The LA Clippers are similar to the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls.
ESPN’s 10-part documentary, “The Last Dance” concluded Sunday night showcasing the long journey of the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls. After getting a glimpse of each player on that team, there is another team in today’s NBA that closely resembles that roster, the LA Clippers.
Though it may sound far-fetched, the 2019-20 LA Clippers have assembled their roster along the same lines that the “Last Dance’ Bulls did over 20 years ago.
Keep in mind that these comparisons are based on similar play-style and similar role/team fit. Not every player will be exactly the same but it is definitely close.
With that being said let’s get going with our first comparison.
Comparing Kawhi Leonard and Michael Jordan
- 1997-98 Bulls: Michael Jordan
- 2019-20 Clippers: Kawhi Leonard
Michael Jordan entered the NBA with his high-flying ability and spent years after developing other parts of his game including his mid-range, three-point, and defensive game. Jordan was truly a polarizing figure on both ends of the floor in his tenure with the Bulls.
His will and determination to make others around him better may have rubbed some teammates the wrong way, but turned out infectious in the Bulls quest to winning six championships on eight years.
Only a couple of players in today’s game have that killer instinct and clutch gene like Jordan had. The player that closely resembles MJ in today’s game is none other than Kawhi Leonard.
Jordan said it himself three years ago when he said that, “Kawhi Leonard is probably the best in the game right now”.
Since Jordan made those remarks back in 2017, Kawhi has only grown his accolades by making consecutive All-Star games, winning the Toronto Raptors their first-ever championship, being the reigning Finals MVP and All-Star MVP.
Though their approach to leadership may be different, their will to win is the same when the game is on the line. Kawhi has mentioned before that he studied a lot of Jordan and Kobe growing up which helped him develop his mid-range game and back-to-the-basket scoring.
There is no other player in today’s game that gets it done on both ends other than Kawhi Leonard.