The prolific scoring of Michael Jordan was his foremost trait. But do not underestimate his mental warfare attributes even for a moment.
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The NBA prior to the arrival of the 21st century was a whole other ballgame. Unlike the present product, teams would consistently verbally taunt each other to stand tall over their adversaries.
Jordan made a name for himself for his ability to verbally taunt his opponents to the extent that they would succumb mentally to his aura and eminence. It goes without saying that he would walk the walk as much as he would talk the talk.
His Airness captured six NBA championships, five NBA MVPs, and numerous other laurels, by utilizing this strategy. However, Jordan didn’t want any part in adhering to this tactic to get the better of former five-time NBA All-Star, Marques Johnson.
Also read: Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets’ Drubbing of Kawhi Leonard and Co. Matches Insane 1996 Record
Marques Johnson speaks on Michael Jordan and trash-talking.
Marques Johnson was a formidable NBA player during his career in the NBA. The forward represented four franchises but found the most success with the Milwaukee Bucks.
He has even had his number ‘8’ retired by the Bucks out of respect for his accomplishments. Johnson averaged 20 points per game, in his comparatively short-lived basketball career.
On a recent episode of Gilbert Arenas’ show, Johnson was deep in conversation with his son, Josiah Johnson, about his career. Johnson disclosed the relationship between Jordan and himself, and how Jordan didn’t talk trash to him as he idolized Johnson. never deteriorated and was built on the foundation of respect.
Johnson narrated an incident from the 1990s where Jordan asked him to bring forth some reputed players for the shooting of the movie Space Jam. In the midst of warming up for their scenes, Johnson threw down a light dunk, when Jordan heckled Johnson.
Johnson said:
“So at the end of the run, I did like a little lightweight dunk, so Michael Jordan said.’Hey old man, hey old man, don’t be trying to dunk, don’t be trying to dunk..That wasn’t part of your game’..I was like man look, whatever I was doing, you had my poster on your wall in college so I was doing something right. He was like ‘Oh yea you got me there, you got me there..You was my favourite player, I used to love your game, I used to love your game’.”
It’s safe to say that this is an interesting piece of information provided by Johnson. Since the general consensus surrounding Jordan was that he took no prisoners.
Jordan’s mental warfare!
The art of mental warfare is often overlooked* in the world of sports. One can even make the argument that perhaps it is the greatest skill to possess to overcome any hardships that stand in their path to greatness.
Michael Jordan mastered this craft. MJ’s legacy was built on the distinction he attained throughout the 1990s. That distinction occurred as a result of the immense mental fortitude he possessed.
