Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan had an incredible 15-season career in the NBA, marked by numerous ups and downs. Many significant moments from his professional journey are featured in his documentary, “The Last Dance.” Recently, a clip from this documentary surfaced online, providing a perfect example for today’s NBA stars.
Jordan’s 1985–86 season was shortened when he broke his foot in the third game of the year, which caused him to miss 64 games. In a clip uploaded on X, Jordan discussed his refusal to load manage during the 1986 season.
Micahel Jordan: “I gradually worked my way up to a point where I’m playing 5 on 5 in a game and I got the confidence that the foot is completely healed and I can play on it.”
Jerry Reinsdorf: “Michael asked him, if I play, what percentage is there that I’m gonna get hurt again? Doctor said, yeah, 10%.”
Michael Jordan: “And I just lost it. I said, look, it’s a 10% chance, but it’s a 90% chance that I won’t.”
Jerry Reinsdorf: “And then I chimed into the doctors, what happens if the 10% kicks in? And they said, well, then his career would be over.”
The Bulls organization tried to force Michael to load manage and sit out the whole 1986 season due to his foot injury.
— Jacob (@Jacobtheclipper) December 30, 2024
Michael HATED the idea and refused to oblige.
Now dudes are forced to play or they wont get awards 🤦🏻♂️
Make the NBA tough again 👊🏼
pic.twitter.com/PxPSbGeIAR
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Even in Jordan’s absence, the Bulls still made it to the playoffs in the 1985-86 NBA season. As the postseason drew closer, Jordan consulted with doctors regarding his injury. They advised him that there was a 10% risk his career could be at stake if he decided to play.
Michael Jordan Risks His Health For The Challenging 1986 Postseason
Michael Jordan significantly shaped the worldwide appeal of basketball and the NBA throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His experience in the 1986 season truly highlights his unwavering commitment to the game. Further In the clip, Jordan candidly shared how he put his health on the line to play during the challenging 1986 postseason
Michael Jordan: “Well, everybody’s just thinking about the negative. Well, I think the glass is half full. Everybody thinks it’s half empty.”
Jerry Reinsdorf: “So I said to Michael, you don’t you’re not understanding the risk-reward ratio. If you had a terrible headache, and I gave you a bottle of pills and nine of the pills would cure you and one of the pills would kill you. Would you take a pill?”
Michael Jordan: “I look at him, I said, depends on how f***ing bad the headache is.”
Boston Celtics ~ April 20. 1986
— LavineMuse (@LavineMuse08) July 17, 2024
Michael Jordan:
(Game 2 of 1986 ECR1)
⭐️: 63 PTS
⭐️: 6 AST
⭐️: 5 TRB
⭐️: 3 STLs
⭐️: 2 BLKs
⭐️: 0 3-Point Attempts
⭐️: 63% TS
MJ Would Score The Most Points in a Single Playoff Game With This Performance (63) pic.twitter.com/HDuYfSQ5Ya
Jordan, who recently sold his mansion in Chicago, made a remarkable recovery just in time for the postseason. Upon his return, his performance was impressive. During Game 2 of the First Round against the Boston Celtics, he dazzled fans with a playoff career-high of 63 points. However, despite Jordan’s dominance, the Celtics ultimately swept the series, winning all three games.
Also Read: REPORT: Details Emerge On The Buyer Of Michael Jordan’s Iconic $9.5 Million Chicago Mansion
