OR - you could also state that it is CRAZY talk to think for one second that RED and his well oiled machine in Boston would allow Jordan to come anywhere near sniffing 6 rings. And that is a great point - the great assembly of a dynasty in Boston - with role players that fit perfectly - was an obstacle that Jordan did not have to face - aside from a Pistons team that he outlasted due to him being younger and able to weather their run.
PLUS, during the Boston reign, the NBA was less concerned with promoting and pushing the image of a Jordan. Sports was sports in the 60's and was more about competing more so than how much money the league made. It was not about the leagues bottom dollar as much as running things being run fairly. TV and its power in the sport did not figure into how games were called and which media markets were important in order for ratings to meet forecasts.
Hell, basketball fans STILL hear how a finals with New York, LA or Chicago benefits ratings MUCH more and the league is helped there much more so than if the finals contain a small market team like Utah or San Antonio or Ind.
Do you remember the Sacramento Kings (Webber) vs. ratings darling LA (Shaq-Kobe) game 6 fiasco? Still a black eye for the league and proof that there is sometimes more than luck associated with an NBA whistle - hence my pro wrestling KAYFABE metaphors.
OR the Ewing to Knicks lottery fiasco - good job Stern
Jordan benefitted much more than Wilt (in his pre-LA career) of being with an organization that better assembled complimentary parts.
Yes Jordan had a much better drive - and more skills - but he is not he greatest.
Did we have this type of WIS DDL League discussion during the Jordan years?