Comparing the careers of NBA legends from different eras is no easy feat, yet the debate between Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird versus LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts. Both trios have defined their respective generations, accumulating accolades, setting records, and leaving indelible marks on the sport. But when we delve into their accomplishments, which group stands supreme?
Olympic Gold Medals
- James, Curry, Durant: 8
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 4
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have significantly contributed to the USA’s basketball dominance on the global stage. LeBron secured his first Olympic gold in 2008 and added another in 2012, showcasing his leadership and versatility. Durant, the most decorated of the trio, earned three gold medals (2012, 2016, and 2021), while the 2024 Olympics saw each of the three stars add another medal to their collection. Though Curry hasn’t claimed Olympic gold, his contributions to USA Basketball in other international tournaments bolster his résumé. Combined, they boast 8 Olympic gold medals, a testament to their sustained excellence and global impact.
In contrast, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird were key figures in the 1992 Dream Team, which secured gold in Barcelona. Jordan also captured his first gold in 1984, bringing the group’s total to 4. Although Magic’s health challenges limited his contributions, his role in the Dream Team’s success remains undeniable. Yet, their combined total still falls short compared to the modern trio’s haul.
Advantage: James, Curry, Durant
NBA Championships
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 14
- James, Curry, Durant: 10
The combined might of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird resulted in 14 NBA championships. Jordan’s six titles, including two three-peats with the Chicago Bulls, defined the 1990s. Magic’s five championships with the Showtime Lakers of the 1980s and Bird’s three with the Boston Celtics showcased their dominance and rivalry during that era.
On the other side, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have accumulated 10 NBA championships. Curry’s four titles with the Golden State Warriors revolutionized the game with his shooting prowess. LeBron’s championships with three different franchises solidified his legacy, while Durant’s two titles with the Warriors highlighted his scoring ability and versatility. Though they fall short in total titles, their impact on the modern game is profound.
Advantage: Jordan, Johnson, Bird
Finals MVP Awards
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 11
- James, Curry, Durant: 7
Michael Jordan’s dominance in the NBA Finals is unmatched, as evidenced by his six Finals MVP awards, earned in each of his championship seasons. Magic Johnson contributed three, including one as a rookie when he famously played center in the 1980 Finals. Larry Bird’s two Finals MVPs underscored his clutch performances throughout the 1980s.
Meanwhile, LeBron James leads his trio with four Finals MVP awards, his 2016 performance with the Cleveland Cavaliers standing as one of the most iconic in history. Kevin Durant’s two Finals MVPs during his time with the Warriors showcased his all-around excellence. Curry, often criticized for lacking a Finals MVP, finally earned one in 2022, solidifying his status among the greats. Yet, their collective achievements still trail those of their predecessors.
Advantage: Jordan, Johnson, Bird
MVP Awards
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 11
- James, Curry, Durant: 7
The older trio boasts 11 MVP awards, with Jordan contributing five, Magic three, and Bird another three. Jordan’s MVP awards spanned nearly a decade, highlighting his sustained dominance. Magic’s MVPs reflected his transformative influence on the game, while Bird’s consecutive MVPs from 1984 to 1986 emphasized his all-around excellence.
In comparison, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have combined for 7 MVP awards. LeBron’s four MVPs, particularly during his Miami Heat tenure, marked his peak years. Curry’s two MVPs, including the first-ever unanimous MVP in 2016, revolutionized the game with his shooting. Durant’s lone MVP in 2014 further established his scoring prowess. Despite their impressive haul, they fall short of the older trio’s total.
Advantage: Jordan, Johnson, Bird
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Awards
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 1
- James, Curry, Durant: 0
Michael Jordan stands out with a single Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988, highlighting his prowess on both ends of the floor. While Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were not primarily known for their defense, they were still intelligent and effective defenders within their teams’ schemes.
LeBron James, despite never winning a DPOY award, has been named to five All-Defensive First Teams, known for his chase-down blocks and versatility. Kevin Durant became a formidable defender during his time with the Warriors, and Stephen Curry has improved defensively over the years. However, none of them have secured a DPOY award, underscoring Jordan’s unique all-around brilliance.
Advantage: Jordan, Johnson, Bird
Scoring Titles
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 10
- James, Curry, Durant: 7
Michael Jordan’s ten scoring titles remain unmatched, solidifying his status as the greatest scorer of all time. His ability to dominate offensively year after year was the cornerstone of the Bulls’ success. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, though elite scorers in their own right, did not claim any scoring titles, as their strengths lay elsewhere.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have earned a combined seven scoring titles, with Durant leading the group with four. Curry’s two scoring titles and LeBron’s one demonstrate their versatility and offensive impact. However, Jordan’s singular achievement of winning more scoring titles than this trio combined sets him apart.
Advantage: Jordan, Johnson, Bird
All-NBA Teams
- James, Curry, Durant: 41
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 31
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have collectively earned 41 All-NBA Team selections, with LeBron leading with a record-breaking 20. His remarkable consistency and longevity are evident in these numbers. Durant and Curry also have multiple All-NBA selections, reflecting their dominance.
The trio of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird combined for 31 All-NBA Team selections, with Jordan contributing 11. Magic and Bird each earned 10 First Team selections, emphasizing their excellence and consistency. However, the modern trio surpasses the older group, highlighting their prolonged impact on the NBA.
Advantage: James, Curry, Durant
All-Star Appearances
- James, Curry, Durant: 44
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 38
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have amassed 44 All-Star appearances, with LeBron alone accounting for 20. Durant’s 14 appearances and Curry’s 10 reflect their popularity and skill. Their collective dominance is clear, though LeBron’s record-setting number is particularly noteworthy.
The older trio combined for 38 All-Star appearances, with Jordan leading with 14. Magic and Bird each earned 12, showcasing their sustained excellence. While their numbers are impressive, they cannot match the modern trio’s total, particularly with LeBron’s unprecedented longevity.
Advantage: James, Curry, Durant
All-Defensive Teams
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 12
- James, Curry, Durant: 6
Michael Jordan’s nine All-Defensive First Team selections highlight his defensive prowess, contributing to the Bulls’ championship success. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, though not primarily known for their defense, still made significant contributions on that end of the floor.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have a combined six All-Defensive Team selections, all belonging to LeBron. His versatility and defensive impact have been crucial to his teams’ success. Durant’s defensive improvement and Curry’s growth in this area are noteworthy, but they cannot compare to the older trio’s achievements.
Advantage: Jordan, Johnson, Bird
Total Win Shares
- James, Curry, Durant: 569.1
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 515.6
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have accumulated a combined 569.1 win shares, with LeBron contributing the most. His impact over a 20-year career is evident in this metric, reflecting his all-around brilliance. Durant and Curry also contribute significantly to their teams’ success, as shown by their win shares.
The older trio amassed 515.6 win shares, with Jordan leading the group. His contributions during the Bulls’ championship runs were crucial, while Magic and Bird’s win shares reflect their leadership and consistency. Though impressive, their total is slightly below the modern trio’s.
Advantage: James, Curry, Durant
Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
- James, Curry, Durant: 75.7
- Jordan, Johnson, Bird: 75.5
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant boast a combined PER of 75.7, with LeBron leading the way. His ability to excel in all aspects of the game is captured in this metric. Durant and Curry’s efficiency further showcases their offensive brilliance.
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird have a combined PER of 75.5, with Jordan contributing the most. His scoring, defense, and leadership are reflected in this statistic. Magic and Bird’s efficiency, particularly in their playmaking and scoring, also shine through. The difference between the two groups is minimal, reflecting their comparable excellence.
Advantage: James, Curry, Durant
When comparing the careers of these NBA legends, it becomes evident that both trios have left an indelible mark on the sport. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird dominated their era with an unmatched combination of championships, MVP awards, and individual accolades. However, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have established their own legacy, marked by global impact, sustained excellence, and a modern style of play.
While the older trio has the edge in several categories, the modern trio’s accomplishments cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the debate between these basketball legends highlights the greatness of both groups and their contributions to the evolution of the game.
