The former Chicago Bulls head coach recently reflected on Jordan’s remarkable competitive drive, recalling how the six-time NBA champion would push himself to play even after physically exhausting performances.
Jackson remembered one road game in Sacramento when Jordan was so worn down that two teammates had to help him walk back to his hotel room, with each teammate supporting one of his arms.
Despite the exhaustion, Jackson said there was never much doubt about Jordan’s availability for the following night.
“Oh, he’ll be back, he’ll play tomorrow. There’s no way he’s going to stop playing,” Jackson recalled.
According to Jackson, Jordan understood that some fans might only get one opportunity to watch him play in person. He wanted to make sure they got their money’s worth.
“He’ll want to play just because this is the only chance the fans out here in Golden State or Portland, or wherever he was, are going to see him,” Jackson explained.
Jackson also contrasted the mentality of players during Jordan’s era with today’s NBA, where load management and scheduled rest have become major talking points.
He recalled road trips that required the Bulls to play three games in three consecutive nights against Golden State, Portland and Seattle.
Jackson questioned the modern reluctance to play consecutive games, pointing to how some players now sit out back-to-backs.
The former coach also remembered an incident in which Jordan was suspended for the Bulls’ final road game in Phoenix after making contact with a referee during a double-overtime game in Seattle.
The suspension frustrated fans who had purchased tickets specifically to see Jordan play, illustrating just how much of a draw he was wherever the Bulls traveled.
For Jackson, Jordan’s mentality was about more than simply showing up. It was about performing at the highest level and giving fans a memorable experience.
Jordan didn’t just want to play. He wanted to put on a show every time he stepped onto the court.
