Kwame Brown’s experience playing alongside Michael Jordan with the Washington Wizards offers a fascinating insight into Jordan’s legendary work ethic and unwavering commitment to the game. Despite not being a fan of Jordan personally, Brown cannot help but acknowledge the extraordinary dedication he witnessed firsthand, even as Jordan neared the end of his career. During an episode of the ‘Swish Cultures‘ podcast, Brown candidly shared his mixed feelings about Jordan.
“No, I’m not an MJ fan. Listen, I got no reason to be an MJ fan. That motherf****r slapped me in the back of my head one day. But I’m just, I got no reason to do — no reason at all. I’m just, I just saw the work and the dedication.”
“This old N***a was getting up at 39 years old. He never cheated the game, whether he went out, whatever he did. The Breakfast Club was real. I’m like, I joined the Breakfast Club because I couldn’t believe it.”
“I’m like, ain’t no way this old, after being up standing there all night gambling, no way this gonna be here at 6:00. That dude was already in the weight room lifting at 5:45. I’m like, he’s a machine. I couldn’t believe it. Every morning, he’s like that. No matter what he does, he never cheated the game.” (31:08)
However, his discontent with Jordan as a teammate doesn’t erase the respect Brown has for Jordan’s work ethic, particularly how he never cheated the game, even at 39 years old.
Brown describes being astounded by Jordan’s discipline and dedication, especially considering Jordan’s age and his reputation for staying up late to gamble or socialize. Jordan’s now-famous “Breakfast Club” workout routine, which involved early morning weightlifting sessions, left a lasting impression on Brown.
What struck Brown the most was Jordan’s ability to perform at a high level regardless of how little sleep he had or how late he stayed out the previous night. For Brown, Jordan’s relentless drive and commitment to the sport, even when he had nothing left to prove, spoke volumes about the kind of competitor and professional Jordan was.
This portrayal of Jordan aligns with the image many fans and analysts have of him as an unmatched competitor. Even as he neared 40 years old, Jordan approached every workout, practice, and game with the same intensity that defined his prime. For younger players like Brown, seeing this level of dedication from someone of Jordan’s stature was both inspiring and, at times, overwhelming.
Despite the personal challenges and tension Brown experienced under Jordan’s leadership, his reflections underscore a critical aspect of Jordan’s legacy: his absolute commitment to the game.
While Kwame Brown may not be a fan of how Jordan treated him, he acknowledges that Jordan’s legendary work ethic and discipline were undeniable. In the end, Brown’s testimony reinforces why Michael Jordan is still considered one of the greatest basketball players ever—not just for his skill but for his unyielding dedication to excellence, on and off the court.
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