Michael Jordan on Magic Johnson and Larry Bird: ‘We’re All on Parallel Ground’

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird defined basketball greatness. You can’t have a serious conversation about NBA history without those three names coming up.

And not just coming up, but leading the discussion.

Each won multiple championships, MVPs, and Finals MVPs. All three are in the Hall of Fame. And while Jordan has the edge in rings, accolades and highlights, don’t expect him to say he’s better than the other two.

Back in 1997, fresh off his fifth title, Jordan was asked by SLAM Magazine where he saw himself compared to Magic and Bird. His answer? He saw the trio as equals.

“I don’t put myself above them,” Jordan said. “We’re all on parallel ground. They educated me on the team side of the game. People try to rank us, but we played in different eras.”

He made a fair point. Jordan faced Bird in the playoffs twice, Magic once. He never beat Bird in the postseason. Boston swept the Bulls in both 1986 and 1987.

But Jordan made his mark, including dropping a record 63 points in a single game, prompting Bird to famously say, “That wasn’t Michael Jordan out there. That was God disguised as Michael Jordan.”

When Jordan did have the help he needed — after the Bulls added Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant — the dynasty began. In 1991, the Bulls took down the Pistons and then the Lakers in the Finals.

That was Magic’s last NBA Finals. Chicago lost Game 1, then won four straight. After the series, Jordan and Magic shared a heartfelt hug in the tunnel. Jordan had climbed the mountain, and Magic was there to meet him at the summit.

The three legends later teamed up on the Dream Team in 1992, cruising to Olympic gold. They were teammates, rivals, icons. They respected each other and loved the game.

Jordan finished his career averaging 30.1 points, the highest in NBA history. He won 10 scoring titles, five MVPs, six championships and six Finals MVPs.

Magic averaged 19.5 points and 11.2 assists with five titles, three MVPs and three Finals MVPs. He ranks third all-time in triple-doubles.

Bird wasn’t far behind, averaging 24.3 points, 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists, with three MVPs and three titles of his own. He’s also in the top 10 in career triple-doubles.

Different styles. Different teams. But the same goal. That would be to win, to lead, to elevate the sport.

Jordan still keeps in touch with both Magic and Bird. And the game, even decades later, still feels their fingerprints.

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