Stories behind how Michael Jordan transformed into an NBA icon | Colin Cowherd Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Gametime. Get $20 off your first purchase with promo code COLIN at gametime.co
Longtime Chicago Bulls writer Sam Smith (author of ‘The Jordan Rules’) tells Colin Cowherd inside stories from the early days of Michael Jordan’s NBA career, and points out the differences between the public image of MJ and the private side of the basketball icon. They also discuss the reasons why Michael Jordan didn’t succeed as an owner of the Charlotte Hornets, and the first time Sam ever saw MJ play basketball.
Timeline:
00:00 - Start
01:26 - Pushback to ‘The Jordan Rules’
03:34 - “Bully ball” in the East
06:28 - Reaction to ‘The Last Dance’
10:57 - Michael protecting his privacy
14:43 - Struggles as Hornets owner
20:17 - First time seeing Michael
24:10 - The GOAT debate
30:04 - Best team you’ve seen this year?
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#nba #bulls #michaeljordan

[@adrianprince7266]

Michael JORDAN sitting back relaxing quietly while everyone still talking about him some 30yrs later. Goat

[@brockaustin1018]

Jordan was great bro. "Arguably" the 🐐. Biggest impact on basketball and it ain't close. But this is America and to dismiss the fact that in order to keep that "shoe" and brand profitable for those who benefit the most (*Hint it Nike) is not an agenda false. They made him like a God to sell a product. The idea that no other player would "ever" be better is even more ridiculous. Kareem , Bill, Lebron and at least Wilt has to be considered too. Actual attributes and marketing are two different things.

[@jkpiii4513]

He's still relevant. Lebron will never get that

[@johnsalchak7495]

A billionaire,& can't get rid of redeye?

[@k_hack9441]

You boomers got brainwashed by the greatest marketing in US history

[@Cahluvca]

Brotha is a living legend

[@MrKurtykurt]

I’m 37 and a lifelong Cavs fan, I’ve spent years rooting for Lebron, I never burned his jersey, I was disappointed he left but I understood why. When he won on 2016 I was convinced he had to be best ever. But I was 12 when MJ left the Bulls and I didn’t remember MJ’s game all that well nor did I have the mental capacity to analyze it back then, I just remember MJ being as popular and famous as anyone could possibly be. Well a few years back I started watching some old games and playoff series and I was absolutely mesmerized by MJ’s game. His bag and what he’s capable of doing on the basketball court easily surpasses anyone I’ve ever watched. And then I started diving into his stats, his awards, his accolades and by that point it seemed obvious to me this GOAT debate was always media driven. Lebron is a GREAT player but people are using 2 extra assists per game as evidence Lebron is, at the very least, a much more well rounded player but they call it “better all around player.” Well, 2 assists and 2 defensive rebounds per are not the only 2 other stats besides scoring. And wouldn’t being the better defender make you the better “all around” player? Even Nick Wright in a recent disrespectful GOAT rant had to quickly say “LeBron is the more versatile defender” If he was the better defender, Nick Wright would have certainly said BETTER, but he knows that would be a straight lie by every metric. Not only does MJ average slightly more blocks than Lebron, but as of now MJ has 334 more steals and Lebron has played as many more games. Nick Wright will also tell you Lebron is the better rebounder but the objective reality is positioning matters when it comes to rebounding and MJ is the 3rd or 4th best rebounding shooting gaurd of all time and Lebron ranks closer to 15 among small forwards, and when positioning doesn’t matter as much (on offense) MJ straight up averages more offensive rebounds. So it’s easy to use context to dismiss Lebron as a better rebounder. I also can’t find another player in NBA history who almost negated his total turnovers by forcing one on the other end of the floor and snagging it back. Throughout MJ’s entire career he played on average 14mins between his turnovers. For him to record a steal, he played on average approx 16mins and 19secs. When you think about how easy it is to turn the ball over in the NBA, and how difficult it is to steal the ball but getting a steal only takes you less than two and a half minutes than it take you to commit a turnover? That’s the commitment to minimizing mistakes and doing the things that keep you in the game to make sure whatever buckets you contribute actually count bc it ultimately leads to wins. I won’t do Lebron dirty and put up his mins played between turnovers and steals but it ain’t no where close to Mike. could literally write a 10 page essay on why Jordan is clearly on a different level than anyone else who ever played but I’m gonna stop here

[@paulleclaire8252]

Excellent post! We said!

[@frankari1414]

Excellent and objective analysis right there brother.

[@cotati76]

Thank you

[@sportsmediapolice1968]

Long read but an extremely fair assessment.

[@AAblade7]

I’m more in the camp it’s what system and play style you want instead of anything individual separating the two. That being said a few counters on this -Lebron higher turnover rate is fine since he makes a lot more passes than MJ did. Lebron is passes as much to the open guy as he does to get the ball moving for the offense to run a set. MJ in the bulls triangle pretty much had him passing the ball if he didn’t have a good shot and you had someone like Steve Kerr set for a open jump shot. -NBA plays a lot more zone defense now due to the rules. So Lebron faces a lot more double teams north of the foul line (god I hated the illegal defense rules). The bulls were the best at manipulating defenses due to these rules. So it’s harder to keep control of the ball facing 2 instead of one. -I believe the argument for versatile defender has more to do with position. Rarely did you see MJ guard a PF or C. Granted I remember seeing MJ guard shaq and I though it was damn impressive since shaq had like 100lbs on him. Still MJ wasn’t locking him up like he could a 1-3. I’ve seen Lebron be able to physically and soundly defend 1-5 so take it what you will. Honestly if I was building the absolute best team ever I’m probably not taking either. Not knocking their individual greatness. The problem is that your going to greatly limit your options for your other positions to make it all work. For example for MJ I need a elite rebounding PF and a C that doesn’t clog up the lane. For Lebron I need a elite shooting PF and C.

[@lovememoremeticulous4378]

Michael Jordan is just fascinating. He was just so REAL on the court, honest & true. What you saw he actually did, it’s what makes him ICONIC.

[@darrelljones3965]

From 84-93 jordan was a company man but from 95- now he been his unapologetic self and i fw it

[@pierreperkins3040]

I just don't think people get it. Outside of Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali, NO OTHER ATHLETE transcended their sport. To take a sport(NBA) GLOBAL when it's not the #1 sport in the USA(football), or world(futbol, F1, cricket) speaks VOLUMES. There's not a place on the planet that somebody don't know who is Jordan. It's no mystery why they call him BLACK JESUS. Even worse he did it from the SG position. The ONLY two other SGs to dominate from that position in the NBA'S 75 year history was Kobe and Jerry West.

[@jaust9077]

I would add Tiger to this

[@Peakfreud]

​@@jaust9077 We only allow for one from each sport as an Unspoken rule. But Mike Tyson maybe,🤷‍♂️ at least knocking on the door perhaps? At least in notoriety. Mikes, Had Video Games, Movies, multiple Documentaries, Scandals, Hip Hop references, Pop Culture figure on Top of legendary Fights.

[@Peakfreud]

​@@jaust9077 You think Brady Makes the list? Maybe not yet 🤷‍♂️

[@JohnSmith-wv4ix]

People forget about Wilt. He played semipro supposedly in middle school. I believe they widened the paint area because of Wilt. Wilt could jump as high as MJ. He was a lot stronger that Arnold Swarttzeneger (if I spelled his name right). He was a track and field star. He did high jump. He was hated because he was so good and was called a ball hog so he just started dishing out assists. Leading the league. Never mind the 100 point performance. He averaged 50 points and 25 rebounds for a season. Of course he was tall & people hold that against him. He didn’t jump slam the ball. He had a descent jump shot. Although his free throws were lacking. Bill Russell had a loaded team & all he had to do was concentrate on defense. Most of Wilt’s career;he was the team. I think except for a year or two with Lakers.

[@JohnSmith-wv4ix]

Plus the year Barry Bonds was unstoppable. People say it’s performance inhancing drugs,but Ty Cobb did cocaine before every game & I don’t hear anything about that. The year Bonds broke the HR mark;pitchers walked him. He was in the zone. Maybe it was performance enhancers. Barry was a descent hitter before that. He averaged around 30 HR a year. That year was special. He was impossible to pitch to. Also,What about Detroit Lions running back,that had one of the worst offensive lines. Barry Sanders was usually running into gaps that were not there. He was usually running backwards. Also another Sanders. Deion Sanders. The best cornerback in NFL history. (Not a bad returner or receiver either). Unfortunately we were robbed of what Bo Jackson probably would have accomplished.

[@dougreynolds6930]

Michael Jordan is the goat 🐐. The fact we’re still talking about him today proves that. He made the NBA popular and mainstream to what we see today. He’s not only the goat but he’s the architect of the modern athlete.

[@waiszale]

Michael Jordan has retired been 20 years now and still been talked about as if he's still playing. Watch "Air" surpass "Space Jam 2" box office.

[@dhy6179]

I am from PRC. MJ and his Bulls are the first 2 names related to NBA ever been known by Chinese. Thank David Stern we were able to watch the last 3 peat‘s finals on live tv. MJ goat forever.

[@AdamOutlaw87]

Jordan must not have gave Colin a autograph or something😂

[@bdmoore3703]

He's on LeBron payroll😂😂😂

[@chel7236]

No. Nike didn't make MJ. MJ made Nike

[@sj4632]

Facts....

[@also3254]

Jeez. Loved this conversation with you guys. 2 quality and smart guys chopping it up about basketball.

[@BeaWalsh]

I had this book. I did not hated MJ nor hate him now. I criticize him, I resent him sometimes and I'm a jordan fan. I cried, i laughed, i cringe about stuff of him. The idea of people saying we don't notice his mistakes or shortcomings is absurd. We respect and love him DESPITE of his mistakes, failures and challenges. His struggles are part of who he was and he is. You think MJ will have as many fans or people who just damn respect him if he is so damn perfect? No! Why? Because there will be no truth to that. Not possible. Mj is the epitome of excellence in basketball that transcended outside of basketball. Everybody seems so bent on reducing his legacy to uplift others and because of his "failures" on everybody else's standards on other things but for him are necessary to succeed. You can't have it all. He is a decent human being but not good enough for colin and likes. Hey, that is what reality is. You can't please everybody. To measure somebody through his failures and listing others as main caralysts of your success aka "nothing without them" rather than the person who also put forth the effort is ridiculous. The irony is, many looks at the end or destination not the journey. Mj is being put on a pedestal, even after 30 years. Nobody is perfect. Mj fans know he is not perfect and you know what? We respect and love him all the same. We all have our idols, etc. We don't need them to be perfect, we need them to be real. Mj is real. His love for the game. His winning mentality. His fire. His hope. Him wanting to change from a loser team to a championship team. He did all that with others but he is the leader of that. All true. He has a vision, to be better and make the most of the present. He is not a myth. He will always mean something to us no matter what others will say. Nobody can take that away.

[@chi-townlowend1812]

Well said 😊

[@BeaWalsh]

@@chi-townlowend1812 thankyou! 😊

[@scorpionJB]

Awesome post

[@BeaWalsh]

@@scorpionJB thanks!

[@jjones8378]

His hope!

[@Exia09]

This thing about MJ not being able to elevate anybody but himself and Lebron being the greatest elevator.... Gimme a break man. MJ literally created Scottie Pippen. Their relationship now doesn't matter. But if Pippen played with another star, there is a high probability he wouldn't have turned out the way he turned out. Still a solid player sure. But a Hofer? Nah man. He owes this to MJ. And he paid the favour with the rings sure, but let's stop with the elevating nonsense. Ownership and leadership on the court is apples and oranges. What has Lebron elevated other than collecting rings for himself with the help of readymade teams? Where is Lebron's Pippen? Wade?!? lol. Dwade was a superstar even before Bron joined the Heat. You only have to look at the lakers now for a glimpse of how Lebron would be as an owner. Guy literally managed the team out of the playoffs lol. They traded all their potential for the guys Bron wanted and for what?

[@MikeBNumba6]

Bron won with already ESTABLISHED stars. Jordon stayed with Pippen and Harper and watched them developed. Jordan def elevates players. I agree with you

[@TheLionaaa]

Thank you

[@chrislloyd6722]

👍🏻

[@carmcam1]

because the younger fans are so used to seeing lebron team with players that are already superstars, they project and thought pippen is already a superstar when he joined the bulls. If they do their research MJ was drafted 84, pippen was drafted 87, and they got their first ring 91, from 87-91 is where MJ pushed pippen to be better if you look on his ppg it is increasing from 7 ppg in his rookie year. If that was lebron Pippen is already traded at year 3

[@DaOneWhoLaughs]

This dude compared Mike to Draymond Green within the first two mins to make a weak point. This is FOUL

[@Daewonnni]

Collin brought Sam Smith on to pad his misguided Jordan narrative. But Sam says Jordan is the goat.

[@grinchoi1]

Crazy i rented that book from the library when i was young and it def gave off the impression that MJ was the boss and dictated everything

[@Chessbox09]

I remember reading it as a teen and I hated MJ for a while. It was only until I matured, read more about MJ, and realized some of the sources in the book had an axe to grind with him, that I became a fan again.

[@mitchaygo5499]

So Colin should stop all these comments against Michael because obviously on this interview he really didnt know so much who mj really is. Clearly his not a credible critic..

[@learningisgrowing]

This was a really good interview.

[@learningisgrowing]

Like, I was surprised considering how awful Colin's takes have been about MJ lately - just sound like scripts written by Klutch sports lol

[@blaketindle4703]

Excellent interview

[@coreythompsonTheOneandOnly]

Love this honesty, this was a very very special episode 👏🏾

[@Derpfriar]

Since I got my first part time job at a grocery store to my now 44 years of age i have only ever bought varients of Air Jordans thats how much influence that one man has had on me my entire adult life.

[@happylifegodislife9942]

nice interview

[@JohnSmith-wv4ix]

I’ve only seen two players that had an unbelievable killer instinct to win. MJ & Kobe. Bird had it to an extent,but no one approached MJ & Kobe.

[@aquabayb4309]

Colin said how can I make my Podcast pop😂 MJ getting free publicity 😂 💀 Miss the 90s Bulls, great time to be a fan of the NBA

[@SmoothieT33]

This had to be painful for Colin, listening to his guest school him every way possible how Jordan is the undisputed GOAT😂! I almost didn’t watch this🤣!

[@JaeLee83]

Colin's stubborn he's not gonna change his opinions lol

[@zReNAgAdE504]

nike gave him his lashes

[@donmiguelarkanghel9537]

Facts. And by the way, Colin looks like Rowan Atkinson on the thumbnail of this video. Lol

[@jammpr]

So true!!!! Collin always trying to attack JORDAN.

[@UzbekWatermelon]

On the Herd today Colin said that Lebron is like Magic in that winning was more important than scoring points. Okay but who has more titles? Oh yeah..MJ

[@bornkinguniversal]

Jordan is a true introvert! Can’t wait to see this movie 🍿

[@bornkinguniversal]

@@imperialstrategies6065 yeah I just watched it last week

[@daved7064]

Colin is a jordan hater and he tries to cover it up with a few nice comments in a smile

[@TheLionaaa]

Exactly

[@deeperson7711]

Facrs

[@fatgruv]

Jordan was in Chicago for All Star game couple of years ago. Not true that he's NEVER came back. He still owns restaurants in the town as well.

[@kweli05]

I thought that was a weird statement. Like, how would this guy know if Jordan is ever in Chicago?

[@DreChilly]

I think they where referring to more frequently I asked a buddy of mines from Chicago and heard Q Rich talk about it on the knuckleheads podcast that Jordan doesn't really come back and that while he loves the city it's just where he happened to be where his place of employment was at. My friend AP said that his children are more connected to the city due to their mom actually being from there. Q Rich said he understands its just like a hey my work is done and over with there vibe

[@willhairstonful]

ESPN did a 30 for 30 about Sonny Vacaro, it was called "Sole Man" and he was responsible for signing Jordan, Kobe and LeBron to Nike.

[@anthonypatterson1074]

Like the song says what-you-see-is-what-you-get

[@hansolo3498]

1:16 accurate as heck.

[@bobbymoore2076]

Keebler elf cowherd mad lol

[@PeterDahu]

Jordan haters came up with a new theory that Nike made Jordan. Nike was a no name company until Jordan showed up. Jordan made Nike what it is today.

[@docvaliant721]

Jordan Haters? Get your testosterone checked if you think it’s either love Jordan or hate Jordan. It’s called nuance.

[@PeterDahu]

@Doc Valiant Nah it's Jordan haters. They are straight up obsessed with telling everyone all of Jordan's flaws.

[@docvaliant721]

@@PeterDahu okay NPC

[@PeterDahu]

@@docvaliant721 Jordan haters love to be salty

[@docvaliant721]

@@PeterDahu salty over what exactly.

[@mitchaygo5499]

Collin's comments about jordan getting destroyed on this interview..

[@John-qq6sb]

“The way to operate a business, is with other people’s money” oh wow.. Mj is a genius.

[@Oioisavaloy]

Great interview, Colin. Love Sam Smith's honesty in "The Jordan Rules"

[@norwoodhammond650]

Jordan is the GOAT 🐐. Bro, he is still talking about that punch. Go find the video on KZbin interview where Steve kerr says he attacked Jordan 1st. MJ, THE BASKETBALL PLAYER IS WHAT MATTERED TO ME!!

[@kingtrawal]

LeCHOKE is goat.. winning is overrated. Only girls wear rings anyway.

[@blaketindle4703]

“He was a failure!” - Colin Cowherd

[@BeaWalsh]

Hahaha I'll always remember this about colin, forever!

[@paddymcgrath9721]

My best friend was the assistant director on Air I told him he should have Matt Daemon on your show because you do a great interview.

[@dfdfdgggjhjjh5081]

It’s kind of a shame the most interesting guy of the 90s, the pop culture version of Alexander the Great, is also a recluse and you can’t get his opinions on things or get to see more how his brain works, him telling stories about his life, what it was like becoming literally the most famous person on the planet. Last dance and hall of fame speech gave a hint of it. I wish he was more like Tyson where he shares all that and it’s really interesting.

[@nevergrindonline]

MJ is smart. He got a taste of how awful the media is. There's a reason he's a private person.

[@davidfarina2448]

I’m a lifelong Cavalier fan living in NE Ohio! I remember when MJ stuck a dagger in our hearts during a playoff run! We never could beat the Bulls! In fact it wasn’t until Lebron came did we get better! I’ve seen a lot of great players in person but nobody was better than MJ! I remember sitting in a floor loge, a seat that I won in a contest from the company that I worked for….. then something dimmed the lights in the Coliseum…. I had my head down reading the game program… cell phones weren’t invented then…. I looked up and standing next to me waiting to get on the floor was the thickest largest human being ever known..,,,, Shaq! Wow..,, seeing people on TV is one thing but standing next to Goliath was another! I changed the subject but what the hell!

[@jammpr]

Of course……Collin trying again diminishing the greatness of JORDAN. The king of kings! The GOAT! Black Jesus!

[@Daewonnni]

Cowherd seems desperate to be right about Jordan. He keeps trying to say Jordan didn’t elevate anyone except himself~? Come on, that’s a joke. The people he played with are legends 20 years on because of MJ.

[@anandabaruah2262]

Awesome

[@riseofatlas7969]

3 guys who changes the world : Tesla, Bruce Lee and MIchael Jordan

[@vernonharrison2488]

Buddy kept it real the whole time on this one

[@buckwildboys1]

Jordan was a killer but not murder people killer just a like conquer in competition killer, thats what I feel makes the guy appealing to basketball fans at least. Anyone who hoops wanna walk on the court and feel like they going to run the game like in complete control in the zone, like you floating on the court not getting tired and motioning in the rhythm of the ball game

[@sensiblyhonest695]

26:36 Chicago vs North Carolina? Takes a city boy to act surprised about that choice.

[@franciscoarroyo9402]

Colin said that Lebron made a solid decision on selecting the people that handles him, really??. If that’s the case, why is it that Lebron is so hated despite all his accomplishments?. Lebron has the worst PR team in sports, an athlete with the accomplishments he has should not have the level of “self inflicted” hate he has. Jordan elevated others, including Pippen, Grant, Kerr, even Phil Jackson.

[@eliasarechiga1927]

MJALLDAY

[@tarrerdome]

Talk to the rings

[@HeynowHeynowheynow]

Jordan didn’t give Colin any interviews back in the day or something. JORDAN IS THE UNDISPUTED GOAT, say it with me colin. Edit: Colin is helping promote the new Jordan movie. Makes sense now. 💰 I was confused for a minute.

[@kingtrawal]

LeCHOKE is goat…. winning is overrated. Only girls wear rings anyway.

[@charlesparent-spioneck9928]

Undisputed is just a lie cmon now. I believe he is but both Bron and Kareem have at least an outside shot at an argument.

[@Noonz2311]

​@@charlesparent-spioneck9928kareem maybe bronbron no chance

[@HeynowHeynowheynow]

@@charlesparent-spioneck9928 anybody can debate anything. Jordan is 100% known as the 🐐. Of course the players you named have resumes that cannot be questioned and make their own cases. We saw Jordan though and what that was is different, that’s not just me saying that.

[@docvaliant721]

Wilt is the goat. MJ is a product of advertisement. He is a product.

[@youngboyxaj6692]

Colin really made a 34 minute video to double down on his horrible take after he got all that backlash😭

[@kingjames6731]

It wasn't a horrible take at all. People have grossly romanticized MJ his career. Talk to any MJ fan and they will not say ONE negative thing about him. This is absolute fact. That's the entire point of what Colin said. Seems like you're stuck in the twilight zone as well smh

[@UzbekWatermelon]

@@kingjames6731 LOL...okay James horker

[@patrickderocco296]

MJ HOF speech wasn't the best, but the speech he made at the Kobe memorial was special which makes up for the HOF one

[@ericjordan6059]

If you don't understand the context of the speech, it wasn't great. When you do, it was epic.

[@jacobsevers293]

Great episode, when you take a step back a lot of the universally considered goats have a mythology about them, a legend about them, lebron isn’t that quite yet partially because he isn’t mythological. Not to say he isn’t super hero-esque…

[@TheLionaaa]

Lebron is just not at that level...not even close actually...

[@jacobsevers293]

@@TheLionaaa that’s a stretch

[@TheLionaaa]

@@jacobsevers293 That's the truth. Lebron won't even by talked about if the entire media industry doesn't make a conscious effort to bring our attention to him. It's like the difference between let's say...Elvis Prestley(Lebron) and Michael Jackson (MJ).

[@RentonThurston1010]

Michael sending his shooters after Colin 😂😂

[@mikehamm45]

The comments here prove the point of the panelists.

[@HailKingCeezer]

You keep pushing your narrative. You don't get push back for criticizing Michael. That's not the truth. You make things up to fit your false narratives and that's the push back you get. His failures are completely part of his story. The entire Michael Jordan story IS about overcoming the trials laid before him and his teammates. Even Nike had Jordan commercials about in order to succeed, you must first fail, and how many shots he missed etc etc. You also throw out bogus out of context statements like alluding to MJ not being anything until Scottie was there-same about PJax. Just a selfish scorer. Despite winning DPOTY and leading all sorts of categories in blocks and steals as a guard and the non existent advanced stats back then that he was more than just a scorer, but an absolute elite phenom 2 way player. Phil and Scottie both were not who we would come to know them as until after Michaels stardom was MVP and DPOTY proven. Even before setting foot in a pro uniform, Phil Knight was already calling him the greatest player he had ever seen. This is while he was suited up in converse shoes for team USA. You try and paint a picture for young folks that Michael is a myth created by marketing as if their own eyes would fail them because those are just highlights on youtube they're seeing. LeShannon Sharpe was also on talking about the narrative that MJ fans have to have an excuse for everything but it's exactly what lefans do for lebron and what he does all the time, yet magnified to a much larger scale which comes down to Finals appearances has more value than winning them and accumulated stats has more value than averages and advanced stats(you also falsely claimed LeBron shattered every Jordan record-what other than totals due to longer playing? More out of context narratives as if Karl Malone was better than Jordan or Stockton has 2 unbreakable totals records and that makes them better?). The only way to boost LeBrons greatness has been to devalue Jordan's legacy, his era's legacy, his style of leadership(yes, he was a great leader from day 1 according to Phil, just not the way you like your leaders to be with the jokes and the laughing and the dancing like a Magic or Lebron) and also devalue LeBron's own teammates and boost his era and opponents. It is absolutely arguable that LeBron makes ANYONE better outside of a Mo Williams hot shooting season- all his star teammates decline in stats and have to completely derail their play style and become spot up shooters for Lebron while Jordan;s Bulls had career journeyman bring their A games in all the big games because that's what Michael demanded from them which yes, included "bullying" tactics for motivation. Michael is not giving you participation awards and positive reinforcement and as he said, he never demanded anything from anyone that he didn't demand from himself. You should never set foot in a military base. You and soft LeBron fans would think they are all bullies too. There are multiple ways to lead men. You also keep bringing up the Draymond incident as a parallel to MJ/Kerr. Some understand, some don't like it. Same as it was back then. There was no pass. It came and went with an apology exactly how the Green/Poole thing ended. You also fail to note Steve himself knew the competitive nature and how things were done and Steve himself has the upmost respect for Michael as the greatest ever. Let's talk about a 38 year old 6'9 250lb man jumping up and down and pouting -as animated as a whiny pre-teen boy because something didn't go his way or how he throws his teammates under the bus with his expressions and body language at their mistakes vs Jordan or Kobe giving evil eyes expecting better. Let's talk about that leadership by example, Collin. Let's talk about the face of the NBA leading by example and setting the precedent for team jumping=easier road to championships, resting and asking for less games(because he is special compared to the rest of NBA history), and resting on defense, playing selective D for the past 10+ years which now is a major problem all around the NBA with lazy body language on defense. Let's talk about players just want to get paid and have fun and play with their favorite friends and coaches for their skin color or former playing days vs X's and O's. Let's talk about all the ways the face of the franchise has changed the culture and landscape of the NBA and let's compare it to MJ's era. The era known as the No Boys Allowed.

[@willmarinac5201]

Guess there is no point in discussing MJs personal life which is probably the real true measure of his character. The six failed Marriages. No real effort to be a father to his many children. His pathological addiction to gambling which almost ruined his Basketball Career 🏀 requiring a 2 year made up Fantasy to protect his Career by pretending to be a MLB BASEBALL player Had to settle for being a White Sox Minor Leaguer averaging .222 over 2 Years. When the heat from the FBI cooled then the NBA welcomed him back,vwhat a Charade Did he stop Gambling? No of course NOT? The great MJ would never admit a weakness his Shoe Contract provided endless Money to fund his divorces his compulsive gambling etc His Hall of Fame Speech reflected his bitterness at ...the whole World. While LeBron set up an Endowment to fund all impoverished Ohio school age Children to a College education MJ was blowing his money in Casinos Golf Courses and mismanaged the Charlotte Hornets. MJ doesn't speak with Barkley, Pippen or Luke. He punched yeammate Steve Kerr in the face without the negative Press or Publicity . Isiah Thomas still bears resentment 30 years later. So GOAT on the BB Floor but a Flawed Character in the more important game of Life.

[@HailKingCeezer]

@@willmarinac5201 flawed sure, but at least bring facts and not completely ridiculous lies. He was married and had 3 kids with his first wife who wanted the divorce. Has a 2nd wife hes still married to and a daughter with her. His sons defend his dad and go to war on Twitter for their dad. They absolutely love their dad for real. Maybe because he was genuine with his children and lebron is only a dad when the cameras are on while his sons wear Jordan shoes and look completely disinterested in lebrons biggest night of his career breaking Kareem record. You bring up real flaws but don't make stuff up or rely on unproven gambling conspiracies. Gambling isn't illegal.

[@jonross8925]

I thought I saw somewhere recently that Jordan invested a little than 200 million in Hornets,., Now it's worth over 1.5 Billion Dollars just for Jordan investment.

[@kanej33]

Wait a minute? What is this four months ago?? Denver won the whole thing jokic was the MVP

[@keithragin6573]

Cowherds tries to find negative things about Jordan. Having no choice but to respect MJ’s amazing abilities, however taking every opportunity to attack his character. That shows why Jordan ignores guys like Cowherd, Shannon Sharp, Nick Wright and other jealous haters. MJ is a billionaire who has already established his greatness. He doesn’t have to defend, respond to, or brag about his greatness. It’s not necessary when everyone still reveres him as the G.O.A.T.

[@jacobgordon7998]

Say what you want, Jordan was an A hole, but he SAF delivered. Jordan consistently delivered to an extent I have not seen since, doing more in less time than other greats, and then opting to leave a lot on the table.

[@k_hack9441]

This dude is WAY off on Harden. Yes, Harden had one of his worst games as a sixer against the Bulls, but he’s been an All Star lvl pg this season. He’s been a stud.

[@blacojay6818]

this is like the 3rd or 4th day talking about the man what is going on LOL n MJ is not the greatest because trainers, He is the greatest because hes the best combo of winning, individual accolades and regaular and advance stats. the trainers and outside influence are a plus.

[@owens91]

LeBron

[@erikwill2891]

Jordan is the best player in history. Colin has to create a “stir” for things to talk about. Don’t compare Draymond and Michael… EVER. Draymond is a weak leader with no offensive talent. Jordan was the hardest working player on the best team and demanded his teammates give their best.

[@dereksupernaut]

i read "Jordan Rules" by Sam Smith during the first 3-peat, as a MJ fan its a great book... lost to time, in the summer of 1988 the Bulls traded Charles Oakley for Bill Cartwright and immediately dropped 3 wins (50 to 47); had the Bulls kept Oakley at PF and played Horace Grant at C and played small they may have never lost a game... fax!!!

[@Atlas365247]

Grant 6'9 playing against 7ft centers wouldnt work for a whole season. The physicality

[@mikecasale438]

I never understood how Bill Cartwright was a better fit than Oakley. Oaks is definitely a better player

[@hairjordan2620]

The Celtics are as deep as they get, he's trippin

[@franciscoarroyo9402]

Colin Cowherd, in order to experience some degree of success in his profession, he committed to speak negatively about an athlete he did not even know. He is lucky to find an employer willing to pay him for what he does.

[@finitedesigns8430]

Colin silent 😁as Sam explains why MJ is the 🐐

[@traveler8]

Mike knows media better than they want him to.

[@gregorcollins]

If Jordan wasn't flawed he would never have been born.

[@KINGAMIIAMKING]

14:43 timestamp Michael Jordan isn't the GM or president of basketball operations. Mitch Kupchak is currently the GM and president of basketball operations and the main evaluator. Michael Jordan has never been a GM ever in his life. Wes Unseld was the GM of the Washington Wizards and Jordan was the director of basketball operations and he was vetoed by Abe Pollin because he wanted to trade Kwame Brown for Elton Brand. Susan O'Malley was the president of the Washington Wizards and she sabotaged Jordan along with Wes Unseld and Abe Pollin. Rod Higgins was the GM of the Bobcats. Rich Cho was the GM of the Bobcats/Hornets. Michael Jordan has never had a Michael Jordan to build a team around but he's a black man and he's supposed to be infallible and perfect but white owners can own their teams in peace.

[@ericjordan6059]

We all know that these people are still trying to "put him in his place." They can't stand that he is where he is after all these years. The good thing about it is he doesn't even entertain thia stuff. I love it!

[@KINGAMIIAMKING]

@@ericjordan6059 💯

[@03bunnyhop]

MJ out there sitting good, while other people keeps saying he is the GOAT, while the other goes around collecting talent, doing award shows and podcast just to say he is the GOAT. something doesn't equate. *shrug*

[@yesmanyrangel9328]

Love Sam Smith so thankful he works and worked in Chicago

[@jzw55]

No one can win in Charlotte. They can’t get free agents. Unless they get lucky with a 1st pick with a LeBron, Kobe, or any transcendent type of player that would change the trajectory of the franchise. Melo Ball is a good to very good NBA player but he’s not going to carry a franchise. I don’t think he’s done a good job picking gems that experienced GMs do like I think he passed on Klay Thompson. MJ is the owner not the GM so maybe he didn’t put the right team in place to pick a good team

[@randallhayes3461]

Sam looks "Grrroucheeeee"!!!!

[@williamsentell]

Why is a Collin lying on Lamar Jackson SMDH

[@vitosmith8195]

Now Colin eat it...and eat it good....lol...MJ the GOAT

[@trejay2387]

If Jordan wasnt Jordan we wouldn't have the modern nba, they wouldn't have a job

[@learningisgrowing]

I wish the consequences for my failure resulted in $1,500,000,000,000 🐐

[@pnojazz]

But the one who dies with the most points wins. If Jordan was so good why didn’t he score the most points? He always had the ball!

[@torbjornripstrand1103]

Lebron has the ball 8-9 minutes per game. Jordan 3-4 minutes per game. Which one is a team player?

[@johnsmith2221]

He retired for five years.

[@benjaminpadilla4857]

He was at the club gambling that's why You don't see him .😂

[@nathanhabermann2287]

The amount of straw manning wow.

[@raheballentine6925]

Sam seem like a hater to me lol

[@antibrotha]

Colin still apologizing for his horrid Jordan take lol😂

[@robertbenedetti6099]

Sam Smith is a superb in text but brutal on camera. Brutal.

[@Grimmes12]

He truly is he started talking about North Korea moved onto China and ended up in Japan and he never got to finish the thought.

[@Personalmagnetism]

Dude tryna throw a barb at Jordan saying he was about elevating himself and not so much others. Like that's almost everyone. Everyone is generally out for their own best interest. Maybe go out their way for their kids or close family but that's about it. Bill cartwright is doing what is in bill cartwright best interest. He's not doing what's best for Jordan persay. Working with Jordan and being an ally to him was in his best interest.

[@billi8120]

Pretty sure Mikes ex wife took that house in the divorce. Probably why it’s up for sell

[@eugenerussell9593]

Like he just said! THEY GOT ALREADY BUILT TEAMS! And clown ass Colin laughing!!!

[@Personalmagnetism]

Leave it to colin to try to clown a man selling a business for multiple billion dollars that he was apparently "gifted" and was paid for with other people's money.

[@lancehood7916]

LOL MJ IS THE GOAT

[@thomasterry1131]

Jordan paid 1/4 billion for Hornets,they are now worth 1.5 billion!!Screw the titles.

[@johnsalchak7495]

The stats that Wilt,then Kareem put up when they came into the league straight from college should make them the two players that should be mentioned in any G.O.A.T. conversation.But somehow people are so caught up with the 6-0 in the finals narrative for Michael that there dominant stats from the get go are sort of dismissed.I wonder if there will ever be a time that Jordan will be considered a fireman or a plumber.

[@samuelhicks1268]

Can you honestly look at jordans game and say it's plumber like i mean you think kobe would copy a plumber

[@fullmetal1766]

Your right about wilt and Kareem but it doesn't effect mj those other 2 show you lebron has no argument

[@lennyburns9258]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, wake me up when you make more sense, if your saying Wilt/Kareem should be in the goat debate, OK, but fireman plumber? If your team 3 peats twice and goes 6-0 in the finals and your the main reason why then that is extraordinary and you should be singing that guy’s praises because Kareem’s 5 or 6 championships he was not the best player in all of them and only Russell has won more but clearly looking at his stats was nowhere near the scorer, Russell better defensively only and rebounder, you simply cannot exclude Jordan from GOAT status along with Kareem, Wilt, maybe Larry Bird. Lebron has too many chokes, is a cry baby whenever it doesn’t go his way and not great defensively except du❤ring his prime.

[@soulfiftyseven]

😴

[@tawanhamilton740]

Wow smh.

[@cudackedees3327]

30 years later then two still be podcasting about you know who and that still generates better viewerships not because these two clowns.

[@Noonz2311]

Old salty guy riding Michael's coat tail😢

[@gigalonupe]

Why not write about Lebron’s STEROID use!? Seems a much bigger story that scraps w teammates

[@marvinholmes5803]

Yeah ... Colon Coward!!!!! Soon enough he will!!!!!

[@ericjordan6059]

Because they still need Lebron to help push the league. Once a clear player takes over the reigns, everything will come out about him. Just watch.

[@Crapsshooter711]

Yea he changed the NBA the way he went crying to the commissioner to change the rules in his favor! This is nothing to talk about and the, Don’t breathe on him or you’ll foul, is another ridiculous one that also went in his favor but true.

[@docvaliant721]

Wilt is the goat. MJ is a Nike product.

[@PeterDahu]

Jordan made Nike.

[@ericjordan6059]

😂😂😂 If you say so. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.