"That was the baddest mother—r I ever saw" - Horace Grant told Tracy McGrady that Len Bias was better than Michael Jordan

As a University of Maryland alum, ESPN host and sportscaster Scott Van Pelt had the chance to witness the late Len Bias play firsthand. Van Pelt said those who were curious to know more about Bias sometimes talk to him and among them was former Orlando Magic star Tracy McGrady.

According to Van Pelt, he, McGrady and Horace Grant had one unforgettable conversation about Bias back in the day. Every time Van Pelt retold the story, he always tried to be as verbatim as possible just to emphasize that Grant implied Bias was better than Michael Jordan.

As a huge Jordan fan, T-Mac was in disbelief after hearing what Grant said. However, Grant remained firm with his take.

“[McGrady] said, ‘You know about Bias?’ [I said] ‘Yeah’… As I’m saying this, Horace Grant walks out of a side booth. And McGrady says or screams like, ‘Oh, what do you know about Len Bias?’ The story loses its juice if I don’t quote him [Grant] directly. But Horace Grant looks at McGrady and goes, ‘Ooh, that was the baddest mother—r I ever saw,'” Van Pelt vividly remembered.

“And McGrady goes, ‘[But] You played with Jordan?’ and Horace Grant said. ‘Like I said, that was the baddest mother—r I ever saw,'” he continued.

Bias was Jordan’s direct counterpart

Van Pelt’s fellow ESPN personality and veteran college basketball analyst Jay Bilas was also very knowledgeable of Bias’ game. Based on Bilas’ assessment, Bias really had what it takes to be the best player in the NBA just like Jordan.

Bilas closely watched Bias and MJ’s epic duels in college. Like what most people had anticipated at the time, Bilas was certain Bias and Jordan would pick up where they left off in the pros.

The way Bilas predicted it, Jordan would’ve found a nemesis in Bias had they had the opportunity to take on each other in the NBA.

“I think Len Bias would have been the direct counterpart to Jordan for best player in the NBA. That’s how good he was,” Bilas once said. “And he was his direct counterpart in college as the best player in the ACC.

“I think all you have to do is go back, for any young person, go back and look him up on YouTube and watch it. He was unstoppable. Unstoppable,” Bilas added of Len.

Bias vs. Jordan would’ve been an epic NBA rivalry

As expected, Bias was a lottery pick in 1986. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 2nd overall pick and was hyped as the next best rising star in the NBA.

At the time, many had been holding their breath for the ultimate showdown between Bias and Jordan. Unfortunately, one tragic incident prevented it from happening.

Just two days after he officially became an NBA player, Bias died of a cocaine overdose. It was a devastating moment for all hoops fans all over the world, especially for those who were convinced that Bias could take over the NBA.

In retrospect, it’s sad to realize how one terrible mistake did not just alter the future landscape of the NBA but also stopped a rivalry for the ages from taking place.

Despite never witnessing Bias step onto the NBA hardwood, some guys like Grant still believe that he was actually better than Jordan.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

“That was the baddest mother—r I ever saw” – Horace Grant told Tracy McGrady that Len Bias was better than Michael Jordan

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