Depends, Jordan was that good back when hand checking was still allowed. NBA has eased the rules substantially since that time. As great as Kobe is, he didn't have to get beat up by the Pistons for his first few years in the league. There was an entire defensive theory called the Jordan Rules and most of todays players wouldn't have survived most of the punishment he took.
That and traveling has changed from 2 to 3 steps (Jordan's time) to somewhere around 5 to 12 steps now depending on the ref. There are definitely more offensive friendly rules today then before. Yet Jordan still wins most statistical categories other then 3pt percentage and like 0.04% behind in free throw percentage. and Kobe's 6 for 24 in a game 7 doesn't help his cause.
Thus, Jordan in a blow out if both played during Jordan's Years. But Jordan in a squeaker if both were playing today.
Originally Posted by daarakan
It's not that the rule on traveling has changed, it's just more lax than it was in Jordan's time. Refs make mistakes, and the fast paced nature of the game makes it hard sometimes to catch traveling, even with all three refs watching. Like LeBron's 'crab dribble'. It's hard to tell if he was still gathering the ball when he stepped off on his pivot foot. Also, they have taken into account the individual player's size and cadence is a determining factor in when a player actually gathers the ball and when they step off. I've never seen a ref let a player take 12 steps; that would be ludicrous. As for hand checking, I think it made the game too easy, all the players move are their feet lol. I know it was meant to open up the flow of the game, but they should've left the restriction at the hand, and not the forearm.
Squeaker? Jordan would blow Kobe away, no matter what era. Combine his leap, his extended shooting range, and his ability to post up, Kobe's ass would be in SERIOUS trouble. Stop playin
As for stats...