Michael Jordan’s Relentless Bullying Once Led To Bulls GM Disrespecting MJ With Hakeem Olajuwon’s ‘Championship’ Pedigree

Nithin Joseph | 06/06/2023
Michael Jordan's Relentless Bullying Once Led To Bulls GM Disrespecting MJ With Hakeem Olajuwon's 'Championship' Pedigree

Michael Jordan is a legend in basketball and with the Chicago Bulls. However, he had a deeply strained relationship marked by mutual disdain with former Bulls GM, Jerry Krause. Despite Krause’s integral role in assembling the Chicago Bulls dynasty, he and Jordan clashed frequently. This was exemplified by the comparisons Krause drew between him and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Jordan felt undervalued and disrespected by Krause, fueling his competitive fire. And, back before he won his first championship in 1991, Jerry had the upper hand. As revealed in The Jordan Rules, he would regularly taunt His Airness and question his skill and ability. Often claiming The Dream would have won a championship or two by then.

Jerry Krause would regularly taunt Michael Jordan with comparisons to Hakeem Olajuwon

When the Chicago Bulls drafted Michael Jordan, they knew that MJ was the future of the franchise. He was everything they needed, he had the skills and the personality to be a superstar. The marketing team had a field day selling him to the public.

Jordan was grateful, he appreciated the way the organization was treating him. However, as time flew by, things changed. He felt that there was a tinge of jealousy coming out of the department. Primarily due to the amount of publicity, he received despite his lack of success. After all, it would take seven seasons before His Airness won his first title.

This jealousy was perfectly represented by Jerry Krause. The former GM of the Bulls was infamous for his beef with Michael. And, prior to winning his first championship, Jerry would often take Michael’s case. In fact, at one point, Jordan even heard Krause make claims that the Bulls would have found more success if they had Hakeem Olajuwon instead of him.

“Initially, the new organization focused its marketing on Jordan, selling Jordan as the Bulls. The campaign was a huge success. But now the marketing and basketball people, Jordan felt, were beginning to view him with jealousy. Jordan had heard about Krause bragging that he’d have two titles by now if the Bulls had Akeem Olajuwon instead of Jordan.”

At the time, it may have seemed like a valid argument. However, given how Jordan’s career went, there can be no denying the Bulls got it right with him.

Jordan proved Krause wrong with a career that far surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon’s

Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan were two basketball titans who dominated the NBA in their respective eras. The Dream did have a great career, winning two DPOY awards, an MVP, and of course two NBA Championships. However, Jordan’s career was something else entirely.

MJ is a five-time MVP, a DPOY, a six-time Finals MVP, and a six-time NBA Champion. Undoubtedly, the greatest player of all time.

He was an integral part of the Bulls’ rise to dominance. And, this is most certainly the reason why it is such a respected franchise, despite its lack of recent success. A true legend, and definitely the greatest Bulls, if not, the greatest of all time.

Post Edited By: Jeet Pukhrambam
hakeem olajuwon Jerry Krause Michael Jordan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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