Modern era vs. Classic era. We often argue which one is better. However, Max Kellerman appeared hellbent on the idea that Michael Jordan “in today’s game would average a 40-point triple-double.” His podcast cohost and Klutch Sports’ CEO, Rich Paul, appreciated the passion, but didn’t hesitate to give him the hard truth.

Kellerman argued Jordan would have increased usage and more shot attempts to put up a triple-double over the entire season in the modern era. He based his observations on the 1988-89 season, when the legend played as a true point guard, averaging 32.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists while shooting 53.8% from the field. Paul, who signs young basketball talent every season, has learned one thing about building hoops legacies today.

“You’re basing this as if people still consider the pecking order,” Paul said on Game Over. “These kids today, they not bowing down to nobody. They’re not just going to sit around and let you shoot every shot… What I’m telling you is that in today’s NBA, guys are coming in and they are not caring as much as you think about who you are and what you did. Because in their mind, I’m the guy, too. So, I disagree with that.”

Kellerman also tried to explain that Jordan’s deep shooting percentages improved in 1990, 1996, and 1997, when he averaged at least 3 attempts per game. Paul, however, was perplexed when the former ESPN analyst brought up that point and said, straight up, that the Chicago Bulls legend “was a boring jumpshooter.”

This argument is not down to Jordan’s killer instinct. It’s the demands of the modern era. The ball moves much more, with greater pace and through more people. Jordan could take his time on the ball, but nowadays, defenses and teammates demand the rock be moved more quickly. His usage rate may still have adjusted, since he is ‘His Airness,’ however, the triple-double phenomenon isn’t for everybody.

Three players have done it in the history of the NBA: Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, and Oscar Robertson. The points (early 30s, not 40s) wouldn’t be the problem. But finding the right pass every time requires a player willing to live with sporadic shot attempts. A prime example is the Joker.

Jordan’s mindset didn’t make way for accommodating everybody. He wanted to win over any personal accolade that was on offer. The triple-double was never something he chased, and eras wouldn’t change the very fabric of his basketball persona.

How Michael Jordan is helping the modern NBA

The game of basketball answers those who seek greater knowledge. Jordan was obsessed with the game, and the only player he mentored closely was Kobe Bryant. But there could be another student. That is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, one of the most explosive rising stars in the NBA.

There are often comparisons between the two. Edwards carries that vintage raw hunger and is unafraid to speak his greatness into existence. That fearlessness led Jordan to offer the young Timberwolves ace some tips.

“[He helped me with] getting to my spots, pulling up, shooting over the defender,” Edwards said during a 2025 press conference. “I think the best tip that he gave me is that most people lean on people in the post with their [b—], and he does it with the top part of his back.”

The results are starting to speak too. Edwards is having the best scoring campaign of his career and is more efficient than ever. Those slight adjustments have made scoring easy. He is averaging 29.7 points while shooting 49.4% from the field, compared to 27.6 points and 44.7% last season.

That goes to prove what Jordan could have done as a scorer with more spacing and pace. If you ask me, Edwards is a reflection of what he could have looked like.

The 24-year-old star racks up assists, but when it’s time to get dirty, he would challenge his coach to take that last shot. It’s a different mindset from someone wanting to get the best shot. And with Jordan’s shot-making ability, it wasn’t the wrong move, but just another way to dominate.

That wouldn’t have changed even if he played in this era.