Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the best player to ever play in the NBA. Looking at his resume, Jordan won six rings in his career and never lost an NBA Finals in his entire career. Additionally, he had several individual accolades to his name.
Be it winning regular season MVP awards or All-NBA selection, MJ had it all. On top of that, Jordan’s influence helped the NBA expand its popularity around the globe.
But as good as Mike was in his career, it took him seven seasons to win the first NBA Championship of his career. For any other player, this time frame is no deal, but for a player of Jordan’s caliber, it certainly is.
Although MJ was a great player from the start of his career, there was one thing that he didn’t learn until the 1991 NBA playoffs. He never trusted his teammates and wanted to achieve everything on his own.
But back during Game 5 of the 1991 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson finally convinced Jordan to trust his teammates. Jackson did so by asking Mike a critical question in the crucial game.
Jackson simply wanted to know from Jordan who was is open on the court? MJ replied with the name of John Paxson. Following that, Phil simply asked Jordan to pass the ball to Paxson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5z0b6YCcUk
Jordan trusted Paxson, and his trust was rewarded by an insane run by Paxson. Paxson ended up scoring 10 points in quick-fire fashion, which ultimately played a huge role in helping MJ win the first NBA Championship of his career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXa1jX6BRGg
Many believe that it was at this moment when Mike finally grew as a player. He then ended up winning five more NBA Championships while donning the jersey of the Chicago Bulls.
While Jordan was still the superstar in all those championship runs, he understood the importance of trusting his teammates in tough situations. Had he not learned that back in the 1991 NBA Finals, he might never have become the GOAT for most NBA fans.
