Len Bias: Greater Than Michael Jordan But Beaten By Cocaine

JAKARTA - In fact, it is hard to imagine someone who is greater than Michael Jordan at the same time as his career. But it could have happened with Len Bias.

Bias was the number two choice for the Boston Celtics in the 1986 draft. But never made his NBA debut as he died of a cocaine overdose.

"I know for sure we're going to be talking about him (Bias) being the greatest of all time, or Jordan is going to be on an even different level," Walt Williams recently told the Basketball Network.

"I think those guys would definitely push each other to the max. The thing about Len Bias, when you compare him to Michael Jordan, I think he was a little ahead of Michael when they were in college with his skills."

"Bias' jump shot is the prettiest thing you've ever seen.

"He can defend in many positions. He's kind of a mix of how you see the game being played now. And that's the tragedy of not seeing Len Bias.

"I think the game will be leaning to a much faster place."

On June 19, 1986, just two days after his mandatory military service, Bias pushed his freedom to the limit before joining the Celtics, but his cocaine consumption was too excessive.

Minutes later, he passed out with an incredible heartbeat, and his NBA career potential vanished.

The incident took his life. Paramedics failed to save Bias and confirmed he died at 8:55 am.