Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. But did he reach that status overnight? Most certainly not.
Former NBA player and current ‘NBA on TNT’ analyst Kenny Smith recently shared his view on MJ as the GOAT. Smith unveiled that he didn’t that Jordan would become the greatest player to ever live, but Mike proved him wrong by backing his competitive spirit every day.
“I didn’t think he’d be the greatest basketball player to ever live, no. I thought that he had a competitive spirit, just like a lot of people, but the difference is he backed it up every day, and he was a perfect size for a basketball player that, I thought. 6’6”, you’re able to go in with the trees, and you’re quick enough to stay with the guards, and then his athleticism took him to another level.
“He’s the most fundamentally sound basketball player, who was the most athletic. He’s always had his correct hand in the passing lane. His footwork was impeccable. Most guys who were that athletic didn’t do that. They just relied on the fact that they were more athletic, and that changed his game, I thought, being the most fundamentally sound basketball player.”
(Starts at 13:21)
Shannon Sharpe initially asked Smith about his thoughts on Jordan when they were teammates for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Even though Smith didn’t believe that Jordan would become the GOAT at first, Mike’s work ethic made him change his opinion.
Dean Smith Helped Michael Jordan On Improving His Game
Before getting drafted into the NBA, Michael Jordan played three years for the North Carolina Tar Heels under the coaching of the legendary Dean Smith.
During his time with the Tar Heels, Jordan averaged 17.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 1.8 APG. Jordan seemingly got better each season, and a lot of credit for it goes to Dean Smith.
Smith handed him an eight-point letter that mentioned all the things that Jordan could improve on. Well, Jordan certainly worked on his flaws as he ended up becoming the greatest player of all time after entering the NBA.
Michael Jordan’s aggressiveness to learn always kept him one step ahead of his opponents and ultimately helped him in becoming successful.
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