Michael Jordan built a career out of being an absolute assassin on the basketball court. Not only did Jordan put some of the most incredible numbers we have ever seen in the game, but he also set a new standard of winning in the modern era of basketball. All of this excellence wasn’t achieved purely on natural talent, as MJ worked very hard to ensure he could be the king of the mountain.
We have seen players like Kobe Bryant become the faces of ‘practicing until you are perfect’ mentality in recent years, but Kobe learned that habit from someone else. Jordan. His work ethic was incredible and he dedicated innumerable hours when the lights were off so that he could deliver when they were at their brightest.
MJ once revealed his motivations behind the practice habits and how having a strong work ethic will eliminate the fear of failing.
MICHAEL JORDAN WORK ETHIC
“Every day in practice was like that to me. It was a competition.
So, when the game comes, there’s nothing that I haven’t already practiced. It’s a routine.
Whatever happens in the game now, okay I’ve done that before.” pic.twitter.com/PxcWEAO9dd
— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) September 29, 2022
“When I got to the pros, Kevin Loughery, when I was drafted number 3, Kevin Loughery used to put me in the starting five. We’d be killing the second five. He wanted to test me out. Let’s say we’re going to 8 and it could be 5 to 1 or 5 to 2 against the second team, he’d switch me to the second team. We’d bounce back and win the game. Those are all training tools and every day in practice was like that to me, it was competition. So when the game comes, there’s nothing I haven’t practiced. It’s a routine. Whatever happens in the game now, okay, I have done this before.”
“I never feared about my skills because I put in the work. Work ethic eliminates fear. If you put forth the work, what are you fearing? You know what you’re capable of doing and what you’re not.”
MJ was obsessed with getting better, and everything he did before games was aimed at putting him in the best position to win. Practice was very important to him, and it was the reason why he became the huge legend he is right now, preparing him to face big challenges in games. His work ethic was unmatched until Kobe Bryant showed up, but Jordan was always trying to put in the work to reach the next level.
Michael Jordan: The Face Of Basketball Excellence
As the NBA goes from year to year, new talents are emerging every other day. Luka Doncic is an example of a current young star that could reach the levels of an all-time great. Jordan is, was, and will always be the measuring stake for legendary greatness.
LeBron James is an example of someone who has come close to surpassing Jordan for that status but has instead set a different standard of what longevity in a career means. MJ is all about winning and dominating in his career, winning 6 championships without losing a single one.
Even when not in the playoffs, MJ set incredible records as an offensive and defensive player. He has 10 scoring titles to his name while also a Defensive Player of the Year. The Jordan standard in basketball will always be the ultimate goal of players, and he got there by rigorously practicing.
