When Michael Jordan's teammates gave a glimpse of his intensity entering the playoffs: "People were afraid of him... It was just fear"
Michael Jordan is known for his intensity and his desire to win at all costs, both of which have added to his lore nearly two and a half decades after he retired from the Chicago Bulls. The NBA Hall of Famer's former teammates shared how that intensity translated to the court. Jud Beuchler, who was a member of Jordan's final three championship teams, stated, while speaking on The Last Dance:
"People were afraid of him. We were his teammates, and we were afraid of him! It was just fear."
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who was also a member of those final three championship runs and was infamously punched in the face by Jordan during practice, stated on Bill Simmons' podcast, Book of Basketball:
"You were scared to death of him. He was the most dominant force on the floor in every regard. It wasn't just the talent - it was the force of will. People, opponents were defeated by Michael before they even walked on the floor so it was unbelievable to be on his team, to be his teammate and you had to accept that responsibility."
Former Bulls center Will Perdue, who was on the first three of Jordan's six championship teams, said on The Last Dance:
"He was an a**hole, he was a jerk, he crossed the line numerous times, but as time goes on, you think back about what he was actually trying to accomplish, you're like, 'He was a hell of a teammate.'"
While Jordan's intensity may have rubbed some teammates the wrong way if they weren't winning titles, his mannerism of leadership paid off as the Bulls dominated the 1990s by winning six titles.
Check out Michael Jordan's highlights below:
Michael Jordan also discussed his mentality
Michael Jordan's desire to win may have created a difficult environment for some teammates, however, those who were up for the challenge became champions. The five-time NBA MVP discussed his mentality on The Last Dance:
"My mentality was to go out and win at any cost. If you don't wanna live that regimented mentality, then you don't belong aside of me, because I'm going to ridicule you until you get on the same level with me, and if you don't get on the same level, then it's gonna be hell for you."
Jordan later claimed:
"Winning has a price, and leadership has a price. I tried to pull people along when they didn't want to be pulled. I challenged people when they don't wanna be challenged. It is who I am. That's how I play the game. That was my mentality. If you don't wanna play that way, don't play that way."
Jordan's leadership style was perfect for his era, where toughness and physicality were at the forefront, and he was able to lead the Chicago Bulls to six titles. Furthermore, he was able to prevent nearly several legendary players from winning a championship.
Check out Michael Jordan's postseason highlights below: