Chicago Bulls: Breaking down the Jordan vs. LeBron debate

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Advanced metrics

As far as the basic advanced metrics in the game of basketball go, both LeBron and MJ are clearly going to have sparkling stat lines. Each player is an absolute analytical darling, and for good reason. The most impressive part about each is that they tended to elevate their games, even in terms of the advanced numbers, come playoff time.

Here’s a look at Jordan’s advanced metrics during the regular season, and then in the playoffs.

Regular Season: 118 ORTG, 103 DRTG, 56.9 TS%, 27.9 PER, 214 WS, .250 WS/48, 9.2 BPM, 116.1 VORP

Playoffs: 118 ORTG, 104 DRTG, 56.8 TS%, 28.6 PER, 39.8 WS, .255 WS/48, 11.1 BPM, 24.7 VORP

Here’s a look at James’ advanced metrics during the regular season, and then in the playoffs.

Regular Season: 116 ORTG, 104 DRTG, 58.6 TS%, 27.5 PER, 236.1 WS, .235 WS/48, 8.9 BPM, 133.2 VORP

Playoffs: 116 ORTG, 102 DRTG, 57.9 TS%, 28.3 PER, 51 WS, .244 WS/48, 10.2 BPM, 30.8 VORP

When you start gazing at the overall advanced stats in the regular season and the playoffs, this is where Jordan starts to gain an edge. His play also elevated to an equal degree in the playoffs, which was also triumphant over LeBron. Jordan played in less overall regular season and playoff games in his career than LeBron, which leads to the latter getting a better total value over replacement player rating and more win shares.

Edge: Michael Jordan (in both regular season and playoffs)