In 2021, Metta World Peace appeared on Club Shay Shay. The show, hosted by former NFL Tight End Shannon Sharpe, regularly has some of the biggest figures in the world of sports on. Two years ago, World Peace came on the show where he spoke in detail about Michael Jordan. Marveling at Jordan’s scoring ability, he claimed His Airness could average 50 points per game in the modern era if he wanted to. A feat that, he remarked, players like James Harden have tried to do, but have failed, because it’s only possible for players of MJ’s caliber.
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In the late 2010s, The Beard was a premier scoring force in the NBA. Winning the MVP crown in 2018, Harden averaged around 30 points, eight assists, and six rebounds with the Houston Rockets. He even won three scoring titles. But, that is not enough to convince Metta that he is even close to reaching the standard of player Jordan was.
Metta World Peace claims Michael Jordan and not James Harden would average 50 in the NBA
Before leaving for the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, James Harden was considered by many to be the best scorer in the NBA. With three scoring titles with his name, The Beard consistently averaged 30+ points per game. A huge feat, and one that not many can accomplish.
However, according to Metta World Peace, who sat down with Shannon Sharpe two years ago, Michael Jordan is more than capable. Speaking about Harden, World Peace claimed The Beard wanted to average 50 points, but is unable to get over the 30-point mark. But, that being said, he believes that His Airness is one player who definitely could.
He claims that if Jordan played in the modern era, he would easily average 50 points per game if he wanted to do. After all, while Harden is special, he is in no way comparable to Michael Jeffrey Jordan.
“[Michael] Jordan would average 50. If he wanted to. James Harden wants to average 50, he just can’t. He got 38, amazing! If Jordan wants to average 50 and he’s playing in this era… I think he averaged 50!”
It’s a fair assessment from Metta. There can be no denying that Jordan was a class apart. And, while Harden was an incredible scoring talent, some of the things the six-time NBA Champion did on a basketball court just cannot be replicated.
MJ’s multiple scoring titles speaks for itself when discussing his capabilities as the greatest scorer
James Harden may have won three scoring championships, but in comparison to Michael Jordan, it is nothing. Over the course of his 14-year career, MJ won 10 scoring championships. It is an unprecedented feat. And, with more than 20+ games with more than 50 points, there can be no denying his scoring talent.
With that in mind, Metta World Peace is justified in suggesting that Jordan is the only player capable of averaging 50 points in the NBA.
Jordan truly was a phenom. His scoring aside, he was a dominant force in other aspects of the game as well. So, for Metta to rate his game so highly is not an exaggeration. After all, you’re talking about the star widely considered to be the greatest of all time.
