'I got used to sleeping in, taking shortcuts. And it affected me on the court' - MJ on the rare time he let complacency get the better of him

No player in NBA history possesses an aura as legendary as Michael Jordan. With six championships, six NBA Finals MVPs, and five league MVP awards to his name, it's no wonder his presence feels almost mythical.

However, there are rare times when "Air Jordan" reminds everyone that despite his greatness, he is still human. In a talk with ESPN The Magazine in 1998, he spoke about how complacency set in at one point during the Chicago Bulls' "Last Dance" in the 1997-1998 season.

It's human nature

There were plenty of moments throughout MJ's illustrious and decorated 15-year career when he seemed more like a myth than a man. From the "Flu Game" to "The Shot" to "The Shrug," Jordan seemed to transcend the limitations of being human.

However, as he admitted in his interview, Mike is not immune to complacency. He recalled a time during the 1997-1998 season when he felt like he had lost his edge and was just going through the motions. With five titles and every individual accolade in the NBA already under his belt, it's understandable how he took his foot off the gas pedal.

"It's easy for complacency to set in. It's human nature. It happened to me. I stopped working out for about 3 ½ weeks this season. I got used to sleeping in, taking shortcuts. And it affected me on the court. Human nature," Jordan surprisingly revealed.

A known perfectionist who wouldn't stop working out until he got everything right, Jordan's candor about letting the rope go a little bit is quite shocking and something he didn't realize he was doing until it reflected in his performances.

"You don't even know you've done anything until you see signs in your game. I told Phil Jackson one morning, 'I've been taking shortcuts, yet I'm expecting the same results. It can't happen that way,'" Mike stated.

Went back to the basics

Like a man getting snapped back to reality, Jordan went back to the basics, doing what made the hoop icon he is. From ensuring he had ample rest to getting up early in the morning to go through a rigid regimen composed of strength and skills training, MJ began getting his edge back.

"I went back to working out, doing the things necessary. And I feel better physically, and I feel good about me as a person. I'm getting up at 8 every day instead of 9. I'm not getting soft," the 14-time All-Star shared. "You can't get soft in this league. The young guys will run you right out of the gym."

With a competitive nature bordering on maniacal and a relentless work ethic that few players in league history could match, Jordan was a legend. Although he still had human tendencies, he quickly changed course when necessary to remain as sharp as ever.