Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his scoring prowess was a significant part of his legacy.
During his illustrious career, Jordan amassed 32,292 points, which ranks him fifth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. However, many fans and analysts have often wondered: what if Jordan had played a full 21 seasons in the NBA? Could he have reached the elusive 40,000-point milestone?
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of Michael Jordan achieving this remarkable feat by examining his scoring averages, longevity, and the potential impact of additional seasons on his overall point tally. Get ready to delve into the numbers and analyze whether the iconic shooting guard could have cemented his legacy even further by joining the exclusive 40,000-point club.
LeBron
LeBron James created NBA history earlier this month when he surpassed the 40,000-point scoring threshold.
Longevity
James’ career success can be attributed to his remarkable consistency and durability. He has played an impressive 21 seasons and 1476 games, maintaining a career average of 27.1 points per game, as reported by Stat Muse.
Comparing the GOATs
Regretfully, James has endured frequent comparisons to his “Airness,” Michael Jordan, ever since entering the NBA in 2003.
MJ’s Career
According to Stat Muse, Jordan spent 15 seasons in the NBA, played 1,072 games, and retired twice. Despite playing in 15 seasons, he finished his career with 32,292 points and an average of 30.1 points per game, placing him in the top five all-time scorers.
Would he have reached 40,000
Jordan played a lot fewer games than the top four scorers in the NBA all-time list, raising questions among fans about whether he would have scored 40,000 points if he had played as long as LeBron James.
Yes
According to the Sport Rush website, the answer is yes—he would have earned 40,000 points before LeBron James.
1,328 Games
Given that Jordan’s NBA scoring average was 30.1 points per game, it would have taken him 1,328 games to reach the 40,000-point milestone.
Breaking Kareem’s Record
For context, consider that it took James 1,410 games to surpass Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points set in February of last year to become the NBA’s all-time top scorer. This information was provided by ESPN.
44k Points
Had LeBron James and Michael Jordan both competed in the same number of games, Jordan would have accumulated 44,427 NBA points. With Jordan’s career, however, these are merely hypotheticals and possibilities.
James’ Greatness
Although Jordan undeniably excels in the NBA, no one approaches the incomprehensibility of James, who is 39 years old.
Still At the Top
In just 35 minutes on the court in year 21, James averaged an astounding 25.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, according to the NBA website.
Taking Care of His Body
The “King” could play for five more years because he had transformed the way top athletes take care of their bodies by eating the appropriate meals, taking the right supplements, and training and recovering for their specific needs. Jordan’s pace would be unsustainable.
Conclusion
While Michael Jordan’s scoring prowess and competitive drive were unmatched, the mathematical analysis suggests that reaching the 40,000-point milestone would have been an incredibly tall task, even for a player of his caliber. Despite his impressive scoring averages and the hypothetical addition of three extra seasons, the combination of factors such as age-related decline, potential injuries, and the natural wear and tear of a grueling NBA schedule would have made the 40,000-point mark a near-impossible feat.
Nevertheless, Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history remains firmly intact. His remarkable 32,292 career points, achieved over 15 seasons, are a testament to his unparalleled skill, determination, and impact on the game. Even without the elusive 40,000-point milestone, Jordan’s scoring dominance and countless other achievements have solidified his place among the basketball pantheon.
