Len Bias vs. Michael Jordan: The rivalry that could have been | SportsCenter 

i think we FORGET just how INSANE len bias was as a player. he was INCREDIBLE

The silver lining of the Len Bias tragedy is that this served as a wakeup call to the entire NBA of what the consequences of cocaine are (especially considering how widespread cocaine use was in the NBA years prior), and it's a miracle that players such as David "Skywalker" Thompson are still alive to tell about their battles with cocaine addiction. Charles Barkley was even quoted as saying that this tragedy alone singlehandedly scared him away from ever wanting to try cocaine.

Len Bias would have extended Bird’s career and been on the dream team.

Rest In Peace to a true Maryland legend

I was 17 in 1986 when Bias died and it scared me so much I never did a drug. He's the reason I decided to steer completely clear of them because if somebody that was 6'8" 210 pounds and a physical marvel could die then I certainly could as well. It certainly changed the history of the NBA when he died. The Celtics could very easily have won several more championships had he played.

The biggest "IF" in Basketball History

len bias and reggie lewis vs jordan and pippen would’ve been amazing

Ben Wilson and Len Bias, two a basketballs greatest “what if’s” 💯

Thanks for making this film this is the topic that a friend and I talked about a lot Len Bias what if and Michael Jordan thank you

Being from Maryland I had the honor of seeing him play in person at Cole field house. He would've been the only player in my opinion that could've possibly gave Jordan a run for the title GOAT. It was heartbreaking to wake up that morning and get the sad news of his passing.

I remember watching Bias play. He was an absolute monster

I was in awe of him as a kid...the ACC had so many great players back then!!

Len was my favorite college basketball player of all times! I couldn't believe he died after the draft in 86.😭

This rivalry would've been remembered till this day

Didn’t play in the league, but he’s ICONIC

That would've been one of the greatest matches ever. Bias probably and could've raised MJ game to another level because they both was that good.

Damned right, Michael Wilbon. Thank you for continuing to honor Lenny's legacy. I will never forget.

This one is gonna bring tears to my eyes. Still hurts on what was GOING TO BE with him. 6’8. EXPLOSIVE. Could score at will. Boston’s dynasty would have KEPT going. Truly still can’t believe it.

Jordan had heart, discipline,leadership and determination, things that come from within.

Plenty of crazy stories from the 1980s and 1990s. While I do enjoy current movies and music, my favorite content still come from the last two decades of the 20th century. The 80s and 90s were simply the best except in tech.

Bias was a BEAST!

I saw the 30 for 30 on this. Sad story.

Got a poster of Jordan wearing converse dunking on Bias!!

I’ve watched Bias n was in awe he was a transcendent player and it was just college we didn’t get to see his prime now we can’t do nothing but imagine how successful he could’ve been in the league

Best 2 players I’ve ever seen MJ and Bias

As a wise man once said, "Cocaine is helluva drug."

Lennord Bias, "6' 8" 220. Len Bias lifted weights with the football team. Go Terrapins!!!

One of the biggest what ifs in sports. Would've been amazing to see a Boston/Chicago rivalry with Bias leading the Celtic's into the 90's . Does Jordan get to 6 rings? Does Larry play a couple more years mentoring Len? Does Paul Pierce ever get to Boston? So many things that could've been different if he lived

I definitely remember Len Bias. He was all that.🏀🏀Some of the things i remember is his leaping ability, his jumper, and his size. Big shoulders, long arms, and could run like a deer.

I will say this, we never got to experience the joys of Len in the NBA but I think he truly saved countless lives. I was 12 at the time, very impressionable and I looked up to these men, him dying was something I NEVER forget and it solidified my commitment to not use drugs. John Lucas was a HUGE favorite of mine back then and I know he too struggled with it. Anyway, makes me tear up thinking about what could have been either way and both are an untold story.

Len Bias would of been an absolutely ridiculous player in today's NBA. That jumpshot really reminds me of Kawhis jumper.

Regardless of how people feel this would have played out, I would have liked to have seen it. Disappointment for the fans and sadness for the family.

Poor young man. Pray for his soul.

As a PG County native this hurts.. Always Mr. BIAS!

Has jordan ever mentioned bias? If not, then i believe its because he knew could match his greatness!

PG County's own 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾Rest 👑

One of my first memories of sports.The North Carolina game he played.He was a beast.Also his passing was one of my first media/big story memories.

Growing up my mom always told me about Len Bias and how him and MJ were suppose to be rivals man I sure wish we could of seen what Bias could have done for Celtics it would of been insane history him and MJ battling it out in eastern conference Playoff games never know if Len was around MJ might've not gotten 6 rings just saying lol biggest WHAT IF ever

Great piece a needed piece .

I remember when i put espn as a kid , and 30 for 30 had this boy and i have never heard his name , i stood by the documentary impressed by him and just find out he passed away before playing in the nba Broke my heart

It's sad to know what could have been without ever getting that chance to show it but Len Bias in my opinion could have easily been one of the top 50 players in league history had he lived. MJ himself knew how great of a player he was and that says it all.

I've been saying this for years now. Younger guys say. I've never heard any pundits say anything about him. I'm so glad this was put out. Thank you ESPN.

Wow, he said great players would look at him and be in awe. That's some high praise right there.

I had the luxury of playing pick-up with Lenny (along with Adrian Branch, Speedy Jones, and a hand full of other Terp players) in 1983/84 on the campus of UMD (indoors and outdoors) as well as meeting and watching MJ play in person since his first few weeks as a freshman at Carolina (1981) and over the summers the following years. In my opinion, Lenny would have become a superstar at his position in the NBA. His lack of guard-level handles for a forward is the main thing that separated MJ and Lenny (they played two different positions). He was explosive, humble, and talented with still plenty of upside growth. The last time I spoke to Lenny was when he deferred going to play in the Pan Am games in Mexico and decided to stay home at UMD that summer and work on his game, I recall him stating footwork, dribbling and shooting. We were in North Gym on the campus and he was over on the other court by himself working out while other ballers ran on the A-Court. We talked a bit about last season, MJ (I told him I was friends with MJ and Sam Perkins) and I wished him the best for the upcoming season. I was at the Post Office in ATL in grad school when I heard the news Len had passed away. As a baller and someone who had a few small conversations after pick-up games with him, I was in tears. It was just heart-breaking. He was something special. His lost was a basketball travesty, not unlike my homeboy (Orangeburg, SC) Ronnie Carr (Western Carolina) who hit the first 3-pointer in college history and who while at a camp at UNC (by invite) the summer of his junior year (1982) he was hit while in his car by a patrol car (out of his jurisdiction) speeding without lights (chasing someone), crashing into his drivers-side door breaking all four limbs and doing major internal damage. He was slated to go high in the NBA draft upon completion of his career at WCU. He never was able to play competitively again. Interesting thing, they would have played against each other in the NBA. Big-Ups to Ronnie! || Rest In Peace, Lenny.

Wish there was more footage of Bias availible online.

len bias would have been possibly casted in the space jam movie if he did not die

THEY HAD SOME GOOD BATTLES IN COLLEGE

I went to college in the eighties. Fortunate enough to have watched quite a bit of his games. Amazing explosiveness, with a silky smooth midtange shot at baseline like MJ.

I've always been a Celtics fan and was looking forward to him playing on their team.

College careers: Jordan [3 years] = 17.7 ppg (.540 fg%), 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.7 bpg Bias [4 years] = 16.4 ppg (.536 fg%), 5.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.7 bpg North Carolina vs Maryland (January 12, 1984): Bias = 24 pts & 4 rebs Jordan = 21 pts, 12 rebs (7 offensive), 2 blks, at least 4 stls Highlights of the game was uploaded by starks23 (stats provided in the description), which ended with Jordan's iconic cradle dunk at the buzzer.

Can remember walking into my friend’s house and seeing that infamous SI cover, with that headline and his image, sitting on a coffee table .. permanently seared in my brain .. so tragic

Nearly 40 years have passed and this story just seems get sadder and more tragic...

I walked by Len Bias once at NC State, I was in HS. His shoulders were huge, now I think about it, he was a better version of Zion, just a little bit lighter. His Maryland teams used to run the ACC.

MJ is my dude but LEN was a BEAST ALSO

I actually had the pleasure of seeing both of these great players on TV in the 80 s and i wish len would've lived so we could see how great he could've been. We already saw how air Jordan did it

LOVE Shawn Kemp being in the conversation

Imagine watching prime len bias and Michael Jordan battling in the Eastern Conference finals

My nickname for him since I was in High School.. Lenny "BOOM BOOM!!!" Bias. I cried like a Baby when I got the news he was dead. Just think, Reggie Lewis, Hank Gathers and Len Bias MISSED their time in the NBA. Rise In Power, Men.

Anyone else remember this highlight as you could hear him yell give me that

My favorite college basketball player

Bias was giannis of his time it would have been a beauty to watch him with bird that pick and roll would have been deadly rest in heaven to a already known legend 😔😔💯💯

Len Bias Reggie Lewis Drazen Petrovic 3 players that would’ve been worthy Jordan competitors

Great video. Also want to give shoutout to the blazers drafting Arvydas sabonis in the mid 80s with Drexler and the crew. Woulda changed NBA history just like Len Bias. 2 biggest what ifs in nba history

The late great All American forward!! Rest peacefully Len Bias.

would have been legendary

I always said Len bias was the only rival Jordan would've had...

WOW!! I was just in a conversation about this very topic the other day with my friends. I caught a lot of shade for suggesting that someone else was at MJ's level. I grew up in VA and had a front seat to all of the amazing talent in the ACC and Big East in the 80s and 90s. I'm a HUGE fan of MJ. I just also acknowledge that there was another guy out there with MJs same potential, talent and drive that never got his day in the sun. In my opinion, out of MJ's 6 rings, I think Len Bias would have gotten 3 of them. Again, not throwing shade at MJ, but Len Bias WAS that good. Sadly, we'll never know. Michael Wilbon, THANK YOU for honoring and acknowledging Len Bias!!

He was the greatest I ever seen.

I say the 90’s would’ve went this way if Bias lived... Jordan 5 rings Hakeem 2 rings Bias 3 rings

I don't know how good Bias would've been, but at the very least I think the Celtics win the 1987 title. I see Bias swinging the balance in the Finals.

Lenny Was Incredible!!!😢

i was three going on 4 years old when he got draft i was shock when he died

Man imagine if bias never saw coke, he was drafted in 85 instead of 86 and then the Celtics don’t give him coke he could have been a first timer

Nobody really knows how good bias would have been in the league

So far ahead of his time.only thing that could of stopped him is his vices. Also it was a wakeup call of how quickly life can end

Len would've been the one with 6 rings. You're talking about a Shawn Kemp/Dominique Wilkins hybrid ... WITH A JUMP SHOT!! And let's not forget, Jordan had to develop his jump shot when he first entered the league. So yea, Len would've had at least 6 rings. Not to mention that Ainge would've been coming off the bench, and Len Bias would've been a thorn in the Showtime Lakers side!!!

This the talk round me n my partners. For real 🏀 historians

long live Len!!!

Celtics in the 90’s was so tragic. Bird’s injuries and the deaths of Bias & Lewis.

As if the Celtics wasn't stacked enough..That team woulda been insane

If Len Bias lives, Celtics already have 20 titles no cap

You never know until you see them play in the NBA.

what a complicated legacy for the one of the greatest what-if players in the NBA. his death had more impact off the court than it did on the court i would argue

Think about Dudes that never made it like Ben Wilson out of Chicago tons of guys never got that opportunity

I truly believe if MJ played in this era, he would be a great 3-PT shooter in some seasons and at least above average in others. Kawhi is a career 38.1% 3-PT shooter. MJ is bare minimum on that level if he shot it more frequently.

To Len Bias family we haven't forgot him

Man that hurt, I loved his game and I remember watching that draft, saying once Boston drafted him... NBA would be a wrap for Celticd

Jordan not only was amazing on his skills, I.Q. and athleticism like Bias. THERE'S JUST NOBODY with the heart .killing instinct and competitiveness like MJ. Trust me he'd found a way to destroy this dude and build his legacy just like it is. By the way ...both players played and faced each other in the same League in college tournaments and Jordan did his things anyway. . All I can say is I feel sorry for the guy. Cocaine addiction is no joke .

We can’t assume he wouldn’t have let drugs ruin his career if he lived past what ended up being an overdose.

Bias death ended Celtic dynasty from 57 to 86. ...this was a crushing blow for us Celtic fans too .

Always wondered how Bias but also Benji Wilson (Chicago HS legend in the 80's) would have impacted the NBA had both lived..

Bias playing for 1986 Celtics would be like Lebron playing with Shaq and Kobe for Lakers in early 2000's

Another question: Why isn't Dominique Wilkins ever mentioned as a Jordan rival?

I'm not sure we would've been able to comprehend watching Jordan and Bias battle it out in the NBA. The competition betwewn those two would have fused the cerebellum of our collective consciousness.

His death hurt me bad.

Difference is: Jordan signed with Gatorade, and Bias with Coke.

Perfect" on The BIGGEST stage going "6-0" in Finals and Finals MVP all "6" Times...NEVER allowed a game 7 in ANY of those 6 Finals series...Beat more 60+ Wins Teams in Playoffs/Title runs than any other player in History...5 Time reg Season MVP..."10" Time Scoring Champion in "15" Years...Played PG for 15 games and averaged "33/11/11"...Only player in HISTORY to Win MVP/Slam dunk Contest/Steals Leader/All star game MVP/Defensive player of Year/Scoring Champion all in the SAME year!! (And at Tender age of "25")....These are just a "Few" of his Accomplishments...WAS best player in League on BOTH ends of floor for MOST of his Career...He had the Look...The Walk...The Talk...The Style...The Swag...The Confidence...The Leadership...The CLUTCH Gene..The "IT" factor...He had it ALL...His '"Shoes" were and STILL are the "Fabric" of The Sneaker culture...Even Old Successful White men dressed in a Suit have on his "Shoes"...His ICONIC TOWERING Legacy simply can not be Approached by ANY other player...He Stands all ALONE at the TOP of the Mountain as GOAT...This is "Michael Jordan" we are talking about Folks!!...STOP Desperately trying to Compare OTHER players to him...This is MJ!!

Somebody laced Len Bias coke I will forever believe that.

Bias was better

Len Bias & Reggie Lewis were great but they weren't going to be better than Jordan & Pippen.