Throughout his illustrious NBA career, Michael Jordan exhibited a level of commitment that astounded fans and fellow athletes alike. He never wanted to miss a single game, believing each game was an opportunity to showcase his skills and passion for the sport.
For former Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson, MJ’s dedication was truly remarkable, considering the physical demands of being the best player in the league and the toll it takes on the body. Jackson pointed out that many may have overlooked that aspect of Jordan’s greatness, but his incredible ability to endure pain and perform at a high level was his “special skill.”
“We had a six-game road trip, Michael had some spasms in his lower back. We literally had to carry him off the bus, off the plane, to the bus, from the bus to the hotel. It amazed me, he went out and got 40 points that night,” Jackson said on Michael Jordan to the max documentary.
“This is the kind of player he was,” he continued. “He wanted everybody to see his special skill. And he didn’t want people that loved basketball not to have that opportunity.”
MJ always wanted to give everybody their “Michael Jordan moment”
Every game, fans would pack the Bulls stadium, eagerly anticipating to witness the electrifying displays of skill and athleticism that only “His Airness” could deliver. Jordan was well aware of that, so every time he stepped on the court, his goal was to give the crowd an experience they would never forget.
It shows that apart from his unbreakable commitment to perform, Jordan was also dedicated to giving joy to his fans. That speaks volumes about the fact that MJ did not miss a single game from 1995 to 1998.
“When Jordan would go out for the spotlight introduction, he would look up into the stands, and he would realize that there was at least someone up there that night who had never seen him before, who would never see him again,” said “Hang Time” author Bob Green. “And this would be the one Michael Jordan moment they ever had. And he would say he was playing for those people there.”
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Jordan’s loyalty was also underrated
People who witnessed how Jordan worked could tell that he did not only do what he did best but also demonstrated unwavering loyalty to his teammates and coaches throughout his career. Despite his competitive nature and intense drive to win, Jordan deeply valued the relationships he built within his team.
During his time with the Bulls, Jordan constantly pushed his teammates to excel and be better versions of themselves. Some say it was borderline abuse, considering how tough the GOAT was to his teammates. But many didn’t realize that it also conveyed that MJ was loyal to them as he was willingly setting them up for success.
In fact, former Bulls head coach Doug Collins learned firsthand how loyal Jordan was when “His Airness” specifically asked to join him in his return and coach the Washington Wizards in 2001. Collins once revealed that Jordan’s loyalty to his team was probably the “one thing” most people didn’t know about him.
“How loyal he is to the people who have been with him throughout,” Collins once said.
All of it made MJ the rightful GOAT
Jordan is widely regarded as arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. He had the titles and accolades, but what set him apart from the rest of the pack was his physical abilities and exceptional mental toughness.
One of the key elements of Jordan’s mental toughness was his unparalleled work ethic. He was known for his intense practice sessions, often arriving early and staying late to hone his skills. That mindset was precisely put into words in his famous quote, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Another notable aspect of Jordan’s greatness was his ability to perform under pressure. In crucial moments, Mike remained calm and focused, earning him the reputation of being a ridiculously clutch player. The unbelievable durability of the body and the mind was also one thing that Jordan possessed.
Despite facing numerous challenges, setbacks, and pain throughout his career, MJ never backed down and succumbed to any of them. He also used criticism and doubt as motivation to push himself harder. In the process, his resilience and mental strength inspired not only his teammates but also countless fans worldwide.
To sum it all up, Jordan had a wide array of defining factors in his success on and off the court. In conclusion, his unconditional dedication to his craft, ability to excel under pressure, loyalty, and refusal to give up in the face of adversity are qualities that made him a role model and the one and only GOAT.
“A guy who’s had a career that’s been here and there” – Phil Jackson on the Bulls replacing Michael Jordan with a journeyman
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