/Mchale/Parrish, etc.. that lack of work ethic wouldn’t have flown there
@@TGravee ...Jordan's college stats were nothing to brag about because he played within Dean Smith's system.
And stupid
@@TGravee Jordan did have better overall college stats then bias so your point lmao
The silver lining of the Len Bias tragedy is that this served as a wakeup call to the entire NBA of what the consequences of cocaine are (especially considering how widespread cocaine use was in the NBA years prior), and it's a miracle that players such as David "Skywalker" Thompson are still alive to tell about their battles with cocaine addiction. Charles Barkley was even quoted as saying that this tragedy alone singlehandedly scared him away from ever wanting to try cocaine.
We will never forget Len bias ....DMV will always remember
His brother got killed at PG Plaza back in the day aswell, its just crazy.
I think that's a big reason Jordan wanted to maintain a certain image. I'm glad he didn't discuss that in the documentary because it wasn't a direct context between MJ and drug use.
20 20 we’d trade you for Len Bias in a second
@jjosephdubya No, they just can't STAY OFF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEE-Dah!
Which, spoiler alert, has killed FAR less people in 10,000 years of recorded medical science than cocaine kills in one year alone.
Len Bias would have extended Bird’s career and been on the dream team.
Bird said if bias didn't pass he would've retired
OG LOC yup Reggie Lewis and Len Bias were the next ones to take the torch from the big 3 , Reggie was the only one to block MJ 3x in one game and MJ said he was one of the toughest defenders he went against
@@palehorserider1407 thought it was 4 times
. is cringe
I don't think so. If he didn't die that year, he would have died the next year. That is what drugs do. So really was no future for him even if he got in the NBA. So stop thinking what could have been. I would see him having an Allen Iverson type basketball career. Bouncing from one team to another. I don't see any rivalry at all - MJ DOES NOT USE DRUGS vs BIAS A DRUG USER.
Rest In Peace to a true Maryland legend
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
the MF been dead for literally 37 years. lmfao
Being from Maryland I had the honor of seeing him play in person at Cole field house. He would've been the only player in my opinion that could've possibly gave Jordan a run for the title GOAT. It was heartbreaking to wake up that morning and get the sad news of his passing.
I agree 👍🏾
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
100% agree with you. Simply for the fact that Bias had a full game. He could do nearly everything involved with basketball at an extremely high level. Plus being so young, he would have only gotten better and better.
One other thing that factors in is that he was a better player in college than Jordan. I know that doesn’t mean that he would have developed into the same player MJ was but it is true and something to think about.
@@todoubled7970only Wilt is better than Bias. Jordan is somewhere around 5 to 7 becsuause Olajuwon better than him more complete player. Jabbar too. Bird possible because he is perfect team player.
@@zzzvain9710 You can’t compare anyone to Len Bias because we never got to see what he would have done in the NBA. The subject title is "what could have been"…and Bias most definitely COULD have been the GOAT.
I was 17 in 1986 when Bias died and it scared me so much I never did a drug. He's the reason I decided to steer completely clear of them because if somebody that was 6'8" 210 pounds and a physical marvel could die then I certainly could as well. It certainly changed the history of the NBA when he died. The Celtics could very easily have won several more championships had he played.
When Belushi died, that's what did it for me.
@@jojopuppyfish speak on it
@@jojopuppyfish this is exactly what river phoenix had taught me as well along with john and len (+ many others) despite being decades younger than they were. so insanely heartbreaking what the damage of hard drugs can do to a person, especially a young person with so much talent and so much life to live.
That's crazy I was the same age when he passed as well. Thought the same thing, like he was a physical specimen, like how? I truly believe like others he would of rivaled Jordan like no other. And he was on a better team. Celtics would of dominated for years.
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
len bias and reggie lewis vs jordan and pippen would’ve been amazing
It wasn't gone last Mike chosen one nba son no Celtic was gone slow him he Mason sellout
For people who saw Len and Reggie Lewis you saw they were the 2 guys that made Jordan work on both ends.
Not to mention we're on a high level of atheism unlike a Craig Ehlo, Reggie Thesus, Danny Angie, Jeff Malone.. lot of 80's NBA was not on that 90's to 2000 level. They were ground bound.
Dywane Carter 40 years ago wow
Yup Reggie one of 6 players to post 7500 points, 1500 boards, 1000 assists and 500 steals from 88-93 along with Mike, Clyde, Chuck, Malone and Mullin, he was a star but a true number 2, had neither tragedy happened and Len turned into the star he was slated to be along with an older Bird (had he not retired like he said he would), Parish, and Mchale things would of played out a lot different in the east during the 90’s
Leonard Bias death really ended the Celtics' dynasty. If Bias and Reggie Lewis had lived, Boston would have had a lineup that would have matched up well against Jordan and Pippen. Those guys were long. Old Red Auerbach was still thinking ahead of everyone else.
Ben Wilson and Len Bias, two a basketballs greatest “what if’s” 💯
Hawk Gathers also 🏀
More like Len Bias and Reggie Lewis
Derrick Rose legs
@@coreyjones9735 Hank Gathers was good but he wasn't on Len's level.
Lil got it right: Ben Wilson and Len Bias.
I was in awe of him as a kid...the ACC had so many great players back then!!
I remember watching Bias play. He was an absolute monster
@Luis Ishmael he wasn't a cokehead , he tried do it for the first time an his body reject it an he died
You tried tho 👍
Beastttt!!!! Him and Reggie Lewis would’ve changed things. It would’ve affected The Bad Boy Pistons more so than Jordan. Jerry Krause is the only person that stopped the Bulls.
Harry Pool Arvydas would’ve done the most damage to Jordan if the USSR let him go to the nba.
That_Canuck_God he was robbed of prime years in the NBA. Smh. That doesn’t happen anymore
@@harrypool71Could you elaborate some more.
This one is gonna bring tears to my eyes. Still hurts on what was GOING TO BE with him. 6’8. EXPLOSIVE. Could score at will. Boston’s dynasty would have KEPT going. Truly still can’t believe it.
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
DONT DO DRUGS! Many nigs got slammed by COCAINE in the 80s. His "boys" should've told him. lmao
The biggest "IF" in Basketball History
Derrick rose then len bias
Bias was a freaking beast ... I saw him play many many times
@@sorinn7894 how ? D.Rose is still in the NBA 😂😂😂 he has had plenty of chances to prove if hes still good. Len Bias never got the chance to
@@sorinn7894 thats like saying KD is the a biggest what if in history still.. makes no sense.. he still plays theres no “what if” if he still plays 😂
@@knowledgeispower9724 huh
Damned right, Michael Wilbon. Thank you for continuing to honor Lenny's legacy. I will never forget.
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
Didn’t play in the league, but he’s ICONIC
How old are you to say that
💯💯💯💯💯
He dominated the ACC....
He beat jordan in college
Maryland vs unc
Bias vs jordan head to head
I’m 59 and I watched Len Bias, he was a monster!!! One of my favorites
I was 21 in the summer of 1986 and everything they are saying is the truth, Bias was a great player and was not even the best version of himself as a player at 22 and that is scary.
That would've been one of the greatest matches ever. Bias probably and could've raised MJ game to another level because they both was that good.
Bob Knight brought out the assassin in JORDAN going 8-0 vs NBA all-stars before even joining the NBA in 1984...What's within is hard to control heart,discipline, determination
Right would've been vegeta vs goku situation
With Bias around Jordan never retires in his prime.
@@cyber6sapien interesting comment
Jordan had heart, discipline,leadership and determination, things that come from within.
Len was my favorite college basketball player of all times! I couldn't believe he died after the draft in 86.😭
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
Plenty of crazy stories from the 1980s and 1990s. While I do enjoy current movies and music, my favorite content still come from the last two decades of the 20th century. The 80s and 90s were simply the best except in tech.
70's cinema is the best movie decade ever, 80's and 90's don't come close.
Thanks for making this film this is the topic that a friend and I talked about a lot Len Bias what if and Michael Jordan thank you
Bias was a BEAST!
This rivalry would've been remembered till this day
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
Lennord Bias, "6' 8" 220. Len Bias lifted weights with the football team. Go Terrapins!!!
Lenny Bias was a powerful player
Crazzzy
And playing with prime Bird
Larry Johnson, Anthony Mason and Coreless Williams would be GOAT if that mattered in Basketball ask DURANT he said "me not benching 185 has nothing to do with my Basketball skills"
He was heavier than 220 .
Best 2 players I’ve ever seen MJ and Bias
I actually had the pleasure of seeing both of these great players on TV in the 80 s and i wish len would've lived so we could see how great he could've been. We already saw how air Jordan did it
I saw the 30 for 30 on this. Sad story.
Without Bias. One of ESPN'S top five 30 for 30s. In my opinion #1. It was devastating watching it.
I passed the 8th grade when Bias got drafted my first day in high school that s all they talked about
I’ve watched Bias n was in awe he was a transcendent player and it was just college we didn’t get to see his prime now we can’t do nothing but imagine how successful he could’ve been in the league
One of the biggest what ifs in sports. Would've been amazing to see a Boston/Chicago rivalry with Bias leading the Celtic's into the 90's . Does Jordan get to 6 rings? Does Larry play a couple more years mentoring Len? Does Paul Pierce ever get to Boston? So many things that could've been different if he lived
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
I must agree because I don’t think MJ get six rings and in the back of his if he really gave any thought he knew he would not have gotten them also.
Jordan wouldn't have 6 titles. Period ! And Kareem Abdul Jabbar would be the GOAT 🐐 in my eyes. Period ! Check Kareem resume !!! He has 6 titles, too.
I will say this, we never got to experience the joys of Len in the NBA but I think he truly saved countless lives. I was 12 at the time, very impressionable and I looked up to these men, him dying was something I NEVER forget and it solidified my commitment to not use drugs. John Lucas was a HUGE favorite of mine back then and I know he too struggled with it. Anyway, makes me tear up thinking about what could have been either way and both are an untold story.
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
Got a poster of Jordan wearing converse dunking on Bias!!
I have the same poster! It's a rare one for sure. Got it in a UNC campus book store when visiting in '92. They had it up on the wall not for sale, and I said "How much!", and they sold it to me for like $10-15. Couldn't believe it.
Oooh I want to find this
how? i cant even find the pic online
Bias would have been somewhat equal to Lebron in my opinion.
@@alanbyrd5635
Dominique Wilkins, but no one has the heart and discipline of Jordan
As a wise man once said, "Cocaine is helluva drug."
No that's was Richard Pryor
I would Love to see a true comparison of how many people died from cocaine use versus people dying from ALCOHOL TOBACCO and GUNS! Plus Len Bias was MURDERED by Stupid so called friends
Ara J lots more people die from alcohol , tobacco and guns ... I’ve known people who have died from each of those . Never personally known anyone who died from cocaine use tho
@@jh5588 of course a lot of more people die from alcohol because way way way more people do alcohol... that doesn’t make alcohol more dangerous than cocaine obviously. If cocaine was legal and as many people did cocaine as alcohol then far more people would die from cocaine than alcohol.
I definitely remember Len Bias. He was all that.🏀🏀Some of the things i remember is his leaping ability, his jumper, and his size. Big shoulders, long arms, and could run like a deer.
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
Len Bias would of been an absolutely ridiculous player in today's NBA. That jumpshot really reminds me of Kawhis jumper.
EJOne Or Bernard King’s.
Has jordan ever mentioned bias? If not, then i believe its because he knew could match his greatness!
in college Bias was more of a scorer while MJ could do everything. nice try tho
@@TyBrezzy11 More than a nice try. Bias is the Ben Wilson college avatar.
I heard Micheal Wilbon say that Jordan loved to watch Len Bias play
PG County's own 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾Rest 👑
I've been saying this for years now. Younger guys say. I've never heard any pundits say anything about him. I'm so glad this was put out. Thank you ESPN.
I had the luxury of playing pick-up with Lenny (along with Adrian Branch, Speedy Jones, and a hand full of other Terp players) in 1983/84 on the campus of UMD (indoors and outdoors) as well as meeting and watching MJ play in person since his first few weeks as a freshman at Carolina (1981) and over the summers the following years. In my opinion, Lenny would have become a superstar at his position in the NBA. His lack of guard-level handles for a forward is the main thing that separated MJ and Lenny (they played two different positions). He was explosive, humble, and talented with still plenty of upside growth. The last time I spoke to Lenny was when he deferred going to play in the Pan Am games in Mexico and decided to stay home at UMD that summer and work on his game, I recall him stating footwork, dribbling and shooting. We were in North Gym on the campus and he was over on the other court by himself working out while other ballers ran on the A-Court. We talked a bit about last season, MJ (I told him I was friends with MJ and Sam Perkins) and I wished him the best for the upcoming season. I was at the Post Office in ATL in grad school when I heard the news Len had passed away. As a baller and someone who had a few small conversations after pick-up games with him, I was in tears. It was just heart-breaking. He was something special. His lost was a basketball travesty, not unlike my homeboy (Orangeburg, SC) Ronnie Carr (Western Carolina) who hit the first 3-pointer in college history and who while at a camp at UNC (by invite) the summer of his junior year (1982) he was hit while in his car by a patrol car (out of his jurisdiction) speeding without lights (chasing someone), crashing into his drivers-side door breaking all four limbs and doing major internal damage. He was slated to go high in the NBA draft upon completion of his career at WCU. He never was able to play competitively again. Interesting thing, they would have played against each other in the NBA. Big-Ups to Ronnie! || Rest In Peace, Lenny.
Growing up my mom always told me about Len Bias and how him and MJ were suppose to be rivals man I sure wish we could of seen what Bias could have done for Celtics it would of been insane history him and MJ battling it out in eastern conference Playoff games never know if Len was around MJ might've not gotten 6 rings just saying lol biggest WHAT IF ever
As a PG County native this hurts.. Always Mr. BIAS!
The best basketball players come out of the dmv 💪
It's sad to know what could have been without ever getting that chance to show it but Len Bias in my opinion could have easily been one of the top 50 players in league history had he lived.
MJ himself knew how great of a player he was and that says it all.
Regardless of how people feel this would have played out, I would have liked to have seen it. Disappointment for the fans and sadness for the family.
len bias would have been possibly casted in the space jam movie if he did not die
I remember when i put espn as a kid , and 30 for 30 had this boy and i have never heard his name , i stood by the documentary impressed by him and just find out he passed away before playing in the nba Broke my heart
thats life though
some people live to tell the tale
even now, all the feats of Jordan on the court are fading more and more into myth (like Babe Ruth) as its just the story that survives
Poor young man. Pray for his soul.
One of my first memories of sports.The North Carolina game he played.He was a beast.Also his passing was one of my first media/big story memories.
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
Wish there was more footage of Bias availible online.
Dywane Carter what was it like? Was he nice?
RTF666 there are complete games vs. UNC with Jordan
More interviews which he had done should be up but they have extensive coverage of his news death report online.
I walked by Len Bias once at NC State, I was in HS. His shoulders were huge, now I think about it, he was a better version of Zion, just a little bit lighter. His Maryland teams used to run the ACC.
Len Bias was Lebron James my friend!! If you wonder about a Jordan/James game would go, watch some UNC vs Maryland!!!
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
College careers:
Jordan [3 years] = 17.7 ppg (.540 fg%), 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.7 bpg
Bias [4 years] = 16.4 ppg (.536 fg%), 5.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.7 bpg
North Carolina vs Maryland (January 12, 1984):
Bias = 24 pts & 4 rebs
Jordan = 21 pts, 12 rebs (7 offensive), 2 blks, at least 4 stls
Highlights of the game was uploaded by starks23 (stats provided in the description), which ended with Jordan's iconic cradle dunk at the buzzer.
Thank you the end
jp3813 Bias Sophomore year! Don’t forget that part
@@MrTmills32 Sophomore vs Junior, and that gap will always stay the same because that is how ages work.
Len Bias
Reggie Lewis
Drazen Petrovic
3 players that would’ve been worthy Jordan competitors
CELTS WOULDA WON 10 RINGS
thelegendsqb1 Facts would have been amazing to see
Reggie Lewis would have been a defensive problem for Jordan, but he didn't have the offense to be a true rival to Jordan, Len bias is the only player who had it all to be a true rival to Jordan, offense/defense/ height weight(6'8 230)/ athleticism/ TEAM, no other player had that combination to rival Jordan besides him, saying petrovic could have been a rival is truly hilarious 😆😆
@@mommawemad3it975 Drazen was the best player in the world outside of american basketball. Maybe you dont know who he was but he could score 40 easily back in those days against anyone. He put Croatia on the map
@@mommawemad3it975 I think Lewis would've developed a better offensive game (similar to Kawhi Leonard's development) and Drazen Petrovic would have been the best European player and the league's premier shooter.
My nickname for him since I was in High School.. Lenny "BOOM BOOM!!!" Bias. I cried like a Baby when I got the news he was dead.
Just think, Reggie Lewis, Hank Gathers and Len Bias MISSED their time in the NBA. Rise In Power, Men.
MJ is my dude but LEN was a BEAST ALSO
Your comment is bias
@
Not, their stats are almost equal with Len being able to shoot at will and JORDAN playing within Dean Smith offense or getting benched, Jordan for the win.
Unfortunately Len didn’t play long enough to really know how he measured up to MJ. It’s all a projection guessing game
Bias was giannis of his time it would have been a beauty to watch him with bird that pick and roll would have been deadly rest in heaven to a already known legend 😔😔💯💯
Bias isn’t 6-11. Giannis is like a Magic Shaq.
Wow, he said great players would look at him and be in awe. That's some high praise right there.
Imagine watching prime len bias and Michael Jordan battling in the Eastern Conference finals
I say the 90’s would’ve went this way if Bias lived...
Jordan 5 rings
Hakeem 2 rings
Bias 3 rings
College don't mean u will be great in the NBA
You're Biased
@@roguewookiee na I spoke facts
@@roguewookiee len biased
@@thubb326 nobody talking to you
I've always been a Celtics fan and was looking forward to him playing on their team.
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH yeah. Right. Have you seen his highlights? He had a good baseline J, but seriously, terrible dribbling, not many paint moves (Hakeem would've annihilated him), no 3pt line 6k years ago, this guy would've been a solid role player. Absolutely overrated and a druggy.
I went to college in the eighties. Fortunate enough to have watched quite a bit of his games. Amazing explosiveness, with a silky smooth midtange shot at baseline like MJ.
I don't know how good Bias would've been, but at the very least I think the Celtics win the 1987 title. I see Bias swinging the balance in the Finals.
His death hurt me bad.
THEY HAD SOME GOOD BATTLES IN COLLEGE
Celtics in the 90’s was so tragic. Bird’s injuries and the deaths of Bias & Lewis.
they wouldn't do a thing anyways cause jordan and the bulls existed in that decade.
WOW!! I was just in a conversation about this very topic the other day with my friends. I caught a lot of shade for suggesting that someone else was at MJ's level. I grew up in VA and had a front seat to all of the amazing talent in the ACC and Big East in the 80s and 90s. I'm a HUGE fan of MJ. I just also acknowledge that there was another guy out there with MJs same potential, talent and drive that never got his day in the sun. In my opinion, out of MJ's 6 rings, I think Len Bias would have gotten 3 of them. Again, not throwing shade at MJ, but Len Bias WAS that good. Sadly, we'll never know. Michael Wilbon, THANK YOU for honoring and acknowledging Len Bias!!
I can only imagine the basketball that you witnessed back then, I just moved to Centerville, VA and didn't realize all the colleges in the surrounding area.
Well said !!!
The late great All American forward!! Rest peacefully Len Bias.
I always said Len bias was the only rival Jordan would've had...
FACTS
Lenny would've roughed him up with his long arms
@@Cj-hj6rm he would've went at him, and tested him fasho, but I still think Jordan would have won that rivalry slightly...
Reggie Lewis only one to block MJ 3x in 1 game, him and Bias were the ones who were suppose to keep the dynasty moving forward
i think Charles Barkley (also played for a legendary championship franchise in the East during the 80's) became who Len Bias could've become, a worthy challenger to the GOAT. Len Bias *could've had* a career and stats AND THE KIND OF GAME that Charles Barkley had. So although we might have missed seeing Len Bias in the NBA, perhaps Charles Barkley game us a glimpse of what we could have seen from Len Bias.
PALE HORSE RIDER That’s 1 game...I believe MJ still averaged 30 against him.
as a life long Celtics fan i'm still sick over this.
I truly believe if MJ played in this era, he would be a great 3-PT shooter in some seasons and at least above average in others. Kawhi is a career 38.1% 3-PT shooter. MJ is bare minimum on that level if he shot it more frequently.
wdym mj is not kawhi. kawhi came into the league as a corner three specialist, which is why he's good from behind the arc. jordan was not. and aren't we taking the original mj from the 90s? that means he would have the same attributes, which also means not that many three point attempts.
Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing played against each other as freshmen in the '82 NCAA Championship Game and then faced off five times in the NBA playoffs through the mid-'90s. Maybe not comparable to Magic-Bird, but it's something that the documentary and this Wilbon piece overlook. Bias could have made a difference though, for sure.
Len would've been the one with 6 rings. You're talking about a Shawn Kemp/Dominique Wilkins hybrid ... WITH A JUMP SHOT!! And let's not forget, Jordan had to develop his jump shot when he first entered the league. So yea, Len would've had at least 6 rings. Not to mention that Ainge would've been coming off the bench, and Len Bias would've been a thorn in the Showtime Lakers side!!!
just like ralph smapson would have been the best powerforward in the 80s and 90s along with hakeem would have made the rockets championship for years.
also forgetting ben wilson teaming up with jordan and pippen
also if arvydas sabonis was drafted in 1985 instead of making a nba debut 10 years later past his prime.
Also of bowen never had injury problems.
the blazers could have bowen, sabonis, and cyle drexler on one team.
All am saying there is not gurantee he would have won 6 rings.
had Len bias lived into his NBA career the Celtics would've repeated in the 86-87 season bias career woulda been legendary....
Think about Dudes that never made it like Ben Wilson out of Chicago tons of guys never got that opportunity
Think about Len bias and Reggie Lewis
Vs pippen and Jordan
As if the Celtics wasn't stacked enough..That team woulda been insane
Can remember walking into my friend’s house and seeing that infamous SI cover, with that headline and his image, sitting on a coffee table .. permanently seared in my brain .. so tragic
Nobody really knows how good bias would have been in the league
So far ahead of his time.only thing that could of stopped him is his vices. Also it was a wakeup call of how quickly life can end
Jordan not only was amazing on his skills, I.Q. and athleticism like Bias. THERE'S JUST NOBODY with the heart .killing instinct and competitiveness like MJ. Trust me he'd found a way to destroy this dude and build his legacy just like it is. By the way ...both players played and faced each other in the same League in college tournaments and Jordan did his things anyway. . All I can say is I feel sorry for the guy. Cocaine addiction is no joke .
On Jordan nuts crazy. I’m a die hard Bulls fan but some of you treat Jordan like god.
With Bias and Lewis on the celtics they would have been the greatest rival of the bulls. That must be fun to watch.
Man imagine if bias never saw coke, he was drafted in 85 instead of 86 and then the Celtics don’t give him coke he could have been a first timer
I'm not sure we would've been able to comprehend watching Jordan and Bias battle it out in the NBA.
The competition betwewn those two would have fused the cerebellum of our collective consciousness.
If Len Bias lives, Celtics already have 20 titles no cap
Jordan Davis more like 59 titles
@@norvinzor Bit ott
@@norvinzor Facts
Jordan Davis ONG 💯🍀
@@norvinzor that coming too
LOVE Shawn Kemp being in the conversation
would have been legendary
i think Charles Barkley (also played for a legendary championship franchise in the East during the 80's) became who Len Bias could've become, a worthy challenger to the GOAT. Len Bias *could've had* a career and stats AND THE KIND OF GAME that Charles Barkley had. So although we might have missed seeing Len Bias in the NBA, perhaps Charles Barkley game us a glimpse of what we could have seen from Len Bias.
Bias death ended Celtic dynasty from 57 to 86. ...this was a crushing blow for us Celtic fans too .
We can’t assume he wouldn’t have let drugs ruin his career if he lived past what ended up being an overdose.
@umar b Len Bias was dominating pro players while in college.
@@jonpoetical he never played NBA basketball though,so once again you can't assume.
Nah bro this dude wudda dominated...some dudes you know if they wudda dominated
Lennox Glen We can’t really say he could of got a career ending injury . Been your average all star . A mvp player .
Great piece a needed piece .
Perfect" on The BIGGEST stage going "6-0" in Finals and Finals MVP all "6" Times...NEVER allowed a game 7 in ANY of those 6 Finals series...Beat more 60+ Wins Teams in Playoffs/Title runs than any other player in History...5 Time reg Season MVP..."10" Time Scoring Champion in "15" Years...Played PG for 15 games and averaged "33/11/11"...Only player in HISTORY to Win MVP/Slam dunk Contest/Steals Leader/All star game MVP/Defensive player of Year/Scoring Champion all in the SAME year!! (And at Tender age of "25")....These are just a "Few" of his Accomplishments...WAS best player in League on BOTH ends of floor for MOST of his Career...He had the Look...The Walk...The Talk...The Style...The Swag...The Confidence...The Leadership...The CLUTCH Gene..The "IT" factor...He had it ALL...His '"Shoes" were and STILL are the "Fabric" of The Sneaker culture...Even Old Successful White men dressed in a Suit have on his "Shoes"...His ICONIC TOWERING Legacy simply can not be Approached by ANY other player...He Stands all ALONE at the TOP of the Mountain as GOAT...This is "Michael Jordan" we are talking about Folks!!...STOP Desperately trying to Compare OTHER players to him...This is MJ!!
Anyone else remember this highlight as you could hear him yell give me that
Another question: Why isn't Dominique Wilkins ever mentioned as a Jordan rival?
Good point he couldn't get pass dominate teams in the EAST like Westbrick in the WEST, both great players eclipsed by even greater players in their Conference.
He was MJ’s most forgettable rival. I’m just bein real
>For the same reason that Len Bias isn't talked about enough.
>The NBA heavily flanderizes Jordan's legacy to what they think is the most important and entertaining.
>MJ detractors try to push the narrative that he had "weak competition" and didn't have to overcome anything during his career. Acknowledging that he had to go up against Len Bias, Reggie Lewis, Bird, Magic, Bad Boy Pistons, Clyde Drexler, Shaq, Hakeem, Barkley, Robinson, etc. goes against the current narrative that they are pushing.
Nearly 40 years have passed and this story just seems get sadder and more tragic...
Bias playing for 1986 Celtics would be like Lebron playing with Shaq and Kobe for Lakers in early 2000's
How u never saw him in the nda stop it
Larry Bird said he would have retired after the 1988 season had Bias been on the team, that's how good Bias was and how bright his and Boston's future was. Because of injuries, the last chip Boston won during the Bird era was 1986. If Boston had Bias, who knows how many more titles Boston would have won during the 80s and 90s.
Jing Qi would’ve been Boston’s ace in the hole vs those great Pistons teams
Difference is: Jordan signed with Gatorade, and Bias with Coke.
dude was the reason why I never touched drugs , my uncle used talk about how jordan never really had a rival for his second 3 peat
This the talk round me n my partners. For real 🏀 historians
Bias and Lewis would have been a pretty good combo.
Len Bias & Reggie Lewis were great but they weren't going to be better than Jordan & Pippen.
Len Bias would have been better by himself...
Bias was already #1 pick to Boston I believe.
Stop it
Takes more than skills to compare to Jordan. It’s drive ,ferocity, willpower and god given talent. We wish we could have had another. Ohh wait.... we did we miss you Kobe!
*Michael* *Jordan's* *Rivals*
1. Isiah Thomas ☑️
2. Jerry Krause ☑️
3. The Media ☑️
Nice list
Just four years before Len's death, John Belushi died from a speedball (cocaine & heroine). But John was an addict. Len Bias tried cocaine for the first time days after he got drafted and died from it right away.
*If Len Bias somehow survived the overdose, I know exactly what would’ve happened to his career. He would’ve continued doing cocaine and upping his doses that summer of 1986, believing he was invincible after the past doses. He would’ve eventually collapsed and died a month later in July of 1986. The fact Len Bias made it to June 1986 is a medical mystery in itself. There would’ve never been a Jordan vs Bias rivalry with Bias’ addiction to cocaine. Even if the man couldn’t overdose, he would’ve had a short career on par with Earl Manigualt: lots of talent and potential but little to no success. Because cocaine is a real impairment to success and longevity. Jordan didn’t do cocaine. Len Bias was a coke addict. Earl Manigault was an amazing player but also a coke addict. Both Len and Earl died relatively young with no successful basketball career. Len’s basketball career ended the moment he decided to actively sniff cocaine.*
Len Bias was made M.J. work on both ends went head to head in college.
Reggie Lewis once held M.J. to 19 . All star great 2 way player.
Drazin Petrovic scored at will on M.J. in 92' . He was just coming into his own.
All were gone tragically before their time.
They would have made it harder on M.J. if he was worn out without them. Think about how it would have made it harder to win 6. No saying any of the 3 would have won A title. In my opinion it would have impacted how many the Bulls would have won. 🤔
in the eyes of jordan stans, there are no competitors to Jordan. No point reasoning with them.
No. What would have happened is that they would have been hyped up as Jordan's adversary-the way they did with Drexler, Wilkins, and Starks. Then 30 years later, next generation fans would have called them scrubs and claimed that MJ didn't have any competition.
@@x-man9473 petrovic and Lewis were in the NBA and were already going at him. If you were watching at the time. Len Bais for those who don't know. Yes was going head to head with M.J. scoring 28pts at chapel hill after the tar Heels won in Maryland. It already was a rivalry. The reverse dunk spead eagle was Bias answer in chapel Hill.