Bobcats practice story demonstrates Michael Jordan's legendary intensity
Charlotte owner Michael Jordan was 47 years old in 2010. That didn't stop him from sending a message to his players in practice.
Stephen Jackson revealed on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" show that Jordan was so incensed after a Bobcats loss that he lit into the team in the locker room afterward, but he didn't stop there. The next day, MJ came to practice and suited up with the second team.
Jackson explained that he talked trash back to Jordan in the locker room, and the legendary guard "didn't say nothing." Then, the next day, Jordan went after the whole team, talking about his own accolades and even demanding players take off their Air Jordans.
"It was kind of directed to me and Gerald Wallace, because we were the leaders of the team," Jackson recounted. "Then, he gets on the second team in practice. And we lose!"
It's not like the 2009-10 Bobcats had a fantastic bench. The second team featured players like Nazr Mohammed, Ronald "Flip" Murray and 22-year-old D.J. Augustin. The seven-years-retired Jordan didn't care.
"He came out there, pushed out whoever was guarding Gerald Wallace, and played with the second team," Jackson continued. "Those guys weren't scrubs, but he gave them confidence. He scored a bunch of points, talked so much s---, and grabbed a ball and dunked on his way out."
Afterward, a disappointed Jackson had to tell himself, "That's why he's the G.O.A.T."
Ultimately, Jackson thinks the tough love helped, as Charlotte finished with the No. 1 defense in the league. The Bobcats finished the season on a 16-7 streak and made the playoffs for the first time in their history.
Jordan sold his majority interest in the team, now called the Hornets, but he hasn't changed all that much. While the now-60-year-old Jordan isn't taking the court against his players anymore, he did trash talk Charlotte's Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, and Miller talking trash back to the G.O.A.T. is one reason the Hornets drafted him.
If Miller doesn't produce, he'll surely hear about it from MJ. Just ask Stephen Jackson.
More must-reads: