I compared the 1-2-3 of the Houston Astros to the 1-2-3 of the 90’s Atlanta Braves on this week’s MLB Roundup. That comparison got me thinking on some hypothetical match-ups that would be a spectacle. Whether it is boxing, baseball, football, or basketball, I’m going to examine some of the better hypothetical match-ups. For each one of these hypotheticals, assume both parties are at the peak of their powers, nobody wants to see 30 year old James Harden against 56 year old Michael Jordan.

Hypothetical Match-Up #1

Aroldis Chapman vs. Barry Bonds

Made the Cut – Aroldis Chapman Showing Off His Fastball

Made the Cut – Barry Bonds Being Unbelievably Powerful

Power vs. Power. Lefty vs. Lefty. A pitcher that throws 100+ MPH against the all-time home run leader. Barry Bonds is recognized as one of the best hitters in the history of the MLB. So why not put him up against one of the hardest throwing pitchers the league has ever seen.

Advantage: Barry Bonds

Yes, Chapman can throw the baseball very hard. Yes, Bonds has never seen anyone throw that hard. But, it is Barry Bonds, one of the greatest hitters of all time. Bonds may not be taking Chapman’s fastball to McCovey Cove. But getting a hit for a career .298 hitter seems realistic. And, if he isn’t getting a hit, Bonds had one of the best eyes in the history of the MLB, so a walk is in the cards as well. He may have been on the juice, but Bonds is one of the best hitters I have seen in my lifetime. So, I’m giving the advantage to him.

Hypothetical Match-Up #2

Michael Jordan vs. James Harden

NBA Owners such as Mark Cuban and Daryl Morey are saying James Harden is a better scorer than Michael Jordan. This might be true, Harden has averaged at least 29 points per game four years straight and is still improving his game. However, it is Michael Jordan, one of the select few in the GOAT conversation.

Advantage: Michael Jordan

Defense wins championships. MJ played better defense than James Harden. Jordan also won on the biggest stages, 6 rings speaks for itself. James Harden is a great player and a great scorer, but Jordan would beat Harden 1-on-1 every time. Until Harden laces them up alongside of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Newman from Seinfeld to beat the Monstars, this is Jordan’s matchup to lose.

Hypothetical Match-Up #3

2007 New England Patriots Offense vs. 1985 Chicago Bears Defense

The 85 Bears are recognized as one of the best defensive units of all time. Photo Credits to comicvine.gamespot.com

Tom Brady and Randy Moss were the headliners to this dominant 2007 Pats offense. Photo Credits to comicvine.gamespot.com

The 2007 Patriots went 16-0 in the NFL season and ended up losing to Eli Manning in the Super Bowl. The 1985 Bears went 15-1 and won the Super Bowl behind a dominant defense. This is a perfect example of an immovable force against an unstoppable object.

The Patriots had two of the best players in football history on offense with Brady and Moss. 36.8 points per games, 295.7 passing yards per game, and 115.6 rushing yards per game, Tom Brady and the Patriots put on a record breaking performance on offense. Brady threw for 50 touchdowns, Moss catching 23 of them. A GOAT pairing of Moss and Brady makes them one of the best offenses in NFL history.

A stout Bears defense with players like William Perry, Wilber Marshall, Richard Dent, and Mike Singletary, caused 58 turnovers, sacked the quarterback 64 times, and had 5 defensive touchdowns. The Bears defense only allowed 82.4 rushing yards a game and only allowed 6 rushing touchdowns over the span of the season. In the playoffs, the Bears had two shutouts, and won the Super Bowl over the Patriots 46-10. Over the playoffs, the Bears added another 16 sacks. A dominate front 7 makes this Bears defense one of the best all time.

Advantage: 2007 Patriots Offense

I will never doubt Tom Brady and Bill Belichik. Plus, if there was a weakness of the vaunted 85 Bears defense, it would be the passing defense. Tom Brady is also the king of getting the ball out quick to one of the plenty hall of fame caliber slot wide receivers he has played with. Wes Welker would be a key beneficiary of the blitz heavy Bears defense, catching balls on quick routes, helping Brady getting the ball out before a sack. This one is certainly much closer, but it is hard to ever count out Tom Brady. The Bears will not be the ones doing the Super Bowl shuffle, as it would be Brady, Moss, and Bill Belichick in his sleeveless hoodie.

Hypothetical Match-Up #4

Mike Tyson vs. Muhammad Ali

The fight that never happened, but what a poster advertising the ‘Clash of the Titans’. Photo Credits to Amazon.com

The two best boxers of all time facing off while both are in their prime would be nothing short of a spectacle to watch. Both boxers were the best at their times, both larger than life in their era. But, if they faced off, who’s taking the crown of the true best boxer of all time. Tyson and Ali had differing fighting styles.

Tyson relied on true power. He could knock you out with one punch. He did not need to wear down his opponent. One left hook and the match could be over when facing off against Tyson.

#Sport Channel – Mike Tyson all knockouts collection

While Ali used speed and footwork in the ring. He did not have the raw power Tyson did, but his speed and footwork have been unparalleld in the ring. His hand speed was unprecedented at the time as well. He truly floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee.

Fight Society – Muhammad Ali – Amazing Speed

Advantage: Muhammad Ali

I never saw either fight in the ring. However, I did see Mike Tyson knock out Zach Galifianakis in the Hangover, but that is far from fighting in the ring. From what I’ve read and heard, Ali constantly beat opponents that were bigger and more powerful than him. Looking at when Ali beat George Foreman, a boxer that was much bigger than him, Ali used his speed, agility, and technique and wore out Foreman. Tyson for sure packs one of the hardest punches in boxing history, but Ali should have no problem beating Tyson, remaining ‘The Greatest’.

Hypothetical Match-Up #5

Pete Rose vs. Justin Verlander

The all-time hits leader against one of the best pitchers in MLB history should make for a fun match-up. Verlander is currently top 20 in strikeouts all time and is a 300 career win candidate, solidifying him as one of the best all time. But could he get Pete Rose, the hit king, out? Rose, a career .303 batting average, and over 4000 hits, is obviously one of the best hitters of all time and is a shame he has not found his way into Cooperstown yet.

Advantage: Justin Verlander

An MVP, a Cy Young, a pitching triple crown, and he is continuing to be a Cy Young candidate year in year out. All that makes it tough to pick against the Astros’ ace. He has pitched on the biggest stages. On top of all the accolades, Rose has not seen the type of stuff and the velocity that Verlander brings to table. It’s also tough to pick against a guy who is married to Kate Upton. So yes, advantage Verladner.

Hypothetical Match-Up #6

Kyrie Irving vs. Allen Iverson

Handles, handles, and more handles. That’s what this match-up would supply. The highlights alone from this 1-on-1 would be spectacular.

King of Basketball – Allen Iverson vs. Kyrie Irving – The Monster of Crossover

Just from that clip alone, you see the devastating crossovers, step-backs, and spin moves that both players have displayed throughout their career.

Advantage: Allen Iverson

Kyrie’s ceiling is often compared to Allen Iverson and what he did with the 76ers, leading them to the postseason every year. Since the best Kyrie could be is what AI was in his prime, it is tough to pick against Iverson. It would be very entertaining to watch though. Neither are above average defenders, Kyrie is improving, but when guarding AI, an improving defender will not cut it. With the below – average defense, prepare for ankle breakers galore and for AI to come out on top.

Hypothetical Match-Up #7

Deion Sanders covering Calvin Johnson

An 8 time Pro Bowler, 6 time All Pro, a 2 time Super Bowl Winner, and a defensive player of the year in 1994, Deion Sanders proves to be one of the best corners of all time. The man he’d be covering in this hypothetical, Calvin Johnson, does not have the Super Bowl rings or the player of the year, but what he does have is the counting numbers. 11,619 receiving yards makes for the Lions all time receiving yard leader, and his 83 receiving touchdowns put him top 25 in that category all time.

Fans everywhere dream what could of been for Calvin Johnson. He spent a career on a Lions team that never amounted to anything, it is tough to truly grade his career because he only played in 2 playoff games. But for ‘Prime Time’, he had two rings, and has 5 career postseason interceptions, putting him in the top 20 all time for that category. Johnson has the size and strength but Deion had a knack for playing the ball, and his speed could help keeping up with Calvin Johnson.

Advantage: Calvin Johnson

The size is too much for Deion to handle. A deep ball would be Calvin’s ball to lose every time. I mean Johnson has 4 inches and almost 40 pounds on Sanders. Deion was a physical cornerback during his time in the NFL, but he’s never seen anyone with build and athleticism of Johnson. Megatron will beat him more times than not.

Hypothetical Match-Up #8

A Three Point Contest with the likes of: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Kyle Korver, and Reggie Miller

Talk about a murderers row of three point shooters. The splash brothers, the top two in all-time 3-pointers made leader, a career 43% 3 point shooter, and oh yeah, Larry Bird. All in their primes, they might need to change the net in between rounds, because there sure will be a lot of made threes.

It is tough to give an advantage to anyone here. Bird might just trash talk everyone and get into the minds of all the shooters, giving him a clear advantage. On top of that Bird won the first three 3-point contests ever. Curry has more range than anyone I’ve ever seen, and he changed the game into the 3 point shooting offenses we see today. Klay Thompson might be a robot when shooting threes, the form is impeccable, and he won’t have to dribble before shooting, so he very well could win it too. Kyle Korver has proved to be one of the most consistent three point shooters the game has ever seen. Ray Allen and Reggie Miller are 1 and 2 on all time three pointers made, so they have as good of chances as anyone else in this hypothetical contest.

There is no wrong answer of who is winning here, but with Ray Allen’s quick release and accolades, he is my choice.

Hypothetical Match-Up #9

A Dunk Contest with the likes of: Vince Carter, Aaron Gordon, Zach LaVine, Jason Richardson, Julius Erving, and Michael Jordan

Sticking with the All-Star weekend theme here, a dunk contest with these 6 players would make for some high flying fun. I know only 4 players compete in the dunk contest, but for the sake of a fun hypothetical contest, I included the 6 best dunk contest players I have seen highlights of. I’ll let the clips do the talking, showing off each players best dunk contest dunks.

Money SEO – 2016 NBA Slam Dunk Contest – Aaron Gordon vs. Zach LaVine

RicardoPunnjo – Vince Carter at Slam Dunk Contest 2000

Niklas Fransson – Jason Richardson ALL Dunks from NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2002-2004

Ryan Van Dusen – Julius Erving – 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest Champion

Ryan Van Dusen – Michael Jordan – 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion

Like the three point contest, it is tough to pick a winner here as well. Dr. J was one of the first players that made the dunk contest what it is today. Michael Jordan made it a spectacle. Vince Carter brought Vinsanity with the vertical and dunks he was showing off. Jason Richardson brought some serious air and skill for three years straight. And Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon ‘saved’ the dunk contest after swapping 50s on some of the more ridiculous dunks I have ever seen. If it were up to me, I’d give it to Jordan, he brought a serious crowd, and made every dunk memorable.

Some of the names missed: Blake Griffin, Nate Robinson, Tracy McGrady, Steve Francis, Dominique Wilkins, Spud Webb, Dwight Howard, Dee Brown, Gerald Green, and many more. They were all tough cuts, but a dunk contest with any of the names listed would be must watch.

Hypothetical Match-Up #10

A Home Run Derby with the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cody Bellinger, Josh Hamilton, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

This hypothetical contest would consist of five match-up, these match-ups would be very similar to the ones we see in today’s Home Run Derby. Each match-up would be an ‘old’ guy (old in quotes because each ‘old’ guy is in the prime of their careers in the hypothetical) against a guy who’s currently playing in the league today. It would be a series of 5, whoever takes more games would win the series. Here are the match-ups:

Bryce Harper vs. Ken Griffey Jr.

Talk about a flair for the dramatic. Both guys have exactly that. Harper won the 2018 Home Run Derby on a walk-off. Griffey won back to back home run derby ‘ s in 1998 and 1999. Love them or hate them, a match-up of the Kid and Harper would be electrifying to watch.

Advantage: Bryce Harper

In the timed setting, Harper will thrive with his home runs getting out quicker than Griffey’s. Giving Bryce the ability and time to hit more balls out.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

I think everyone knew when they saw the names this is the match-up I was leaning towards. Sr. won the 2007 Home Run Derby, while Jr. put on an absolute show in this year’s derby. Father vs. Son would be another exciting match-up to watch.

Advantage: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

I know there was overtime involved, but 40 home runs in the new style is still impressive, and tough to top. Vladdy Jr. in a landslide.

Cody Bellinger vs. Josh Hamilton

Showing some love to the lefties! Both have hit 40 homers in a season. This will be a fun match-up to watch, maybe not as fun as the previous two, but Hamilton hit 28 bombs in the Derby once upon a time.

Advantage: Josh Hamilton

I like Hamilton’s chances for the exact reasoning he is in this mythical contest. He hit 28 home runs in one round of the Home Run Derby.

Aaron Judge vs. Mark McGwire

The total distance of balls hit between these two in one round will be unprecedented. Judge has displayed his power time and time again, his farthest home run traveling 496 feet. McGwire took balls to ‘Big Mac’ land in St. Louis, his farthest home run traveling 545 feet.

Advantage: Aaron Judge

All Rise! Judge hits home runs to all fields, and put on a show when he won the 2017 Home Run Derby. His home runs will get out of the park quick, I mean the guy hits lasers to any part of the field. Tough to pick against him.

Giancarlo Stanton vs. Barry Bonds

The All-Time Home Run leader vs. one of the best home run hitters today. There will be a ton of home runs in this match-up. The 2016 Home Run Derby winner against the 1996 Home Run Derby winner. So both have Derby experience, making it very interesting to watch.

Advantage: Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds could very well be the best hitter I have ever seen in my lifetime. There was some steroid controversy, but even then, Bonds is top 5 in career WAR, and has hit more home runs than anyone that ever stepped into the batters box. Stanton would put up a great fight, but it’s Bonds contest to lose.

There are plenty of hypothetical match-ups that fans would love to see, I just touched on some of the best match-ups I would want to see. Whether it is boxing, baseball, football, basketball, or any other sport that you are a fan of; there are certainly teams or players that played in two different eras, that you would love to see face off against one another.

Featured Image. Rockets GM: ‘It’s Factual that James Harden is a Better Scorer than Michael Jordan’. Photo Credits to si.com