Shocking Similarities between 2016-17 Thunder and 1988-89 Bulls
By Eric Snyder
This year’s Thunder team has an uphill climb to make it past the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs. Can Billy Donovan ride Westbrook to the Conference Finals just as Doug Collins did with Michael Jordan?
How Far Can a One-Man Show Go?
Removing the weight off of Jordan allowed the Bulls to fly even higher and soar ever farther into Basketball immortality. Jackson coached the Bulls to the Conference Finals only to lose to the Pistons again.
Yet, seeds of teamwork were sewn as Jordan saw the weight of the world slowly receding from his shoulders. The incorporation of ball movement and a true team identity allowed MJ to trust his teammates with good reason as Championships became a way of life.
Perhaps the greatest difference between a young MJ and Westbrook are that Russell has already shown he’ll acquiesce to his teammates, with or without another star or super star to play beside. The issue this season is finding someone other than Oladipo who can help when Westbrook rests.
Jordan himself calls Westbrook the closest thing to him:
Perhaps the greatest irony is Jordan himself who has been reticent to name anyone as his modern day version. Despite the fact many point to the fact Westbrook is part of the Jordan brand, MJ doesn’t dole out this type of praise on a frequent basis.
“Thirty years ago, that’s me,” Jordan said in an interview for the release of the Jordan XXXI. “The attitude, trying to prove myself, showing so much passion for the game of basketball. You see it in his play. You can tell he loves the game, he plays with energy and flair.” – Jordan
Nor is it commonplace for MJ to speak out publicly or show up at events to support other players which is exactly what he did recently when he inducted Westbrook to the Oklahoma City Hall of fame.