In a recent discussion about the ongoing debate in basketball regarding who should take the game’s final shot, super-agent Rich Paul from Klutch Sports confidently stated that he would choose Michael Jordan for the task. He expressed his unwavering belief in Jordan’s clutch shooting ability, saying, “If I want the single last shot, I’m taking Michael Jordan. No question about it.”
However, former NBA player Eddie Johnson offered a more nuanced take on the matter. While he recognizes Jordan’s legendary status as a clutch shooter, he argues for a more strategic approach in critical game moments. Johnson suggested, “Yes, I want MJ taking the last shot, but I want the ball in LeBron James’ or Magic Johnson’s hands, or in this case, Scottie Pippen’s to create the best shot possible.”
Jordan’s confidence as a shooter is unquestionable, yet he himself acknowledged the times he has missed. “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career; I’ve lost almost 300 games. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed,” he famously said. This admission highlights the idea that trusting teammates can lead to greater success. Johnson emphasizes that having a facilitator—such as LeBron James, Magic Johnson, or Pippen—can often result in better shot opportunities due to their passing abilities and court vision.
Johnson believes that the role of a facilitator is paramount. Players like Nikola Jokic, Larry Bird, and Chris Paul are not only capable of scoring but also adept at creating chances for their teammates, enhancing the team’s odds of winning. Johnson points out that while Jordan and Kobe Bryant developed reputations as fierce scorers, their games relied heavily on isolated shooting rather than facilitating ball movement.
LeBron James, contrastingly, has often been misinterpreted as hesitant to take the final shot. Johnson argues that James’ tendency to pass to open teammates at crucial moments actually makes him an even more potent offensive weapon, as it keeps defenses guessing and can create high-percentage looks.
The article presents a compelling argument for the importance of teamwork and strategic play in clutch moments of basketball, illustrating that while individual skill is crucial, the ability to facilitate and trust in teammates can significantly influence the outcome of a game. This perspective encourages a celebration of different playing styles and emphasizes the breadth of talent found in the league’s history, ultimately providing a hopeful outlook on how collaboration can lead to victory in basketball.