Having Given Up on His MLB Dream, 6FT 6” Michael Jordan Relied on Juanita Vanoy’s Personal Trainer to Get Back to NBA Shape

Michael Jordan is a heck of an athlete. Back in his playing days, he was always striving to improve himself both mentally and physically for the purpose of winning.

Regardless of the sport he played, Jordan would work to gain an advantage. As was the case when he switched to baseball and started playing for Chicago White Sox’s minor league team. Once he changed his sport, MJ had to switch up his training and diet to adapt to the game.

However, just a year and a half later, he returned to the NBA. Thus, he was forced to change up his training yet again. But instead of training with an expert suggested by the Bulls front office, he chose to work with his wife’s PT, Tim Grover.

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Michael Jordan chose to train with his wife’s trainer because he did not trust Jerry Krause

In 1994, Michael Jordan made his highly anticipated return to the NBA. His Airness had taken a short break from basketball, instead taking up a bit of baseball with the MLB. As such, on his return, he needed to get back in shape.

Then-Chicago Bulls GM, Jerry Krause, wanted MJ to work with Al Vermeil. But, Jordan, not being one to trust his general manager instead chose to work with his wife Juanita Vanoy’s trainer, Tim Grover.

In his book Michael Jordan: The Life, author Roland Lazenby detailed the incident. He wrote:

“Jordan eyed suspiciously anything suggested by the GM. Instead, he turned to Tim Grover, Juanita Jordan’s personal trainer. Jordan, Harper, and Pippen worked out every morning with Grover, referring to this group as the “breakfast club.” In time, the Bulls would come to be considered one of the best-conditioned teams in the history of the game. And Grover would soon be in top demand as the guru who guided the rebuilding of MJ’s body.”

Safe to say the training worked. As soon as he was back in shape, the GOAT went on to win his fourth, fifth, and sixth championship rings.

MJ never really liked Jerry Krause but refused to let anyone else bully him

The trainer incident aside, Michael Jordan and Jerry Krause never saw eye-to-eye on several matters. There are even stories of how Jordan would disrespect his former GM. Yet, it was only MJ who was allowed to do this. He would stop his teammates from going after the GM.

They certainly had a tumultuous relationship. Nevertheless, they were a part of the same organization. One that won six NBA Championships in eight seasons.

Also Read: “Michael Jordan Would Kill Me”: When 6ft 9’ Larry Bird Came Clean On Facing MJ One-On-One