An NBA legend was considered 'better than Michael Jordan' for two full years until he was ultimately unable to keep up with the star many regard as the greatest to ever play the game.
Jordan played in the NBA for 15 seasons and is best known for his time at the Chicago Bulls. He led the team to six championships across two three-peats, firstly from 1991 to 1993.
Before the 1993-1994 season, Jordan suddenly retired from basketball to pursue a career in professional baseball. But he returned in 1995 and spearheaded them to another three rings between 1996 and 1998.
Jordan's brilliance earned him six NBA Finals MVPs, 10 top scoring titles and five NBA MVP awards.
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He was also part of one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled with Team USA's 'Dream Team'.
At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, America's squad included legends like Jordan, Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley.
They demolished opponents by an average of 44 points on their way to Olympic gold.
It was Jordan's second Olympic victory after winning a gold in 1984.
America's 'dream team' played a huge role in popularising basketball around the world, generating more interest in the NBA.
Which NBA star was better than Michael Jordan?
The usual answer tend to either be nobody, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. All valid opinions, whichever you hold.
However, former NBA player Trevor Ariza claimed that a certain Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway was better than Jordan for two years.
On the Iman Amongst Men podcast, he said: "Penny, growing up, he was the standard for a minute,
"There were two years where he was better than Jordan, bro. I'm not lying."
Hardaway entered the NBA in 1994 and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting, during the season where Jordan was playing baseball.
Jordan returned in the 1994-95 campaign, but his Chicago Bulls side lost 3-0 to Hardaway's Orlando Magic in the play-offs.
The Bulls responded emphatically, winning the next three championships as Jordan proved why he is one of the greatest players ever.
What happened to Hardaway's career?
He had a successful career and played in the NBA for 14 seasons, during which he was as an all-star on four occasions.
Having started his career with Orlando Magic, he later played for Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Miami Heat.
Since retiring, he has taken up coaching and has been the head coach of Memphis Tigers since 2018.
Although Hardaway has had a successful career in basketball, it is impossible to match up with Jordan's achievements and legacy in the game. Which is no criticism either, given that's where 99% of all NBA players also lie.
Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA, Basketball, Chicago Bulls
James Taylor