Michael Jordan is the GOAT for many reasons but there is one element of his personality that he couldn’t have made it to the top without. His limitless desire to win and be the best manifested itself in his never-ending desire to improve through practice. MJ’s attitude towards practice is the stuff of legends, he regularly treated practices like games and was quick to call out teammates who weren’t bringing the same intensity that he was.
Jordan’s dedication meant he put hours into his work and a story from the 1996-97 season when the Chicago Bulls were going for their 5th NBA title is an excellent example of it. The NBPA’s Tim McCormick went to watch the Bulls practice expecting that Jordan wouldn’t be around after playing 4 games in the previous 5 nights, but he was in for quite the surprise (via USA Basketball).
“During the end of the 1996-1997 regular season, Tim McCormick of the NBPA had an opportunity to go watch a Chicago Bulls practice. The Bulls were pursuing their 2nd straight (and 5th overall) NBA Championship and had set an NBA record with 72 wins the previous season.
“As excited as he was to be there, he was a little disappointed because he assumed he wouldn’t get to see Michael Jordan practice. After all, the Bulls just played four games in five nights and he assumed MJ would take a well-deserved day off. Especially since they won all four of those games and his Airness had scored something like 38, 42, 46, and 34 points (and played over 40 minutes each game).
“Much to his surprise, MJ showed up 45 minutes before practice. He began with some form of shooting and then quickly moved to a variety of up-tempo shooting drills (using an assistant coach as a rebounder). He got up around 200 shots. He was focused and intense and was in a full lather of sweat by the time the rest of the team arrived.
“Sensing his team needed a light day, Phil Jackson told the team that practice was only going to consist of a scrimmage to 20 baskets. MJ proceeded to score 12 of his team’s baskets and assisted on three others. He dove for loose balls and even took a charge! Needless to say, his team won easily.”
The ability to go full-throttle all the time and not take any time off is something that only the rarest of humans can gain. Jordan simply didn’t stop when it came to improving himself, which resulted in the most glorious prime of any player in the history of the NBA. For those that wish to surpass him, the road ahead may be clear but it’s extremely tough to achieve.
