Stephen A. Smith Explains How Michael Jordan Ruined The NBA

by HHL JT

On First Take this morning, the panel discussed if Steph Curry's amazing three-point shooting has ruined basketball.

Stephen A. Smith wouldn't blame Curry for the current three-pointer-or-bust state of the NBA.  Instead, he called out long-time coach Mike D'Antoni for demanding his players take threes.

Then he turned his ire to a much more famous Mike.

.@stephenasmith says Steph Curry changed basketball for the better, while MJ changed it for the worse.

“Michael Jordan is responsible, as much as anybody, for changing the game for the worse!” pic.twitter.com/XkgDKzFp0l

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 1, 2022
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"Micheal Jordan is responsible as much as anybody for changing the game for the worst.  Stay with this.  This is throwing no shade at Michael Jordan.  Of course, he's the greatest ever in my estimation.  Number 1.  But he was so phenomenal that the NBA marketed the individual.  The audience gravitated toward the individual and the game became a bit more individualized.  Because people wanted to be like Mike.  Before Mike, you had Bird and Magic," Stephen A said, explaining the two Hall of Famer's were all about passing, rebounding and teamwork. "From Jordan then you had the Kobes the Vince Carters and the individualization of the sport."

Agree?