In the ever-evolving landscape of NBA discourse, a new and somewhat baffling narrative has begun to take root among younger generations of basketball fans and podcasters. It is the assertion that Michael Jordan—the man widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time—had “no bag.”

For the uninitiated, “bag” is modern slang for an offensive arsenal: the collection of dribble moves, step-backs, counters, and shots a player has at their disposal. The argument suggests that compared to the wizardry of Kyrie Irving or the deep-range shooting of Luka Dončić, Jordan was merely a physical anomaly who relied on athleticism, dunking, and a “limited” set of moves.

This take is not just historically inaccurate; it is statistically and visually baseless. When we peel back the layers of nostalgia and examine the cold, hard data from Jordan’s second three-peat, specifically the 1996 season, we find a player whose technical proficiency doesn’t just rival modern stars—it often surpasses them. It is time to put the “no bag” myth to bed once and for all.

The Definition of a “Bag”: Flash vs. Efficiency

The disconnect stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of what constitutes skill. In 2024, a “deep bag” is often visually defined by the number of dribbles a player takes. If a player isolates at the top of the key, executes a double crossover, spins, steps back, and hits a three, social media erupts. It looks difficult, and therefore, it is deemed “skilled.”

Michael Jordan’s game was predicated on the opposite philosophy: extreme efficiency. Jordan didn’t need 15 dribbles to get a bucket because his footwork and reads were so advanced that he could get to his spot in one or two.

As noted in recent film breakdowns, Jordan’s arsenal was a masterclass in “traffic decisions.” A “bag” isn’t just about handling the ball in open space; it’s about making split-second moves in the heart of a crowded defense. Jordan’s ability to split double teams, utilize pump fakes, and execute fundamentally sound pivots was the foundation that players like Kobe Bryant built their entire careers upon.

The 1996 Case Study: Data Doesn’t Lie

To truly test the “limited skill” theory, analysts have looked at tracking data from random samples of Jordan’s games during the 1995-1996 season. This was not Jordan at his athletic apex; this was a 33-year-old veteran relying heavily on skill over leaping ability.

In a five-game sample against elite defensive teams like the Knicks, Sonics, and Heat, Jordan averaged 28 points per game. But the volume isn’t what matters—it’s how he scored.

The tracking data reveals staggering efficiency:

Jump Shots: 40 for 81 (approx. 49.3%)

Mid-Range: 31 for 59 (53%)

Fadeaways: 15 for 35 (43%)

Off-the-Dribble Jumpers: 24 for 46 (52%)

These numbers are astronomical, especially considering the era. The 90s NBA featured hand-checking, crowded paints, and significantly less spacing than the modern game. Yet, Jordan’s shooting percentages on difficult, contested jumpers rival the absolute best shooters in the game today.

Jordan vs. The Modern Elite

Let’s compare these numbers to the superstars of the 2023-2024 season. The narrative that modern players are vastly more skilled shooters dissolves when you look at the percentages.

In the mid-range—a lost art in today’s analytics-driven game—Jordan shot 51.7% in the sampled games. Compare that to today’s mid-range kings:

Donovan Mitchell: 51.5%

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): 50.7%

Jamal Murray: 50.0%

Jaylen Brown: 49.7%

Jordan is not just keeping up; he is leading the pack. And he’s doing it without the benefit of five-out spacing that leaves the lane wide open.

When we look at overall jump shooting, Jordan’s 49.3% in that stretch holds up against the NBA’s top scorers:

SGA: 52.8%

Tyrese Maxey: 45.5%

Luka Dončić: 38.6%

Donovan Mitchell: 37.7%

Jordan’s efficiency from the perimeter (inside the three-point line) is superior to many of the high-volume scorers who are credited with having the “deepest bags” in history. To say his skill set was limited is to ignore the reality that he was arguably the greatest mid-range shooter to ever touch a basketball.

The Off-Ball Assassin

Another misconception is that Jordan was a ball-dominant “heliocentric” star like James Harden or Luka Dončić. In reality, Jordan’s movement without the ball was more akin to Stephen Curry.

In the Triangle Offense, Jordan rarely held the ball for long periods. He was constantly running off down screens, pindowns, and cuts. He hunted for his shot through movement rather than dribbling the air out of the ball. This required a different, perhaps higher, level of conditioning and basketball IQ.

Modern scorers often generate rhythm by pounding the rock. Jordan generated rhythm through footwork and positioning. He would catch the ball in the post or on the wing and make a decision instantly: shoot, drive, or pass. This “catch-and-go” style is devastatingly difficult to guard because the defense has no time to reset. It is the antithesis of the “limited bag” argument; it is the ultimate expression of basketball mastery.

The Godfather of the Bag

Ultimately, the disrespect shown to Jordan’s skill set ignores the lineage of the game. Kobe Bryant, widely regarded as the most skilled player of the 2000s, admitted that he stole “100%” of his moves from Michael Jordan.

If Kobe Bryant is the standard for skill, and his entire game is a carbon copy of Jordan’s, how can the original lack a bag?

The fadeaway, the up-and-under, the reverse pivot, the jab step—these are the staples of elite scoring. Jordan didn’t just have these moves; he perfected them. He had Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for every defensive coverage. When his athleticism waned, his “bag” became even deeper, allowing him to dominate the league well into his mid-30s.

Conclusion

The “Jordan had no bag” myth is a product of highlight culture, where a 20-second dribble sequence is valued over a decisive 2-second bucket. But basketball is about putting the ball in the hoop.

Michael Jordan combined the physical dominance of a Greek god with the technical refinement of a classical pianist. He laid the foundation for every great scorer who followed him. Today’s stars are standing on the shoulders of a giant, using the very moves he pioneered.

So, the next time someone claims MJ couldn’t handle the ball or lacked skill, show them the numbers. Show them the footwork. Efficiency isn’t a lack of creativity; it is the highest form of it. Michael Jordan didn’t just have a bag; he owned the factory.