Michael Jordan believes his approach to basketball would not have changed if he had played in today’s NBA, despite the additional pressure created by social media, sports betting, analytics and player branding.
Jordan discussed the modern NBA during a conversation with Sportradar’s Carsten Koerl and DraftKings’ Jason Robins at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, explaining that his focus would remain on the game itself.
“I’ve thought about it,” Jordan said when asked how he would have handled playing in the current environment, according to talkSport. “If I were to play today, what would the game be? It’s a totally different game. But I think ultimately, the conclusion that I come to is that I just play the game.”
Jordan said he would not allow betting markets or statistical expectations to influence his approach.
“I can’t worry about what people are betting on. I can’t worry about what the stats are. I never worry about the stats. All I care about is the end of the game,” he said.
The six-time NBA champion also said he would have little concern about whether his performance helped or hurt those who placed bets on his team.
“If we win, I couldn’t care less who won the bet, who didn’t win the bet,” Jordan said. “I know I won the game. Ultimately, that’s all that I even focused on.”
Jordan contrasted that environment with his playing career, when fans had far less access to athletes’ lives away from games. He noted that people today can follow players before and after games while also using information about players to influence betting decisions and set odds.
“I remember, actually, you wouldn’t know what I did before a game. You wouldn’t know what I did after the game. Today, you know all those things,” Jordan said.
The modern NBA also places greater emphasis on statistics, financial projections and personal brands, according to Jordan. He said players now have to consider factors that extend beyond their performance on the court.
“Where it was very simple back when I played. Either win the game or you don’t win the game,” Jordan said. “Today, you’ve got to build a brand. You’ve got to worry about what your numbers are in terms of what financial reward you’re going to get at the end of your contract.”
Jordan acknowledged that those additional responsibilities could create pressure for today’s players. He also said he does not envy the current generation because of the broader demands surrounding the sport.
“It’s a whole different component to this sport world right now, and I don’t envy that,” Jordan said.
Jordan ultimately believes his own priorities would have remained unchanged.
“I’m glad I was born at the time that I was born,” he said. “I’m very true to the game, so I don’t think I would have changed my perspective about the game.”
During his NBA career, Jordan won six championships with the Chicago Bulls, six Finals MVP awards and five regular-season MVP awards. His final NBA season came in 2002-03 with the Washington Wizards.
