
In a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) shared his perspective on guarding three of basketball’s most iconic figures: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
Former NBA star, whose current official name is Metta Sandiford-Artest, known throughout his career for his elite perimeter defense, explained how each player presented a distinct challenge on the court. Despite facing Jordan only during the latter’s stint with the Washington Wizards, World Peace was emphatic in naming him the toughest to guard.
“They all different,” he said. “But if I had to give one guy the edge, it’d be—it’d be Michael.”
The former All-Star praised Jordan’s mid-range efficiency, strength, and fundamentally sound movements. According to him, Jordan’s footwork and shot release made him lethal once he got position.
Jordan averaged 22.4 points, six rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in five matchups against World Peace. In contrast, Bryant averaged 27.6 points across 20 games, and James posted 26.9 in their meetings.
Despite the statistical edge held by Bryant and James, World Peace pointed to the subtle, unquantifiable qualities in Jordan’s game. “Once he release it, it’s going in,” he said. “Everything’s fundamentally sound.”
He described Bryant as slightly more agile than Jordan and characterized James as a powerful, floor-reading playmaker who brought a different dynamic. “LeBron—he was physical, he sees the floor, and he brought something totally different,” World Peace noted.
In a rare personal story, World Peace confirmed a longstanding rumor that he accidentally broke Jordan’s ribs during an intense summer pickup game. “I just think he didn’t realize how strong I was,” he explained, adding that the injury came from an attempt to maneuver for position rather than an intentional act.
The incident, reported at the time by the Chicago Tribune, caused controversy, but World Peace said Jordan personally called him afterward to clear the air and invite him back to the summer sessions.
Jordan’s competitive environment in those runs was well-known. World Peace revealed that Jordan even brought referees to pickup games, emphasizing the seriousness with which he approached every aspect of the sport.
Despite his intense playing style, World Peace said Jordan never talked trash to him, unlike what many opponents experienced. “Nobody talks to me,” he said with a laugh, noting even Bryant and James stayed mostly silent when matched up with him.
He also recalled Jordan once calling him one of his favorite defenders, a claim he said was questioned by Charles Barkley, but which he stood by. “I ain’t kissing Michael Jordan’s behind. I’m going at Michael.”