Former NBA star Chris Childs had some strong words while talking about Michael Jordan being a dirty player.
Michael Jordan is considered the GOAT by a lot of NBA fans. And whether one agrees or disagrees with that, no one can deny that he is perhaps the most important figure in the game’s history.
As such, MJ receives a lot of love from players and analysts alike. His game is mythologized, his legendary mentality is idolized, and there is very little criticism that comes his way.
Rich Paul recently spelled out how Jordan didn’t have to deal with what LeBron James does, but these things only come up in the context of the GOAT debate.
Generally, players from MJ’s era have said the GOAT debate between him and James is over. But now, Chris Childs, a 9-year NBA veteran from MJ’s era, has come out with some harsh words.
Childs was never more than a role player in the NBA. Despite this, he went up against MJ 15 times during his career, mostly during Air Jordan’s time with the Chicago Bulls.
He knows what he’s talking about, having faced Jordan so many times. Which is what makes it surprising to hear how strong his take is.
“And what people don’t understand is Michael was one of the dirtiest players who ever played the game, you know?” Childs told Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
“He would cheap-shot you and then look at the ref for help.”
“One thing that I stood on from the beginning is that I’m a man like you’re a man, and I want to be treated accordingly.”
While MJ likely took his fair share of shots at the players he was guarding, the truth remains that he’s one of the greatest defensive players ever.
He committed 2,783 fouls during his NBA career, as per Statmuse. This means he fouled 2.6 times per game in his career. That’s quite a low number.
In juxtaposition to this are Jordan’s numerous defensive accolades. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 1988 and made the All-Defensive First Team a whopping nine times.
Whether the Bulls man was a cheap-shot artist or not, it’s unlikely that this take from Childs will alter anyone’s perception about him.
