Michael Jordan was known for his trash-talking against rivals, but the Chicago Bulls legend also used to take shots at his own teammates, and he made them know what was going on at any time, anywhere. During the last year of MJ with the Bulls, in 1998, he three-peated for the second time, won his six titles, having a great series against the Utah Jazz.
That was a big achievement for the Bulls, but Jordan was ready to make people clear he was the one fighting for that ‘chip. For instance, he didn’t hesitate to let Joe Kleine know who was responsible for the Bulls’ triumph in 1998. Kleine was crying after the team won the title, with Jordan questioning why he was crying if he didn’t have any part on that.
A story told by Damon Wayans revealed what Jordan said to Kleine, short and clear.
“Why are you crying? I am the one who won it for you,” Jordan said when Kleine was crying after winning the championship.
https://twitter.com/Howsito/status/1261506236421292033
Joe Kleine averaged 2.0 PPG & 1.7 RPG for the Bulls in the 1997-98 season and Michael Jordan let him know about it 💀
(h/t @Howsito ) pic.twitter.com/38F9v84Spd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 17, 2020
Kleine averaged 2.0 PPG & 1.7 RPG for the Bulls in the 1997-98 season, so it’s fair to say MJ had reasons to remind him he didn’t do anything to win that title. Still, winning an NBA championship is a big achievement for anybody; even if you’re the 12th guy on the bench, you’re still a winner.
Perhaps that title and knowing that was the last year of Jordan and the group together got Kleine, but MJ wasn’t having any of that.
