What makes Michael Jordan the GOAT? The 8 times he inspired us to be great
Michael Jordan is not just seen by the majority of sports fans as the greatest basketball player of all time.
He is seen as the greatest winner of all time, in any sport and possibly, in any walk of life. Jordan’s legacy is like that of an enigmatic shadow. A far-off pinnacle of achievement, so far away that when you get close enough, it almost doesn’t feel real.
But through ‘The Last Dance,’ we are all privy to new and detailed information surrounding His Airness’ career and the 90s Chicago Bulls.
Jordan is very close to non-human, but this doc shows us he still bleeds very much like us, he has gone through trials and tribulations like us; he had to overcome immense adversity to get to the top.
As a freshman at UNC, Jordan quickly established himself as a key player on the team. In fact, it was his shot that was the game-winner in the 1982 NCAA Championship.
But Jordan still, two years later entering the NBA draft, wasn’t expected to be one of the greatest players ever. First, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, he had to get through the gritty Detroit Pistons.
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed,”-MJ.
After losing to them three straight years in the playoffs, Jordan and the entire Bulls team hit the gym. They wanted to bulk up so the Pistons’ physical presence didn’t keep winning them the series. So Jordan led the charge, and in ’91, the Bulls first championship, they swept the Pistons out of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jordan is renowned for his tireless dedication to winning, his consistent work ethic, and motivation to get better. But, even as a hardened competitor, he still found time to mentor the younger stars in the NBA in his later years.
Two of those stars, and likely the most prolific, are Shaquille O’Neal and the late great Kobe Bryant.
Since retiring, MJ has still surrounded himself with the game of basketball, most clearly as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Every time Jordan speaks, people listen, and there are always quotes that serve as inspiration and motivation for people looking to achieve greatness in their respective industries.
“The ceiling is the roof,” is one of MJ’s most recent famous quotes.
It is hard to think of Jordan now without thinking of his relationship with Kobe Bryant. Mentor to protege, vet to rook, big brother to little brother.
“When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died,” tearfully declared MJ at Kobe’s memorial service.
MJ continues to inspire us with his savvy basketball mind, his willingness to be great, and his motivational and largesse words about life. Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant and long live MJ.
You continue to inspire us every day.