Michael Jordan: The Shot Blocker

A breakdown of Michael Jordan's most under-appreciated skill.
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The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
My love for the game only continues to grow as time goes on. I love studying and analyzing the game, with an unbiased perspective. Feel free to subscribe, follow me on social media, and celebrate this amazing game and it's rich history with me!
I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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Intro Music: Turn On - RW Smith • Turn On - RW Smith (No... ​​​​​​​​​​
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#nba #basketball #hoops

[@jonnyarnett]

Most people think MJ was the greatest player ever… but was he the best ALL-AROUND player?

[@moldyapple1789]

87 proves it

[@bosyogurtlight]

He doesn't have any clear weaknesses in my opinion. Most people criticize his 3 point shooting, but even this is not totally clear to me. On one hand he has the worst score in a 3 point contest ever, on the other hand he held the record for most 3 pointers in a finals game with six until Ray Allen surpassed him in 2010

[@williamcorliss3664]

Maybe Hakeem is a better all around player. Im not sure though different positions and all.

[@Lumidon]

I think that he was an INCREDIBLE all around player, and definitley one of the best, but imo Lebron or Bird were/are slightly better

[@greywolf2155]

Yes. I don't think that's really a question. Hakeem is maybe the only one who challenges him as elite on both sides of the ball, but it's not really very close. Bron had an incredible peak as a two-way player, but it wasn't as sustained as MJ (and he had the luxury, that year, of a much better scorer as a teammate, which allowed him to focus more energy on defense)

[@arthurxavier3515]

"And BOTH of his sons" I actually LOL'd hahahahaha

[@Dinojong]

Me too was not looking at the screen, then looked up and bust out laughing.

[@irish_owl21]

I double took at that one. My first thought was, “no shit, neither of his sons played in the NBA.” Then I saw the pictures 😂😂😂

[@nicoli-thenextup9866]

Exactly 😂 Brody got me with that one ☝🏾

[@ikhoonyejelem2967]

Got me thinking it's 2013 again with the lol'd

[@user-of8in8gb7u]

I was like nahh , bro said that fr 😂😂

[@CarbonCabron]

Dig deeper into Jordan and he becomes even more unreal.

[@ABrown-hs7fy]

He doesn't become more unreal than Wilt!

[@abner0584]

@@ABrown-hs7fy 6 rings, 6 FMVP, 4 MVP, 10x Scoring Titles, 10x All first Team, 9x All first Defensive, DPOY, 3x Steal Champion

[@davidmartinez52420]

​@@ABrown-hs7fyWhen you consider his dominance was on par with Wilt despite being 8" shorter, it puts things in a different perspective

[@pasigiri]

​@@ABrown-hs7fytrying to belittle MJ's greatness, I see.

[@Lanetta402]

@@abner05845 MVPS

[@fortnitejake850]

That stat at the end is NUTS. Really puts him in perspective

[@thespacecowboy4124]

Speaking of underated. Magic Johnson's scoring is pretty overlooked ngl

[@carlpacquing2575]

I would like to see a video on that!

[@hinika]

Now I'd like to see a video of Magic's scoring.

[@Youraveragebasketballfan]

Yea I've always thought his scoring was overlooked since he's pass first. 19 ppg in the 80's while being pass first is insane

[@booksbricksandboards783]

I think that the aspect of Jordan’s game that is most overlooked is actually his passing. People consistently dog him for his passing, but 5-6 assists a game is not much off of LeBron who averages 6-7 assists a game, and by the nature of their roles, has MANY more opportunities to pass. Jordan was never on a basketball court that he was not the primary scoring option, and yet when he ran the point he was averaging 10 assists. His passing is MUCH better than given credit for.

[@GibranCamus-kr2dc]

In terms of counting stats, yes. In terms of facilitating team offense, LBJ is on another level. No knock on MJ-he is the superior scorer. But LBJ, Luka, Magic, Jokic-just another tier of playmaking and facilitation.

[@ngkky]

Michael Jordan was not even the best passer on the Chicago Bulls during their championship years. His teammate Scottie Pippen was a superior passer and playmaker, and ran the show on offense. MJ concentrated on what he was good at which was scoring and finishing.

[@davidmartinez52420]

​@@GibranCamus-kr2dc He never said MJ was better than any of those guys, only that his ability in that area is overlooked. You kinda proved his point by turning it into a comparison when it never was.

[@davidmartinez52420]

​@@ngkkyThere wasn't anything Pippen could do that Jordan couldn't. Pippen was the primary facilitator mainly to lighten Jordan's load so he didn't have to do everything like he was under Doug Collins because it proved largely unsuccessful. Jordan could've easily facilitated the offense, it was just better for the team that Pippen did. Also, for the 2nd 3peat Toni Kukoc was the best passer on the team.

[@abner0584]

@@GibranCamus-kr2dc “In terms of of facilitating team offense” Watch the Bulls game play and look closely how MJ’s tremendous shooting ability facilitate the team’s offense. Look how he disable the opponents defense.

[@JC23783]

Jordan is also 3rd all time among shooting guards in rebounds per game.

[@davidschmidt1793]

1st in the modern Era. Very underrated rebounder.

[@hinika]

He's also the Chicago Bulls all-time leader in career rebounds. That's pretty wild 🤯

[@sunlight605]

Jordan is GOAT

[@999lilo]

You know real ball 💯

[@oliverdelica2289]

We are NEVER done with Jordan 🔥

[@airtime23]

One specific skill he had was the anticipation. He often jumped before the offensive player. He was also a very smart and disruptive on the opponents' fast breaks. A 2-1 fast break against him was never a guaranteed basket because he made the offensive player second guess their decisions. That's something that's rarely seen in today's defenders who often only react and end up on the alley-oop posters..

[@hectorbatang3023]

3 GOATs and both of his sons. My kind of guy, Mr. Arnett. 😁

[@teejaye6226]

if someone where to tell me Jordan was just as scorer, i immediately think to myself "I'm talking to a child".

[@davidmartinez52420]

I immediately lose any interest in listening to them any further once they say that.

[@chunky9791]

2:23 No way he did all that in mid air

[@jonnyarnett]

It was definitely a foul, but regardless, that body control is just INSANE.

[@veljkoradovic7162]

Very few players did it like that,one that comes to my mind is Blake Griffin

[@whenisdinner2137]

​​@jonnyarnett I'm actually not sure that's a foul. It depends on whether his forearm hit the ball first or the players arm first And as far as I can tell, it looks like there's a pretty good chance he hit the ball first.

[@carlosrubio2023]

That block is NASTY

[@hinika]

Insane body control right? It's a shame it was a foul though.

[@MrReese]

Jordan just was so competitive and tenacious, not even gravity dared to deny him.

[@airtime23]

Please do rebounds next, especially offensive rebounds.

[@user-cn8nu6lq4w]

His reaction time was crazy too.

[@ericthompson5468]

We need to keep reminding these kids how great he was. The only thing he couldn't do is lose finals

[@YEE941]

This aspect of his game goes overlooked. GOAT

[@jp3813]

And he did all that while being in a yearly race for the steals title against the likes of A. Robertson (all-time spg leader) & Stockton (all-time total steals leader).

[@maxdobasquete]

Dude ... I'm always mesmerized how we think the same about HIS AIRNESS! I think about one aspect of the 🐐 game and YOU MAKE VIDEOS ABOUT IT!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@mr.longjohn0014]

Jordans athleticism will always awe me, helped him on defense no doubt. being a guard and averaging 1.6 blocks while playing 81 games is absolutely phenomenal.

[@hinika]

"And BOTH of his sons" 😂😂😂 Good one Jonny.

[@user-bs5zp1hm8i]

Great video!👌🥳 I'm waiting one for the steals as well!😄😉😊😎

[@damboulton]

I don't feel like it's given enough credit just how much of a genetic freak Jordan was, due to the size of his hands. People will more so look to someone like Shaq as being a gifted individual but when Jordan has hands the same size as him on a 6'6 frame it just adds to the legend of Mike.

[@NEOQEAVCs2]

Underrated atribute: tim Duncan shooting. Everyone knows his signature move is the bank shot, but it's normally from like real close. His fading shot against the lakers in the 2004 west semis would have been considered one of the greatest game winners of all time if the spurs didn't get Derek Fishered.

[@markpotter3975]

Hakeem's steals should get a video. Or his defense in general, even though everyone knew he was a great shot blocker. His defense was next level. Retired in the top 10 all time in steals.

[@milesbatton5837]

You can watch Jordan highlights all day or watch videos about his greatness and you will never get bored. The more you watch, the more insane it is. That just scratches the surface on why he is easily the GOAT

[@pasigiri]

Thank you. MJ was a monster on both ends.

[@markjackson6431]

Bob Lanier, the most underrated player ever, passing ability is severely underrated and underappreciated

[@sat25940]

MJ's massive hands played a huge part in his exclusive skillset. I think this is criminally overlooked in discussions of just how dominant Jordan was against his competition.

[@leptonparticle238]

The fact that MJ led the league in scoring at 35ppg WHILE leading the league in Steals with 3.2 and still managed get 1.6BPG in the SAME Season is still beyond me. How does a human score 35 a game while playing ALL 82 games and still have so much energy on defense? There will never be another Michael Jordan

[@alex4833]

Very cool video, Jonny! I think shotblocking is one of MJ's underrated skills. It annoys me to hear people saying that he was only a scorer (and downplaying his skills). He was an amazing player with a diverse skillset and is the GOAT. Great video again (and the last bit comparing number of games with 4 blocked shots was great and witty too). Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

[@elementsofphysicalreality]

MJ is so good that he makes the rest of the league look like they’re not even trying. He combined his gifts with the will to win. Lots of players can jump. He wanted the w more. Kobe is the only other player I’ve ever seen to work as hard since. Before Bird was the most determined.

[@maki_roll]

Situational and spatial awareness - something Jordan was exceptionally good at on both ends of the floor

[@Turtle_D_Money]

Keep doing the lords work MrArnett

[@jamesmitchell3615]

MJ one of the greatest defenders of all time, and the stats only confirm what we who saw him witnessed.😎

[@nathanwhyte9048]

Cap

[@terrysmith6234]

Keep'em coming bro

[@user-bs5zp1hm8i]

Michael Jordan was better in every aspect of the game! And people discuss the G.O.A.T? I don't think people discuss the G.O.A.T ....the media discuss the G.O.A.T!!!!!

[@bosyogurtlight]

4:02 😂

[@faronanderson2536]

Not much as far as Jordan's game is concerned, especially if you have seen it in real time as his career unfolded. This guy's reflexes, awareness, and ability to read the play to react, we're cat-quick. You can include all aspects and fundamentals of the game. He was flawless.

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

Defense is the most underrated and under appreciated element of MJ’s game. DPOY at SG. Rarely is any defender a great help defender while being a lockdown perimeter guy and a steals champ. There was no hole in the man’s game. Fun fact, in the 91’ Finals Pippen despite popular BELIEF, did not lock up Magic. Neither did MJ but he guarded Magic most of that series. Both MJ & Pip career avg. 2.2 SPG .7 BPG

[@Sf75178]

I agree with everything you said. When I see numbers I like accuracy. Steals Jordan 2.35 per game Pippen 1.96 Blocks Jordan 0.83 per game Pippen 0.80.

[@Dottor_J]

Eaton deserved that DPOY more tbh

[@BBallGOAT]

I don't know about one of the greatest shot blockers ever, but he is definitely one of the best SG shot blockers ever, along with Wade and other players

[@shaquille7414]

Early and at his position he might be the greatest shot blocker

[@lucasmaddocks4804]

It's close between MJ and D Wade

[@darkballerz]

It's Dwade and he is shorter

[@shaquille7414]

@@darkballerz he’s #2 d wade is close but I think Mj is still the better shot blocker the height difference isn’t much it’s 6’4 and 6’6 and Mj is 6’4 3/4 barefoot idk how tall d wade is barefoot

[@darkballerz]

@@shaquille7414 Dwade is 6f3

[@shaquille7414]

@@darkballerz yeah but he’s 6’4 in shoes so there’s not much of a difference

[@elgrannido156]

The GOAT, miles and miles away from your second choice or you wrong goat.

[@samjacob1310]

Love the video Jonny! Shot blocking along with his passing were either underrated or ignored traits from certain fanbases but MJ certainly had that. Heck, I learned that from you. I think the flipside would be covering Lebron and scoring prowess. That would be an interesting video to see, considering he holds the scoring record as a "pass first" player".

[@User.22ps12]

Both his son's got me 😂😂😂

[@Bigguy5588]

You should do a video on mj locking down Vince carter as a wizard

[@jaketerpening3284]

Shaq's defense has become insanely underrated these days. People acting light he couldn't play in the modern NBA because he wasn't the best on the perimeter when Brook Lopez and Rudy Gobert are consistent DPOY candidates who also have that weakness and are not even better shot blockers than Shaq.

[@sir_sack]

I'd say an aspect of a legend's game that is very underrated is Wilt Chamberlain's midrange fadeaways

[@fredbates4452]

Jordan’s “fake out” ability was also unparalleled and under appreciated. Whether faking a pass or a shot, he would have defender’s heads spinning while chasing after ghosts passes. He even does one in your opening credits on I think David Wesley.

[@coolbananas1803]

Saved the best for last! That Ewing block is the best.

[@jazzyjointz6864]

He also had 2 seasons back to back where recorded over 200 stls and 100 blks. The only guard to ever achieve that stat while playing all 82 games clocking 40 minutes a game. He won defensive player of the year, the scoring title averaging 35.5 ppg on 53.5% fg mostly on jump shots. Nobodies come close to doing that since.

[@elliota.1063]

Yeah, Jordan was a great shot blocker, ESPECIALLY for a guard. I've seen him blocking Ewing more than I've seen Ewing blocking him, which is ri-godd*mn-diculous considering Ewing was 6 inches taller. Whatever one thinks of Jordan's personality, he was a PHENOMENAL ballplayer; you can't realistically take that from him...

[@jellybeans336]

if only blocks were recorded in the 60s and 70s, i wanna know 6'7 Wes Unselds bpg so damn much

[@jdm2339]

lol i'd never seen this angle of the turnaround left hand block... clearly a foul 😂still the GOAT

[@mpac3160]

Thank you for this video. The arguments I make too.

[@RandomUser11369]

I'd say Bird's rebounding easily gets overlooked

[@jonnyarnett]

YES, thats gonna be tackled in a video at some point

[@user-jw5qj8kv2y]

Dikembe Mutombo's blocking of Michael Jordan's shot remains memorable.

[@itsdj_15]

keep up the good work

[@gotwobag7876]

Have a great Saturday!!

[@CloudSpirals]

Jordan = Poetry in motion

[@NickPR87]

I already knew he was the best shot blocker at the guard position before watching the video. But what always boggled my mind about him as a player was how he played at such a high-level of defense, while being the best scorer as well. Oftentimes players that carry that much of a burden on offense play laxed defense. LeBron plays a much more "passive" style of offense and he has never had a season where he was arguably the best player on both ends of the court. MJ was that more than once in a season!

[@ugo9241]

MJ is OP

[@raybugz9275]

Hi Jonny Arnett, can u make a video on real slam dunk winners on each year. Thank u🙏

[@SULLY937]

0:01 RIP my Goat

[@87alock]

Wish MJ would've been played a whole season at PG.

[@nextmove1428]

Both of his sons 😂

[@alejanoelallen1952]

🏀

[@everleightarowengurrea-wy3cs]

" Both of his sons " 😁

[@gugga2745]

new series alert. expect the 3 hour video in about a month or 2. im hype

[@jonnyarnett]

You're seeing the intent behind the scenes 😂 My MJ compilations are killing it, so can you blame me? lol

[@gugga2745]

@@jonnyarnett no i mean i love it tbh. makes it easy to look forward to videos

[@MrJohnnyAOA]

Kyrie Irving is an underrated shot blocker too

[@timmaz24s]

MJ had 10 scoring titles and 8 playoff scoring titles. He scored 2300+ 11 times. Which is a NBA record.

[@mikeprolas2027]

Just one question is there a way i can watch your old podcasts?

[@PizzaTime727]

Coming into this video, I already knew Jordan was a prolific shot-blocker. It's great to see in action again though, and given the spotlight. Jonny > Jimmy as far as I'm concerned! Edit: I remember a Jordan highlight where the opponent faked him out on the block but his elevatiosn and hang time was so much that he blocked the shot on the way down.

[@lilpenny1982]

My Top 10 best defensive SG's: #1 MJ #2 Alvin Robertson #3 Sidney Moncrief #4 Joe Dumars #5 Tony Allen #6 Kobe #7 Wade #8 McGrady #9 Ron Harper #10 Michael Cooper

[@mixedpleasure4324]

Mj was the best blocking guard and one of the best guards to get steals if not the best plus he is the best scorer of all time thats 3 out of 5 he is at the top in. Then he is also the most clutch player ever with 9 buzzer beater (most ever) top 3 in game dunker ever. Top 3 lay up package ever. Best midrange shooter ever. Top 10 defender ever and best offensive player ever. Mj could do it all and on top of that he is also the lost accomplish ever. 2 3 peat 6-0 in nba finals 6 fmvp (most ever) + 5 regular mvps + 3 all star mvps + 10 scoring titles (most ever) 9 first team defense (most ever) 1 DPOY 3 steals titles. 11-0 in overall finals 6-0 nba 2-0 Olympics 2-0 fiba 1-0 ncaa. Best record against 60 wins teams 7-2. Didnt lost more than 2 games in a row from late 1990-1998. 6 seasons with over 200 steals Kobe 0. 2 season with over 100 blocks. Lebron 0. Mj was just a freak of nature. I think he will remain the goat for many many years to come bebause of all his records accomplishment accolades analytic winning + style of play and his heart to win 🐐

[@universalplayz7496]

Ngl I always thought of as wilt as the greatest regular season player of all time Bill russel the greatest playoff player of all time And mj as the best when combining both worlds

[@Classic_secondline]

Yea both of his sons is hilarious 😂 😃

[@dossolotraore8537]

MJ the true GOAT

[@nathanwhyte9048]

Fraud

[@seagull2175]

@@nathanwhyte9048That’s Lebron

[@richardlloyd2589]

IMO it’s all about context, where they are in relation to others who played that position and also the rules that existed during their eras.

[@ehh2782]

Bruh

[@habibdaulay2312]

Dwyane wade averaging more bpg than jordan and he is 2 inc shorter than jordan.he should be in the debate as the best shot blocker

[@mprattyh3]

Wade averaged .8 as well. You definitely have a point

[@habibdaulay2312]

@@mprattyh3 mj .83 wade .84

[@Sf75178]

As mentioned in the video when taking in the seasons where played as SG Jordan is higher. In Washington Jordan played as SF. So tge years he played as SG his Blocks average was 0.89

[@mprattyh3]

@@habibdaulay2312 really? 🤷‍♂️

[@Kynbaz8256_2]

What's the music called that you used during the video?

[@RetroBlaze43]

🗣️ 4:04 🗣️THANK YOU ANT EDWARDS AND JIMMY OBVIOUSLY HIS CHILDREN!!!!!

[@GuavaConQueso]

If Portland had listened to Bobby Knight, he would have played center.

[@tommythomasson1]

AI and his steals are completely underrated. Today, he is just referred to as a volume scorer.

[@ATroubledGreensLibrary]

🎉❤

[@benberry792]

SKYHOOK is Underrated - we just don't get how good of a shot it was.

[@aaronmix166]

D wade has entered the chat

[@AndrewSBaker]

"...both of his sons..." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@andrewcook1246]

Im guessing everyone saw the cancel court episode and lost their shit xD Jordan was the best shot blocker at his positions. Being 6'6" with a great wingspan and hops allows you to get plenty of blocks on the usually shorter and slower guards. I prefer Wade who was barely 6'3 and with bad kness and was also a great shot blocker.

[@Sf75178]

Thank you for showing you didn't watch the video. He said and showed those blocks came against all players all sizes

[@andrewcook1246]

@@Sf75178 They did not have proper tracking data to back that up. And to deny he blocked mostly players at his position and size is pretty laughable. But sure. If you watch a highlight reel you can find him blocking big men. They make up around 15% of his blocks but they do exist. I already said he was the best at his position but outright he's not even top 10. Kareem, Bill, Wilt, Hakeem, Duncan, Wallace, Mutombo, Robinson, Duncan and even dudes like Eaton, Wemby, etc clear him.

[@Sf75178]

@@andrewcook1246 of course those players you listed are better blockers they are centres. Thank you for stating the bleeding obvious

[@abner0584]

@@Sf75178 See how id*otic his argument is?😂 That’s how bronsxls make lame excuses just to degrade MJ.

[@Sf75178]

​@abner0584 exactly. I never seen a logical argument by LeBron fans

[@greywolf2155]

I mean, if this is the criteria, Wade has to be in the discussion as well?

[@jonnyarnett]

Wade is definitely in that debate, but I just don't think it's much of a debate. He's number 2 for me. You could maybe try to make the argument that Wade deserves the nod simply because he was shorter though.

[@greywolf2155]

​@@jonnyarnett on-ball, certainly there's no question. MJ clearly better. But I actually think Wade was better as a help defender. That may just be a product of differences in defensive roles between eras/teams, though And yes, Wade's height is a big part of what I meant by "if this is the criteria". If Jordan gets points over centers because of his height, then Wade gets points over Jordan

[@barryconner7864]

D WADE is literally the all time blocks leader by ANY GUARD ALL TIME I like your KZbin channel and you do a great job But d Wade has the record idk why you didn’t put that in the video

[@rankarat]

MJ had the highest vertical leap in NBA history.

[@ZincAddict]

Shaq's speed is severily underrated

[@airtime23]

Sounds crazy but sometimes I think he is UNDERrated. You hear people say "he was just a scorer" or "he never was asked to do anything but score" and it's so far from the truth it's crazy.

[@True-Believer616]

Well we know what fanbase denies MJs defensive greatness and all-around skills.

[@TwentyGrand]

Love the video. But your voice still doesn't go with the instrumental it goes better with skap attack videos. Use your other instrumentals they fit perfect with your voice 👍🏽🏀🏀

[@jonnyarnett]

Funny thing is that I was using this music before he was even uploading, but the dude just made it his own 😂. I like to use this track when it involves some badass highlights, but if people agree that its just too off-putting, then I'll switch to something else.

[@mykronesian4430]

Calling Jordan "just a scorer" is like calling Lebron "a passer" even tho Jordan does it all on the court and Lebron is number 1 on all time scoring list...those narratives are all wrong

[@cadecrusader3940]

Cool, thanks Jonny!

[@zorskins]

The younger generation under-estimate MJ as a scorer because of the over inflated stats of now and that's just his scoring. The God was the most complete player we've ever seen

[@theycallmedom4157]

Why wasn’t the video made about DWade? He’s the great shot blocking guard of all time and even more impressive considering he was 6’3”-6’4”.

[@seagull2175]

MJ was 6’4.88 and was blocking better players

[@DerethAC]

Jordan scored because he had to score. He never played with a single player on his career that forced opponents to double team them. As far as other players go, I’m tired of hearing that Larry Bird was a liability on defense. He had three Second Team All Defense selections and finished second or third for DPOY one season. He wasn’t Dennis Rodman on defense but he wasn’t Luka either.

[@CarlintonBrown-hp5ww]

Air Jordan shit no hero G