Discover the surprising reason why Michael Jordan is considered ‘old school’ compared to Steph Curry and the key secret behind Team USA’s success at the Paris Olympics
When you think of basketball greatness, Michael Jordan is probably the first name that comes to mind. The man who redefined the NBA in the 1990s is often considered the greatest basketball player of all time. However, in recent years, a new wave of players has emerged, leading some to suggest that Jordan’s style of play could be considered “old school” compared to modern superstars like Steph Curry. But what does that really mean, and how does it relate to Team USA’s recent success at the Paris Olympics?
In the 1990s, Jordan’s style of play was characterized by explosive dunks, unmatched mid-range shooting, and a relentless drive to win. His ability to dominate the court with his physical and mental strength set the standard for what it meant to be a superstar in the NBA. But basketball, like any sport, evolves.
Steph Curry came along, a player who redefined what it meant to be a superstar in today’s NBA. Curry’s game was built on precision, finesse, and most notably, his ability to shoot from the arc with unprecedented accuracy. His impact on the game was so profound that it led to a league-wide change in style. Teams are now prioritizing the three-pointer, and the days of relying heavily on mid-range jumpers and post play appear to be fading.
On The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the NBA veteran had nothing but praise for the baby-faced assassin after his first Olympic medal. “In his last two games [Stephen Curry] shot 65 percent from three, so not only is he the best shooter ever, he has the potential to be the best scorer ever,” Cowherd said. Curry was at his best in the final two games of the 2024 Olympics, scoring a total of sixty points and shooting 17-of-26 from beyond the arc.
“When you’re truly the greatest player of all time, you can make the greatest players of all time look inferior or obsolete. Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan’s midrange game is mathematically obsolete, two steps back. The skyhook, uh-uh, obsolete. Why would you do a 12-foot hook, like a dunk, or a three-pointer? Steph can make everything, players, games, and people, obsolete.” “There is only one person and only one reason why Team USA won the gold medal and it wasn’t LeBron, it was Steph,” Cowherd added.
The term “obsolete” may seem harsh, especially when discussing an iconic player like Michael Jordan. However, it is important to understand this in the context of the modern game. The NBA has become an analytics-driven league, where efficiency and effective field goal percentage are the primary metrics for success. Jordan’s reliance on mid-range shooting, now considered less effective than the three-pointer, is something some critics point to when they suggest his style may not be as effective today.
Furthermore, the increased emphasis on team play and ball movement, as exemplified by Curry and the Golden State Warriors, contrasts with the isolation-oriented style in which Jordan thrived. In today’s NBA, even superstars are expected to be more versatile and play in a system that prioritizes spacing and shooting from the perimeter.
This evolution in style of play is not limited to the NBA; it has also influenced international basketball, including Team USA’s recent triumph at the Paris Olympics. Key to their success has been their ability to adapt to the modern game, using lineups that can stretch the court, move the ball, and shoot from distance.
Steph Curry, a key player in the team’s success, is the poster boy for this new era of basketball. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court forces defenses to stretch, creating more opportunities for his teammates. This style of play, coupled with the team’s emphasis on versatility and defense, has proven to be a winning formula in Paris.
While Michael Jordan’s contributions to basketball are undeniable, the game has evolved and players like Steph Curry have become new pioneers of the sport. Curry’s influence on the modern game is so profound that some consider Jordan’s style to be “old-fashioned.” However, this is not to diminish the greatness