I think Michael Jordan is probably one of America's greatestsuccess stories. Whatever we hoped and dreamed basketball could be,he took it two steps further.
People talk about the era of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, butas great as they were, Jordan took the game to a totally differentlevel. What basketball is today is primarily because of him.
Everything the Bulls are today - especially their fivechampionships - is solely because of him. They should never kidthemselves about that. He and only he is the reason for theirsuccess.What's happening these days in my hometown of Chicago is beyondmy realm of comprehension. I can't fathom why management would pullthe rug out.It's unfortunate for Jordan because I know what it takes to wina championship and how emotionally draining it becomes, so I knowthese are his toughest times. It seems that he alone is fighting topreserve the dynasty.When I played against Michael, he was the ultimate challengebecause he was so fundamentally sound, physically gifted and mentallytough.You'd marvel at the things he did, but you never could let himknow that because he'd see it as a sign of weakness and devour you.I always relished the challenge when I played against him. Butwhenever he'd get the ball, there was a certain fear that would gothrough your body.You'd say to yourself, "Aw, man, he's got the ball."Particularly at the end of the game. That was your greatest fear asan opponent.But now I sit and watch and marvel at his stamina. To be on topof the game after so many others have faded away is another mark ofhis greatness.I have many memories of him, but one of the most electrifyingwas of a game at the Silverdome when he dropped 61 points on us(April 16, 1987).Terry Tyler was guarding him, and Tyler was known as one of thebest leapers in basketball. Jordan was coming down the left side ofthe court, and he took off from way outside the lane. Everybody inthe Silverdome just froze.As Tyler jumped, he met Jordan in mid-air. But Jordan went upanother two feet, grabbed Tyler by his jersey, carried him to thebasket, dunked the basketball and almost threw Tyler on the floor.It was one of those things that make you say, "Did you see that?"Chicago native Isiah Thomas led the Detroit Pistons to two NBAchampionships.
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