how did young Mike get to the basket with such ease?

Noah

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One of the most explosive athletes to ever play the game and great fundamentals and technique. Didn't really waste time making his move, could take off as soon as he got near the paint, and he was arguably the best in the game in the triple threat position.



He's just blowing by these guys and hanging in the air longer than them on a lot of these drives, but his jab steps and hesitations got him as many points as his athleticism did.
 

ISO

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He had great hangtime, acrobatics, footwork, quick first step, high vertical leap, strong wiry frame, large hands.

But also he played in a league where the average SG was like 6'3 he was typically bigger than his defenders, he played in a league where zone defenses were not allowed and he could cook man-to-man with little to no help defenses outside of hard doubles, more slow footed white American players, the pace in MJ's rookie year was also four possessions faster than today.
 
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