Michael Jordan redefines Hall of Fame
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Michael Jordan is one of, if not the most, recognizable sports figures to ever live. From his Banned Jordan I shoe to his "tell me commercial," whatever MJ did became cool.
Through his career, the ultra-competitive Jordan used his doubters to fuel his competitive fire and become the best basketball player to play the game. Jordan won every individual award, set new records, and won six NBA titles during his time in the NBA.
So when Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on September 11th, 2009 we shouldn't have expected anything else but for him to re-write the books again. Jordan freely called out all of his doubters, joked with them, and thanked them for their inspiration. His speech has been criticized by some and praised by others, but Michael was just being Michael.
Jordan is a rare breed, he's just Mike and it just so happens that everything he does becomes trendy or cool. So when Jordan recapped his career during his speech I watched in awe at his charisma, passion, and competitiveness. What else can we ask of each other or our kids than to be yourself no matter what the press or doubters say?
1 comments:
I will agree that Jordan was true to himself and his personality with his acceptance speech to the Hall of Fame. However, it also demonstrated how his competiviness can become detrimental at certain times. I know he can't turn it off and that's what made him so great, but an induction speech to the Hall of Fame isn't the place to bring up grudges from 15 years ago. We know your the best, Mike. You were introduced as the greatest ever.
He refused to acknowledge anyone who helped him along the way, as if the people who slighted him were the only ones who attributed to his success. He mentioned Scottie Pippen at the very beginning, almost to get it out of the way.
He took shots at former Bulls GM Jerry Krause, who assembled those championship teams, because he doesn't get along with him. Taking the high road is a concept completely foreign to Jordan.
He brought up former Knick coach Jeff Van Gundy, who claimed Jordan conned opponents into being his friend only to take advantage of them on the court, but never once mentioned Phil Jackson, the head coach for the 6 titles, who was able to get Jordan to buy into the team concept it took to win championships.
The most interesting comments of the night were the ones Jordan had for his kids. "I wouldn't want to be you guys," was the quote that stuck out. He can't even entertain the thought that one of his kids could live up to his legend, his name. Granted, they won't be able to, but is that the message you want to send to your kids, in front of the nation? I don't think that's cool.
While most people look at the induction to the Hall as the pinnicle of their career, Jordan looked at it as a sad day, because it signifies that his playing days are officially over. He can't let it go. He can't move on and he came across as bitter and petty in his speech.
Many give him a pass because he's Michael Jordan. I accept the fact that he was true to himself in the speech, but that doesn't make it good and beyond criticism.
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