In the history of the NBA, there has perhaps been no-one quite like Michael Jordan when it comes to the psychological warfare that comes with having to compete at a high level and in a pressure-cooker environment. The Last Dance documentary gave basketball fans around the world a small insight into the inner workings of how the Chicago Bulls’ legend’s mind operates.
His ability to ‘make it personal’ with some of his fiercest rivals contributed to the intense drive and passion to win that led the Bulls to six NBA championships and five MVP awards during the 1990s. Whether it was rallying teammates or finding inspiration in opponents trash-talking him, Jordan played the game like nobody else before him.
So, when it comes to assessing the mentality of NBA players, there is no-one better placed than Jordan to pass his verdict.
Well, Jordan opened up on the NBA star who he felt his Bulls teammate Dennis Rodman got into his head in particular, stating that he needed to learn some more about the intricacies and psychological side of things.
Michael Jordan Revealed Dennis Rodman Got Under NBA Rival’s Skin
Given the kind of winning culture that Jordan helped build with the Chicago Bulls, it’s no surprise that players had to take responsibility and be mentally strong to deal with the pressures and expectations that came with playing with one of basketball’s greats and for a yearly championship contender too.
Aside from Jordan, the likes of Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen ensured there was never a shortage of leadership or big personality in the Bulls’ locker room, and while there may have been clashes in terms of their characters meshing with each other, they all found a way to deal with it in order for the betterment of the team.
Of course, our guy Dennis Rodman can be irritating. But he used to guard me when he was with Detroit, and I didn’t let him get to me. I didn’t get irritated by any of the Pistons, because that was their tactic, to get into your head.
But while Jordan admitted that Rodman was