Michael Jordan, often regarded as the greatest player of all time, played 15 seasons in the NBA. The legendary player spent 13 seasons with the Chicago Bulls and two seasons with the Washington Wizards. Jordan achieved most of his dominating accomplishments during his time with the Bulls, including winning 6 NBA championships. Despite Jordan’s amazing talent and on-court success, another Chicago Bulls legend has recently doubted his potential.
During a recent guest appearance on Jeff Teague’s Club 520 Podcast, Derrick Rose attributed Jordan’s success to the Bulls’ unique culture. Rose expressed his belief that Jordan’s status as the greatest of all time (GOAT) would not have been possible if he had not played for the Bulls.
“MJ wouldn’t be MJ if he played anywhere else but Chicago for his pro career. He would have been a great player anywhere else, but in Chicago, he became the Black Cat. He became MJ in Chicago,” Rose said.
Rose, who recently retired from the NBA, played seven seasons with the Bulls and is familiar with the Team’s culture. The 2011 NBA MVP credited the Bulls’ culture, which encourages players to do more in sports, and claims that this enhanced Jordan’s career. However, making such bold claims about a legendary player can be challenging for him.
Rose Discussed The Bulls’ Culture’s Contribution To Jordan’s Success
It is likely that teamwork played a crucial role in helping any player win an NBA Championship. Jordan had Scottie Pippen by his side during his title wins. However, other accolades may have been attributed to Jordan’s dominance on the court. Further, in the Teague’s Club 520 Podcast interview, Rose explained his point by discussing the Bulls’ culture. He explained how Chicago’s environment changes players’ mentality to achieve more in the league.
“Just off the strength of the culture in Chicago, it’s everywhere. The basketball culture is just strong. The expectations of, like, ‘Alright, what are you going to do?’ I guarantee you he had people in his corner like, ‘You just went on vacation. They ain’t going to let you win three more. I bet you can’t.’ That’s what n***** in Chi-Town were telling him. ‘You already won one. I bet you can’t win another.’ That’s what I mean by the culture, being there, that’s what I felt.” Rose added.
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The Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft. He immediately began to showcase his potential in the league and was named Rookie of the Year in his debut season. Throughout his professional career, Jordan won five MVP awards, the NBA Finals MVP, and was selected as an NBA All-Star 14 times.
Rose’s statement can catch the attention of many players who showed dominance in other teams, and it will be interesting for fans to see their reactions.
Also Read: Was Scottie Pippen Better Without Michael Jordan? Comparing Both Chicago Bulls Legends
