One story tells you everything you need to know about Michael Jordan’s insane competitiveness.
The six-time NBA champion’s drive is legendary, and it’s not a secret at all that he loved pushing guys as far as they could go. Well, according to NBA insider David Halberstam, Portland star Clyde Drexler was an easy target for Jordan during their time together on the Dream Team. As we know, Jordan really didn’t like the Drexler comparisons, and he let him know all about it. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Halberstam wrote the following in his book “Playing for Keeps,” according to TheSportsRush.com:
Jordan did not pass up the opportunity to talk some trash as he brought the ball upcourt. ‘Didn’t I just kick your ass? … Anything here look just a little familiar? … Think you can stop me this type [sic], Clyde? … Better watch out for the 3s, Clyde.’ Eventually, some of his Dream Team colleagues suggested that Jordan cut back on the trash talk with Drexler because they were all teammates now, and there was no reason to reopen wounds so fresh. Back off, he did, but the coaches noted that every time Jordan guarded Drexler in scrimmages, he took the defensive level up more than anyone else.
This is the most classic Jordan story ever. The man just refused to take it easy on anyone, especially someone he felt like he had a beef with.
Jordan didn’t love the fact he was compared to Clyde Drexler, and when given the opportunity to roast him in practice after beating him in the Finals, the Bulls legend just couldn’t pass it up.
You simply can’t teach Jordan’s level of intensity. You either have it or you don’t. Jordan had an unreal amount of it, and that’s why he won six titles.
The dude just didn’t let anything go or quit once his sights were set on someone.
If this doesn’t motivate you to be great, I don’t know what will. “Winning has a price, leadership has a price… ‘The one thing about Michael Jordan was he never asked me to do something that he didn’t ****ing do.” pic.twitter.com/sEt4eE9nTz
— Zeke Healy (@ZekeHealy) May 11, 2020
Also, if you haven’t seen “The Last Dance” yet, I’d suggest that you check it out because it’s great. It’s a look at Michael Jordan in a way that you’ve never seen before.