Death of a Dream: Len Bias. Would he have been better than MJ?

Question

We will never know if Len Bias would have played for
the Celtics, if Lakers would have lost to them in the
NBA finals, and if Celtics would have had more titles
than the Bulls. Had he played against Jordan, if
Bulls could win the titles they did. For me it was the
saddest thing I have seen in Basketball. It still seems
unreal that he never played in the NBA.

Here is a few clips of him in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvyHXqJIxTw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qHB7TAoUUc&mode=related&search=

Answer 1

I heard that some of the analyst were saying Bias was a better athlete than Jordan. Imagine if he was never taken from the NBA and we could be looking at a potential Bulls vs. Celtics rivalry. Bias vs. Jordan would have been the Russell vs. Chamberlin matchup of our era.

Answer 2

Let me admit this: This just keeps getting better and better. Len Bias never saw him play, one of the best what-if's in the Basketball lore... "During his college career Bias was considered one of the most dynamic players in the nation. In fact, Bias was rated by some draft publications as the most complete forward ever to come out of college. Bias was one of the first, if not the first player to warrant comparisons to Michael Jordan, even though Jordan himself was only in his second professional season at the time Bias was drafted.". Remember that Mike was not a standout in college, after only averaging 13.4 ppg as a freshman. Bias, I suppose was a stand-out in all his years in college. But here's the difference Mike have done it and bested out all the guys he played against. He was able to elevate his game at a higher level in the NBA that even the players considered best (Magic, Bird Sottie and company) admits that he is the best ever. Len is out of the picture because there is no basis that he could emerge as one of the best like Jordan or otherwise another Chris Washburn.

Answer 3

To answer your question, Len Bias was better than MJ when he died. He was more athletic with a better jumpshot, and keep in mind, Jordan had only been in the league for two years. He got a lot better once he started to involve his teammates, and although Bias wasn't as good at that, he would have had much better teammates. Hard to say, but probably not better than the mid-90s Jordan.

Answer 4

The weird thing about Len Bias dying of drug overdose is that according to Red Auerbach he was certified drug free by the Celtics and three other NBA teams . . . . *conspiracy soundeffect*

Answer 5

I bet the NBA would look totally different if Len had lived and lived up to his potential. Larry would have won a few more titles. It would be so different.

Answer 6

u must understand that he was good, but he was addicted to drugs.

with more money and more opportunities, he would've failed and even prevented the birth of the celtic dynasty.

Answer 7

No.