r/michaeljordan

So first of all, PER isn't the end all be all stat obviously, however i was looking at some numbers because some kids don't seem to understand just how bad the bulls situation Jordan got drafted to was and this stat highlights just a little bit of this even for its flaws. For those that don't know league average PER is 15. So here are some crazy findings.

Jordan played multiple seasons with no teammates scoring higher then a 15 PER (86-87 and 88-89) for the season which is absurd considering the bulls made it all the way to the ECFs in 89.

Before the bulls first championship season the only starter he played alongside to score a PER over 17 (so slightly above average) was Orlando Woolridge in 85 and 86.

In Jordans MVP/DPOY season, he played alongside just 2 teammates to score an above average PER (Oakley 15.4, and Sam Vincent who only played 29 games for the bulls that year at 16.1).

91 would be the first time he played alongside multiple starters with a PER over 17 (Horace and Scottie, the first time either of them crossed 17 for a season), and the bulls won a championship. It was also the first time he played alongside someone who scored a PER over 20 (Scottie).

In 93 the bulls won a championship with no other teammates scoring a PER over 20 for the season.

Jordan has never missed the playoffs playing alongside a teammate who scored a PER over 20.

I think the most absurd thing about these findings is that in 88-89 no one on the team was above average and most of those guys were still on the core when the dynasty started. Talk about building your guys up. Could anyone imagine any modern MVP sticking it out with no players who were above average and leading them to a three peat? It's truly insane.