**UNC Tar Heel Star Lawson Sparks Debate: Who Was More Skilled in the NBA—Jordan, Worthy, Wallace, or Hansbrough?**

**UNC Tar Heel Star Lawson Sparks Debate: Who Was More Skilled in the NBA—Jordan, Worthy, Wallace, or Hansbrough?**

 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has produced some of the greatest basketball talents in history, and any conversation about the Tar Heels’ legacy eventually turns to the players who went on to leave their mark in the NBA. Recently, former UNC point guard **Ty Lawson** reignited that classic debate in a podcast appearance: *Who was the most skilled Tar Heel in the NBA—Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Rasheed Wallace, or Tyler Hansbrough?*

Lawson, himself a standout at UNC and a solid NBA contributor, didn’t shy away from weighing in. He praised all four players, but emphasized that “skill” is more nuanced than just points and rings. It’s about footwork, versatility, basketball IQ, and how a player adapted to the highest level of competition.

Let’s break it down.

 

### **Michael Jordan – The Standard of Greatness**

When it comes to skill, **Michael Jordan** is the immediate favorite in most debates. Six NBA championships, five MVP awards, ten scoring titles, and a cultural impact that redefined the sport—Jordan’s resume is unmatched. Beyond stats, Jordan’s footwork, mid-range game, and competitive drive were off the charts. Lawson acknowledged, “Jordan is the most complete player we’ve ever seen. Skill-wise, he could beat you in any way.”

But Jordan’s dominance often makes it hard to fairly compare him to others—his level of skill was wrapped in athleticism and relentless competitiveness.

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### **James Worthy – Smooth and Silent**

**James Worthy**, nicknamed “Big Game James,” brought finesse to the forward position. A seven-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion with the Showtime Lakers, Worthy had a graceful game built on quick first steps, elite footwork, and calm under pressure.

Lawson noted, “Worthy had a bag. People forget how skilled he was because Magic and Kareem got so much attention, but James could score from anywhere.” His ability to slash, post up, and finish made him a nightmare for defenders.

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### **Rasheed Wallace – Versatility and Fire**

One of the most underrated Tar Heels in the NBA, **Rasheed Wallace** was a unique blend of size, shooting, and defense. A four-time All-Star and NBA champion with the Pistons, Wallace stretched the floor before it was trendy, could guard multiple positions, and had one of the smoothest mid-range games for a big man.

Lawson said, “Sheed could do everything. Post, shoot, pass, defend. He had skills that a lot of today’s bigs still haven’t mastered.” While Wallace’s fiery temper sometimes overshadowed his talent, few bigs had his blend of finesse and power.

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### **Tyler Hansbrough – Power and Hustle**

**Tyler Hansbrough**, arguably one of the greatest college players ever, had a solid but less star-studded NBA career. Known for his relentless motor and physicality, Hansbrough’s NBA skill set was more limited. Still, Lawson defended his former teammate: “Psycho T wasn’t flashy, but he worked harder than anyone. That’s a skill in itself.”

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### **Final Verdict?**

Jordan is the easy answer—but in terms of *pure, versatile skill*, some argue Rasheed Wallace deserves more credit. Lawson summed it up best: “MJ’s the GOAT. But if we’re talking skill—post moves, range, defense—Sheed might be the most underrated Tar Heel ever.”