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“Michael Jordan is like Jesus Christ”: Bulls legend’s former head coach compared the ‘GOAT’ to biblical figures early on in his career

Samir Mehdi
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“Michael Jordan is like Jesus Christ”: Bulls legend’s former head coach compared the ‘GOAT’ to biblical figures early on in his career

Doug Collins compared Michael Jordan to Jesus Christ early on in the Bull’s legend’s career following the release of an image in the newspaper. 

Michael Jordan was one of the few players that have ever graced NBA hardwood to completely change the atmosphere in the arena he was currently in. Once MJ walked through the tunnel and onto the court, everybody took notice. Understandably so as he simply had an aura around him that was hard to not take notice of. 

Ever since he first stepped onto the court in 1984, it was clear that Michael Jordan’s name would become synonymous with that of greatness. Though he did not revel in a plethora of postseason success, fans and media members alike knew that with the right supporting cast around him, the league would be in for a world of hurt.

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However, before Michael Jordan could receive this supporting cast in the form of guys like Scottie Pippen, BJ Armstrong, Horace Grant, and so on, he would suit with for bench boss Doug Collins; a coach who laid the groundwork for what was to come in the 90s. 

Doug Collins called Michael Jordan, ‘Black Jesus’. 

Doug Collins was the 3rd coach Michael Jordan had had in the first two years of his career, clearly irking the latter. The two did not in fact get off on the right foot as Jordan claimed Collins was an emotional person who put his burdens onto the team and its players. However, the two would begin to repair their relationship once Collins would start frequenting Michael’s house for a while. 

In an interview Doug Collins had done, talking about Michael Jordan, he talked about the reactions Jordan would get from the opposing team’s fans and who they treated him as though he was not a normal person, but better.

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“There was a great picture in a Portland paper; Michael walking onto the floor with our team in a single file line and you see the background, all these kids taking pictures and reaching out to touch him. I compare to, biblically, people reaching out to touch Jesus Christ.” 

This wouldn’t be the end of Michael Jordan’s comparison to Christ as the 6x champ would call himself ‘Black Jesus’ when telling Reggie Miller to not trash talk to him. It’s safe to say that if the opposing team has a player that is being continually compared to Jesus Christ, it’s going to be a long night. 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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