Chicago Bulls’ legendary player Michael Jordan is regarded as one of the best players to have graced the game of Basketball. Jordan was known for giving his 120% on the court and in practice and always had competitive juices flowing in him.
Jordan loved taking the bulls by their horns and there was never a shortage of effort from his side. It is well known that it was not easy to not only play against Jordan as he made it difficult for his opponents but also he wanted his teammates to be always on the top of their toes.
Jud Beuchler, who won the last three championships with Jordan and Chicago Bulls, said on the Last Dance, ”People were afraid of him. We were his teammates, and we were afraid of him! It was just fear.”
On the other hand, Steve Kerr, who is currently the head coach of the Golden State Warriors also revealed what it was like to play alongside Michael Jordan.
Kerr said on Bill Simmons’ podcast, “You were scared to death of him. He was the most dominant force on the floor in every regard. It wasn’t just the talent – it was the force of will. People, opponents were defeated by Michael before they even walked on the floor so it was unbelievable to be on his team, to be his teammate and you had to accept that responsibility.”
Jordan won six NBA rings in his glorious career and his winning mentality was well-known during his heydays.
Former Bulls center Will Perdue said on the Last Dance, “He was an a**hole, he was a jerk, he crossed the line numerous times, but as time goes on, you think back about what he was actually trying to accomplish, you’re like, ‘He was a hell of a teammate.’”
Jordan also revealed he wanted to win at any cost and thus pushed his teammates to the limits.
“My mentality was to go out and win at any cost. If you don’t wanna live that regimented mentality, then you don’t belong aside of me, because I’m going to ridicule you until you get on the same level with me, and if you don’t get on the same level, then it’s gonna be hell for you.”
Jordan concluded: “Winning has a price, and leadership has a price. I tried to pull people along when they didn’t want to be pulled. I challenged people when they don’t wanna be challenged. It is who I am. That’s how I play the game. That was my mentality. If you don’t wanna play that way, don’t play that way.”
