Third.

GUEST CAST

The Cast 19 April 2020

I asked a buddy who I consider an expert in hoops (both playing and knowing) AND) to write a few sentences about Michael Jordan. He also is the biggest North Carolina fan that I know. Vince Roe sent me over his thoughts as The Last Dance is about to be released tonight. I added a few of my own. Excuse the language, all.

Third.

Did you know the Titanic’s lookouts didn’t have binoculars? It’s true! During a personnel change a new officer, one with more experience than his predecessor, never got around to obtaining the keys to the locker that held the ships binoculars. Oversight.. er.. blunder.. er Fuck Up. 

Here’s another one. Google founders approached another well known CEO in 1999 to sell their search engine for $1M. They were rejected. The offer was reduced to $750M and still was rejected. Today Google is valued at nearly $500 Billion. Oversight.. er blunder.. er Fuck Up.

Oh, there’s also, the Beatles’ audition in 1962 for Decca Records. According to Decca “The Beatles have no future in show business.” Oversight.. er blunder.. er Fuck Up.

All of those have nothing on this though.. In 1984, the reigning Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year award winner decided to forego his Senior Year and enter the NCAA draft. This was just two years after hitting the game winning shot in the 1982 NCAA title game. The draft came around and in true 80’s basketball fashion, this player was by passed by two teams.
The first pick in 1984, went to the Houston Rockets. They picked future Hall of Famer and 2 time NBA Champion Hakeem Olajuwon. No one would argue that this was a great pick and they made out pretty well with “The Dream”.
Alternatively, the second pick went to the Portland Trailblazers. Inexplicably they chose oft injured and never to be confused with greatness, Sam Bowie.  For over 30 years, people have been trying to figure this out.  Some say Bowie lied when getting his physical, some say the Blazers were just a 7 footer away from a championship, either way.. Oversight.. er blunder.. er Fuck Up.

Jordan has put together the best resume in the history of the NBA. Bowie.. Do you even remember a single game where he wasn’t a factor? If you aren’t his mom the answer is probably not.

Closing.

I am not writing a book on this even though I could, but wanted to add to Vince’s thoughts above.What is happening tonight? Someone made a deal with the Bulls execs, Phil, and MJ to follow them around in 1998, with most having a feeling or hearing rumors that it was the last run together for that group, and maybe MJ overall. They had access to locker rooms, huddles, etc. They were told when they couldn’t join. But, we will learn a lot. The recordings were a semi-hidden myth for years and years. Then, a green light was given to allow the public to see the result. And here we are.

I am 47 years old. That means I had the luxury of being cognizant during MJ’s full career. I consider that very lucky, to experience his brilliance in real time. He took over games, he took over as a brand, and his only loss once he hit stride was going to play baseball voluntarily and age. He book-ended his baseball attempt with two three-peats. He conquered Larry and Zeke as his game matured, and he pretty much became unstoppable once he found a Robin (Pippen). As Vince mentioned, he was ALWAYS a factor in every game, and what made him special was that he practiced harder than anyone, and treated every game like a Game 7. There were no off nights. He didn’t try and build super teams. He played the hand that he was dealt and helped every role player play THEIR best games. His wish to win was unmatched, and when the most talented basketball player doesn’t take off nights and works harder than everyone on the court, you are in trouble.

In my opinion, Michael Jordan is the best ever. There are other people in the overall conversation, but not really in his paragraph or sentences. His early years were dunking over most people, and he changed his game as the years went on and became unstoppable outside of the key too. How can you compete with someone who is willing to change his game? And then becomes the best in the world THAT way? You can’t.

MJ was a brand. MJ was a legend. MJ was a competitive master. MJ changed the game. MJ made people change their game. MJ would win at all costs. And there won’t be another MJ. Ever.

Hope you tune in tonight.

Normal blog will come out most likely Tuesday. Until then…