Michael Jordan is without a doubt the greatest player in NBA history. The Hall of Famer has achieved everything a basketball player could hope to achieve, both in the league and internationally.
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One of the main reasons for his success apart from his skill and hard work was his mentality. The man was focused on one thing and one thing only, winning, and that sometimes translated into a bad personality.
Even when he was past his prime, at the age of 41 in Washington, MJ was a hard person to deal with. Just ask his former teammate, Rip Hamilton, who regularly got roasted by His Airness.
Michael Jordan gave his young teammate Rip Hamilton a hard time when he asked for a Jordan deal
In 2001, Rip Hamilton was an up-and-coming superstar on the Washington Wizards. A team that also happened to recruit the GOAT, Michael Jordan to their cause that season.
MJ was a huge influence on the franchise. His experience and legendary status were greatly appreciated, especially by the youngsters on the team. However, there were times when he could be a bit hard to deal with. Like when he unnecessarily ripped into Rip Hamilton for asking for a sneaker deal.
The Man In The Mask recalled in an episode of The Jump six years ago.
MJ once goaded his own teammate Steve Kerr into picking a fight with him
There have been plenty of times when Jordan’s prickly personality has put him in a pickle. Take, for example, when MJ provoked Steve Kerr into a fight and inevitably getting him kicked out of practice in 1995.
Michael Jordan & Steve Kerr talking about their fight! #TheLastDance
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 11, 2020
Safe to say while there were many people in awe of Michael Jordan, there were a fair few who could not stand him as well. GOAT or not.