Michael Jordan Still Haunted by Bulls’ Breakup After Sixth Title: ‘We Could’ve Won Seven’

Michael Jordan has six championships, six Finals MVPs and the enduring title of arguably the NBA’s greatest. But more than 25 years later, one thing still doesn’t sit right with him.

The breakup.

“I really believe we could have won seven,” Jordan said in The Last Dance documentary. “We may not have. But man, just not to be able to try, that’s something I just can’t accept.”

Jordan’s frustration stems from the Chicago Bulls’ decision to dismantle the roster after the 1997-98 season. Before that season even tipped off, general manager Jerry Krause made it clear: Phil Jackson would not return as head coach. That meant it would be the final run for Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and the rest of the team that had dominated the decade.

Finals Glory, Followed by Fallout

Chicago capped the season with a dramatic six-game victory over the Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals, sealing their second three-peat of the decade and third title in a row. Then came the teardown.

Jackson stepped away. Jordan retired — for the second time. Pippen was traded to Houston. The dynasty was gone as quickly as it was built.

It wasn’t just the rings that were left behind. It was the what-if.

“You earn the right to see it through,” Jordan said. “They didn’t even let us try.”

A Ruthless Competitor, A Reluctant Farewell

Over 13 seasons with the Bulls and two with the Washington Wizards, Jordan averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He still holds the all-time NBA record for career scoring average and ranks in the top five in several key categories. His resume includes five MVPs, 10 scoring titles, and Defensive Player of the Year honors.

But Jordan wasn’t just the best player on the floor — he was often the most demanding. He clashed with teammates, punched Will Perdue and Steve Kerr in practices, and famously told players not to pass to Bill Cartwright in the clutch.

“I pulled people along when they didn’t want to be pulled,” Jordan said. “I challenged people when they didn’t want to be challenged.”

He never apologized for it. And his teammates, he said, knew it came from a desire to win.

“The one thing about Michael Jordan, he never asked me to do something he didn’t f—ing do,” Jordan said of how teammates would describe him.

Emotion Still Lingers

While recounting those moments in the documentary, Jordan paused, clearly overcome. His voice cracked. He asked the camera crew for a break.

All these years later, the sting of unfinished business lingers. For the greatest to ever do it, not getting the chance at No. 7 is a wound that never quite healed.