Safe to say, Michael Jordan has earned his bragging rights. Six championships and two Olympic gold medals, among many other accomplishments, made him the standard of success in the NBA. Even MJ is aware of it. His ego is as famous in the NBA circles as Black Jesus himself. Hurting that could cost you dearly on the court. As apart from using his skills and physical prowess to his advantage, he also used his ego to fuel himself.

Jordan’s ego might have cost him friendships after retiring, but back then, it made him a three-peat champion.

Michael Jordan inflated his own ego

Where an inflated ego would go against a regular person, Michael Jordan basked in it. At the peak of his stardom, the Bulls frontman’s ego had earned its own fame. Now a resurfaced clip reveals that Jordan turned an offputting personality trait into his greatest advantage.

In response to being asked about the connection between ego and success, Jordan, in his hip-hop adjacent fashion, said, “Ego’s everything. Egos are a part of determination.” 

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The clip is part of a larger interview with Andrea Kremer in 1993. Jordan had led the Bulls to the first title in franchise history in 1991 and repeated it in 1992. The Bulls were in the running for a three-peat at the time of this interview. His determination to make that happen showed in his temperament too.

“If you don’t have ego, you can’t have a sense of determination to achieve. That’s all part of success,” he told the Sportsday interviewer.

As history goes, Jordan’s ego did its job. The Bulls clashed with the Knicks in the 1993 Playoffs and won after Jordan said this in the interview. He’d defeat the Charles Barkley-led Phoenix Suns in the Finals, clinch a three-peat and become Finals MVP for the third straight year.

This will not be the only time Jordan’s ego has hurt Barkley. However, at least there weren’t any bitter feelings after the 1993 Finals.

MJ’s ego clashed with Barkley’s

Only His Airness would be humble about his massive ego when he made it a part of his game-winning mindset. However, he’s confident that he’s not the only one. “You cannot find a successful person in life who don’t have an ego,” Jordan said 30 years ago.

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Someone who shared the same trait is the Round Mound of Rebound. Their friendship fractured when Barkley criticized Jordan over his management of the Charlotte Hornets. Sir Charles would air their clash of egos in public.

Despite their clashes during their playing careers, Jordan and Barkley’s friendship lasted decades. But ultimately, ego got in the way. What do you think about this Michael Jordan trait?

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