Michael Jordan?s upcoming birthday has sparked debate about whether he could cut it in the NBA at age 50.
The fact this topic was broached is a testament to Jordan?s greatness. The six-time champion with the Chicago Bulls made his opinion on the subject clear when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
"One day you might look up and see me playing the game at 50," Jordan said, drawing laughter. "Oh, don't laugh. Never say never. Because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion."
Where do the rest of us stand? At least one current player and former North Carolina Tar Heel believes Jordan could make good in today?s NBA.
"I wouldn't doubt that in the right situation with a LeBron (James) on his team or with a Kobe (Bryant) on this team, he could get you about 10 or 11 points, come in and play 15-20 minutes," said Lakers forward Antawn Jamison, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com. "I wouldn't doubt that at all, especially if he was in shape and injuries were prevented and things of that nature."
It?s obvious Jamison holds Jordan in high regard when one considers his performance as a teammate of Bryant?s. Jamison, at 36, averages 8.1 points in 20.4 minutes for the Lakers.
Jordan reset the bar for ?oldest player? stats in his two-year stint with the Washington Wizards. Before he retired at 40, Jordan became the oldest player to score 40. And, 50 days shy of his 39th birthday, Jordan became the oldest player score 50.
He averaged 20.0 points and 37.0 minutes in his final NBA season. Over the course of his 15 seasons, Jordan averaged 30.1 points in 38.3 minutes.
Jamison cited stories about Jordan?s one-on-one with current Charlotte Bobcats players. The majority owner of the team, Jordan goes to the practice facility from time to time to offer tips and show he can still dunk.
More than anything, Jamison is aware few have discounted Jordan and come out on the positive side. If Jordan believes, Jamison believes. Jordan's effect on Jamison won't allow him to doubt.
"The key is, that's the guy we wanted to be like," Jamison said. "This guy inspired us to try to do it all, the impossible and the man over there (gestures to Bryant's locker), he's trying to catch him so that just lets you know his impact is still felt and he's just done so much for this league as well."
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