Michael Jordan criticizes load management: “It’s about respect”
In NBC’s new special, MJ explains why taking the court every night wasn’t just about pride, but about responsibility toward those who paid to see him play
Michael Jordan never believed in the concept of load management — not even when he was sick or injured. The former Chicago Bulls legend addressed it again in the second episode of the series “MJ: Insights to Excellence” aired by NBC, openly criticizing the current trend among many NBA players to take scheduled rest days.
Interviewed by Mike Tirico, Jordan was as direct as ever:
It shouldn’t even be necessary, first of all. I never wanted to miss a game. Every game was a chance to prove something, and I knew there were people in the stands who had worked hard to afford that ticket. I didn’t want to disappoint them
Michael Jordan
Even opposing fans, Jordan said, were part of his motivation:
Even the ones who booed me. I wanted to shut them up. If you’re a player, you have a duty to those who are there to see you. You’re an entertainer – and you have to perform
Michael Jordan
Jordan and the “always play” mindset
Jordan recalled how, early in his career, he took the court despite an ankle sprain just to make a name for himself. And, of course, he remembered one of the most iconic moments in NBA history: the “Flu Game” of the 1997 Finals.
On June 11 of that year, weakened by severe food poisoning, Jordan stayed in bed until barely an hour before tip-off against the Utah Jazz. Without warming up and visibly exhausted, he scored 38 points, leading the Bulls to victory in Game 5. At the final buzzer, he collapsed into Scottie Pippen’s arms – drained but triumphant.
I knew I’d find a way to be there… once you’re on the court, you never know what’s going to happen. You push through – the emotions, the situation, the team’s needs… it all drives you to give more
Michael Jordan
The Bulls went on to win that title and, a year later, completed their second consecutive three-peat thanks to Jordan’s legendary jumper over Bryon Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals – a shot still debated today. In Salt Lake City, many still insist Jordan pushed off to create space.
Fittingly, one Wi-Fi network inside the Jazz arena is still named “JordanPushedOff” – a small reminder of a wound time has never fully healed.