Who was more exciting to watch Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan?

Question

Plus, was Michael Jordan really a better basketball player than Magic Johnson was. Even though Magic Johnson himself said, "Jordan was the greatest of all time!" If Jordan was, how come he couldn't win the title when Magic Johnson was in his prime? In the 80's was when Magic Johnson was in his prime. Jordan didn't have any rings then? It was the Bird and Magic, sometimes Isiah Thomas show in the 1980's.Titles belong to those three in that decade of NBA.

Answer 1

Hard to say but Johnson had more flash and was fun to watch. Jordan was incredible too especially in the clutch.

Answer 2

They were both equally exciting to watch. The problem that I have with Jordan was that alot of times he tried to do everything himself. And in basketball, being a team game, the individual will always lose to the team (the 1986 playoff game 2 vs. the Celtics when MJ scored 63 and LOST is a perfect example).

Magic knew how to get his teammates involved and raise their game, and thats why he was exciting to watch (not to mention his no-look passes). That's why Jordan never won in the 80's against great competition. He had to wait until the 90's, when expansion took over, and the quality of teams diminished.

Magic also said that Bird was the "greatest of all time", so I guess it depends on which day you talk to him. Magic was a much better all around player than Jordan. At 6'8", he virtually re-invented the point guard position, making it almost impossible to match up with him.

Jordan was a great scorer, period. He also took alot more shots than anyone. But he was exciting to watch. There were, however, guards before him that were as good or better (Oscar, Jerry West, George Gervin & Magic).

Answer 3

No question here. Michael Jordan as a player was more exciting to watch. Even if he didn't do something incredible, there was always the thought that maybe he would do something at any moment. He did things no one has ever seen before that are almost impossible to imagine doing. Like that one where he switches hands for basically no reason, or when he reversed his direction 3 times against john starks and dunked over ewing. All that being said, i would rather watch a Lakers game (when Magic was on the team) than a bulls game b/c it was fun to watch everyone get set up for layups and wide open shots from magic.

Answer 4

...i'm a devout Laker. i'd have to say that Jordan (as an individual) was more exciting but that Magic's Team (Show Time) was more fun to watch.

...Jordan did not have a team in the early to late 80's. Even Jordan had to have a future laker on his team to win the NCAA. Jordan also had to pay his dues with "the Bad Boys" as did they with the Celtics.

Answer 5

Depends on what you think of as exciting. Johnson was exciting because on the break you never knew what he was going to do because he had the best court awareness and could get the ball to anyone. Not only could he play each position, he could play it well. MJ on the other was exciting for his basketball intellect and athleticism. If you think playing defense and reading the passing lanes and getting into an opponents head is exciting, then MJ is your man.

Answer 6

Come on man Mike went to the bulls Magic's Lakers were one player away when he got drafted. Magic was exciting but MJ was wow. MJ in his prime would still dominate. Magic, I don't know.

Answer 7

Jordan.

Answer 8

Magic would bring out more ooooohs and aaaaaaaaahs. But Michael would get you up and out of your seat more often.

Magic was a better team player and assist man. He could also play more positions, and was more versatile.

BUT... Michael was a better defender.

To answer your specific question... MJ was more exciting.

Answer 9

I thought neither because there was too much competition between the two. For me, it's the "Admiral", David Robinson.

Answer 10

MJ Baby