"I just want the franchise of the Chicago Bulls to be respected, like the Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers, or the Boston Celtics. Hopefully, this team and this organization can build a program like that." -Michael Jordan, shortly after being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984.
For the last ten weeks, sports fans across the U.S. have been given an in-depth look into the 1998 Chicago Bulls, arguably one of the greatest basketball teams of all time. "The Last Dance" explores how then-general manager Jerry Krause took one of the worst franchises in the NBA and bred a team that would win six titles. The series focuses on the players from that iconic team including Scotty Pippen, Dennis Rodman, current Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. But the main focus was around Michael Jordan.
It's no question Michael Jordan was extremely competitive during his time in the NBA and "The Last Dance" does a magnificent job in showing this. Jordan pushed himself to the absolute limit on the court and never backed down to any challengers, from Karl Malone and Isiah Thomas to B.J. Armstrong and Reggie Miller. Jordan was a true leader on the court, but also off the court. He chose not to take part in drugs with his teammates at the time shortly after being drafted and he always held his teammates accountable in practice. That was certainly an interesting side of him that I never personally considered before.
The way Michael Jordan also dealt with the many setbacks in his life was also truly astonishing. From getting food poisoning and having to play through what is referred to as the "flu game", to playing without his dad after he was tragically murdered. However, setbacks can lead to great comebacks.
As the saying goes, "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger." It's no question Michael Jordan came back stronger. Every time.