Steve Kerr has explained the reasons why the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan wouldn’t have won eight straight titles. For the Golden State Warriors, the emotional charge of winning was a huge factor for MJ to decide to take some time off basketball, as well as his father’s death.
Jordan retired for two years from 1993 through 1995, where he went to play baseball with not so much success. On March 18, 1995, the GOAT announced his return to the hardwoods, starting a new chapter in his career with the Bulls.
Jordan won six titles shared between two three-peats, but Kerr believes MJ taking a break of two years actually helped Michael to return better than ever and take the Bulls to the promised land in three straight years for the second time.
Talking with David Aldridge and Michael Lee of The Athletic, the Warriors head coach said:
“Sometimes people say to me, ‘If Michael had stayed, you guys would’ve won eight in a row.’ That’s the most preposterous thing I have ever heard. People have no idea how emotionally draining it is for a team to keep winning,” Kerr said.
“To me, the reason we won the second three was because he got away and recharged his batteries,” he added. “He needed it, desperately. And that’s why he left. He was just burned out. There were all of these theories: Did David Stern tell him you can’t play? Like, yeah, that would be very smart – the greatest player ever and we’re going to punish him for gambling or whatever? What are we even talking about? That’s dumb. All of those conspiracy theories were dumb. Bottom line was, he was fried. Going through a lot with his father’s death. Just getting away for two years, recharged his batteries and got him ready for the next three.”
We won’t know what would have happened if MJ stayed with the Bulls. Still, we’re pretty sure the Chicago Bulls fans are very happy with the six titles Jordan gave them alongside the likes of Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Kerr.
That was the most successful period of their history and even though they keep looking for their new Jordan, the memories from the 90s are irreplaceable.
