Phil Jackson Once Conceded That Michael Jordan Wouldn’t Have Won Without Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman

When Michael Jordan was drafted into the league, it quickly became evident that he was one of the elite. And a few years down the line, there was no question that he was the best in the league. But despite all his individual success, he never won a championship. That changed once Scottie Pippen became his teammate and Phil Jackson became his head coach.

Jordan would go on to become a six-time NBA champion. This would cement his legacy as the greatest player of all time. But the question arose about Jordan. Why couldn’t he win a title before Pippen, while putting up some astronomical numbers?

Jordan was the best in the league at the time, but he always used to lose the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. These teams were formidable and Jordan couldn’t get past them despite what he did. So what did Jordan do differently to win so many titles?

His head coach Phil Jackson seems to have an answer.

Michael Jordan did not win himself, says Phil Jackson

Phil says, ” He had his opportunity early in his career, his first four or five years in the league to shoot 35, 45 times, score 40, 50 in a basketball game and found that no matter how great he played, there were a lot of nights he couldn’t overcome another team.”

“It was a team game. And the supporting act had to come from 5 guys. And he had to share the ball, and he had to find a way to incorporate his great individual game in a team game.” 

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‘His Airness’ needed to learn to trust his teammates. But it wasn’t easy for him, says Phil. He had to adapt his game and style so that he can win. Jordan finally learned how to be in a team and once he got another hall of fame with him, there was no stopping him.

After winning his first three-peat, he retired from the game. However, he soon made a comeback and won another three-peat with the Bulls. Jordan may be the greatest ever, but he would have not gotten there if not for his teammates.

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Do you agree with Phil Jackson? Let us know in the comments!