Would a Lebron/Wade duo really be any better than Jordan/Pippen?

I think not, because I think one of them would have to take a secondary role and its not clear how they would adjust.

In the Bulls' 67 win season in 91-92, Jordan had a usg% of 31.2, and Pippen had a usg% of 24.6.

In 93-94, after Jordan's first retirement, Pippen's usage went up a bit, to 27.1.

In 96-97, the 72 win season, Jordan's usage was 33.2, and Pippen's was again back to 24.6.

Both LeBron and Wade have had a usg% well over 30 for the last 5 years.

 

couldn't the needed usage be taken from some role players? also, how does that compare to shaq/kobe's usage? those guys are a pretty good example of having 2 primary options.

 

Good point, but it might be easier for a high usage perimeter player to coexist with a high usage post player, than for two high usage perimeter players to coexist.

 

Nope, because the Bulls duo were the best at their positions defensively. Folks forget it was the defense + the ultimate closer that led to titles.

 

This.

That and the fact that both learned how to excel without ball dominating - triangle offense forced off-ball movement.

 

absolutely. how often in that offense did you see them not run the offense and just iso MJ or Pippen if both were on the floor? Even if both WEREn't on the floor.. they'd still mostly run their offense.

 

are we talkin about miami or clevland?eather way, u cant get both lebron and wade cuz u need alot of money, AND think u can build around them. the real ? is if there can be a lebron for wade free agency swap this offseason.

 

oops put the smilie in the wrong place

 

LeBron and Wade? No.

LeBron and Pippen? Yes.

 

absoulutly right

 

HOW DO U EVEN MAKE A THREAD??????????????????????

 

It wouldn't work because they both need the ball in their hands. They both dominate the ball.

 

both of them are pretty unselfish that would be pretty scary

 

You are a rookie, so you can't. Gotta build up post count/reputation before you can do that.

Back on topic, Lebron and Wade could possibly work because 1. you can never be short of playmakers 2. both are known to be unselfish and 3. both are great options to be counted on in close games.

However, both would command top dollars and it would be hard to build a strong supporting cast around them when you commit $40 out of $58 on two guys. I also don't think they can work as well as Jordan/Pippen did.

 

Really depends on how they mesh. We've already seen Wade win with an aging Shaq and past their prime role players. LeBron has made it to the Finals by himself once. They have both proven to be clutch(not in MJ's territory, but nobody is). I think they could make it work because neither is a selfish player. I'll still say Jordan/Pippen would be better because of the 6 titles, and how incredibly hard it would be to duplicate that.

 

in terms to talent, theres no argument- LeBron/Wade have more talent than MJ/Pippen. LeBron and Wade are 2 superstars. Pippen was molded by Jordan- Pippen got ripped in practice everyday by Jordan, and it made him into a phenomenal sidekick.

As far as actually working together-MJ/Pippen would almost certainly have better chemistry/ effectiveness.

 

I don't anyone here will seriously say an LBJ/Wade duo would be better than MJ/Pippen. The reason is matchups: Dwade is just too short.

MJ and Pippen had great length for their sizes. Athough MJ was barely scratching 6'6 I think his wingspan was above average at the very least. On the other hand Dwade is 6'5 with shoes on, a full 1 cm shorter than Jordan. Considering MJ was able to toast bigger and lenthier defenders than him I doubt Dwade would give him any problems defensive or offensively. They could switch and have LBJ defend MJ, but then Wade would be guarding 6'7-6'8 Pippen instead, so its another mismatch.

With that said, I think a Kobe/LBJ combo would defeat MJ/Pippen easily.