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In a recent interview that has reignited the age-old debate of LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing shared his candid thoughts on the two basketball icons. According to Ewing, while LeBron James may possess extraordinary talent and athleticism, he falls short of the killer instinct and assassin-like mentality that defined Michael Jordan‘s illustrious career. In Ewing‘s eyes, Jordan remains the undisputed Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in the world of basketball.

Patrick Ewing‘s assertion that Michael Jordan possessed a unique assassin-like mentality on the basketball court is widely echoed by many basketball purists and fans alike. Throughout his career, Jordan was renowned for his unparalleled competitiveness, unwavering drive, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His ability to elevate his game in clutch moments and deliver under pressure cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

While LeBron James is undeniably one of the most gifted athletes to ever grace the basketball court, some critics argue that he lacks the killer instinct and assassin-like mentality that defined Michael Jordan‘s career. James‘s approach to the game is often characterized by his unselfishness, versatility, and basketball IQ, rather than the single-minded determination and ruthlessness exemplified by Jordan. While James‘s skill set may be unmatched, some argue that he falls short in the intangible qualities that set Jordan apart.

The debate over who holds the title of the GOAT in basketball is one that has raged on for decades and shows no signs of abating. While Michael Jordan‘s six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and numerous accolades speak for themselves, LeBron James‘s longevity, versatility, and impact on the game cannot be overlooked. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport and have legions of fans who passionately argue for their respective greatness.

In Patrick Ewing‘s eyes, the debate over LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan is a clear-cut one. For Ewing, Jordan‘s unparalleled accomplishments, killer instinct, and relentless drive make him the undisputed GOAT in basketball history. While James may be an exceptional talent in his own right, he falls short of the standards set by Jordan in terms of sheer dominance and impact on the game.

In conclusion, Patrick Ewing‘s recent comments on the LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan debate have reignited discussions among basketball fans and pundits alike. While James‘s talent and versatility are widely acknowledged, Ewing believes that Jordan‘s killer instinct and unparalleled success set him apart as the greatest player of all time. As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: the legacies of Jordan and James will continue to be celebrated and debated for generations to come.

Michael Jordan has been hailed the greatest basketball player of all time and his unmatched talents on the court will once again be on display in a new documentary series, “The Last Dance,” that regales his final season with the legendary Chicago Bulls.

The poster of ESPN’s documentary film, “The Last Dance.”
ESPN

The highly anticipated 10-part ESPN and Netflix production with never before seen footage, follows Jordan during the 1997-98 season and gives a glimpse behind the curtain of the team’s dramatic road to the epic final showdown that cemented them as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Jordan, who is currently at his home in Florida with his wife and two of his children, joined “Good Morning America” on Thursday to discuss the upcoming series and share what he remembers most about that final year.

“It was a trying year, we all were trying to enjoy that year knowing that it was coming to an end,” he explained. “Phil [Jackson] started off the year by saying, ‘this is the last dance,’ and we played it that way.”

An undated photo shows Michael Jordan sitting during an Interview for the new documentary film, “The Last Dance.”
Jason Hehir/ESPN

“Mentally it just kind of tugged at you throughout the course of the year, you know, but that this had to come to an end but it also centered our focus to making sure we ended it right,” Jordan continued. “As sad as it sounds at the beginning of the year we tried to rejoice and enjoy the year and finish it off the right way.”

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Jordan spent 15 seasons in the NBA, led the Chicago Bulls to six championships, was a six-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist and 14-time NBA All-Star — just to name a few of his top accolades.

The retired NBA superstar said the series that serves as a retrospective of his basketball career will also look back to simpler times when he was playing college ball for the Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina.

“You’re gonna see a lot of things that people forgot life was that way,” he said, recalling times before the era of social media. “The thing that people are going to learn, and my kids laugh about it when they see it, but we used postage stamps back in those days, you know. Where I had to ask my mom to send my postage stamps.”

He continued, “you had to live life as it came, you know, and each day you learned the education aspect, spending time with friends and family, it wasn’t via the phone, you know, it was actually in presence and you wrote letters.”

Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls drives to basket against the Detroit Pistons during the 1989 season NBA game in Detroit.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE

“My mom, she kept all my letters,” he said. “It’s somewhat embarrassing, but yet it’s refreshing that I took the time to write a letter to say how much I love my mom and, you know, what I needed in college.”

ESPN originally planned to release the documentary in June to coincide with what would have been the NBA Finals, but moved up the release two months amid the coronavirus pandemic to provide fans stuck at home with something exciting to watch during these tough times.

The series flashes back to some early career highlights at North Carolina, like his buzzer beater in ’82 to win the NCAA title, which he said was the moment he went from Mike to Michael Jordan.

“Up until that point no one knew who I was — outside the university — I was just known as Mike Jordan,” he said. “And when I hit that shot, my whole name became Michael Jordan. And I think it resonated with a lot of people outside of UNC and I just started piling on that name itself — from the successes that I endured throughout the rest of my career.”

There was no team more dominant in the ’90s than the Chicago Bulls led by Jordan, who became a cultural icon on top of his unmatched athleticism.

Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls shows emotion against the Portland Trailblazers during a game played at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Ore., circa 1991.
Brian Drake/NBAE

With teammate Scottie Pippen by his side, the duo commanded the league for nearly a decade and created a legacy for the Bulls as one of the greatest sports dynasties of all time.

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Jordan became widely known as “Air Jordan” for his prolific slam dunks followed by his signature tongue out celebration, but it was perseverance that his parents instilled in him that he said carried him throughout his career beyond the basketball court.

“They were hardworking people and they instilled that not just in me but in my brothers and sisters,” Jordan said. “It just became a part of my nature I always take a negative and turn it into a positive — that all came from my parents.”

An undated photo shows Michael Jordan sitting during an Interview for the new documentary film, “The Last Dance.”
ESPN

He also hailed his brother Larry for his unwavering support and helping him become the man and player he turned out to be.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my brother Larry. Larry pushed me and we used to fight after every game, but through that fight, you know, emerged someone like me,” he said. “He supports me and he works for me and the team and I never would have gotten this far without him.”

The series debuts on ESPN Sunday at 9 pm ET and will air over five Sundays through May 17 with two 1-hour broadcasts per week.

Feb 15, 1996; Auburn Hills MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23) in action against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace at Auburn Hills. The Bulls beat the Pistons 112-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Being Michael Jordan is much more difficult than most could ever comprehend. The Chicago Bulls legend has a net worth of $2.2 billion and even when he didn’t have that kind of wealth and was in the NBA playing for a ‘couple million dollars’ a year, it’s tough to find people who want you, for you. 

Everybody in Jordan’s life most certainly wants something out of their connection with the 6x NBA champion. So, when it comes to finding true friends, MJ has always had to keep an eye for people who were simply trying to use him. 

This is why most of his closest friends are ones he made before all of the fame, whether it be from school or it be from when he was in his infancy stage of being a star in the league. Someone who he met around the time of his rookie season was a man who he would go on to call a friend even after his second retirement and beyond.

George Koehler can safely say that he is a close friend of Michael Jordan 

The first man who met Michael Jordan after he had gotten drafted to the Bulls was none other than George Koehler. Well, he technically wasn’t the ‘first man’ who MJ met as team personnel would be the first but when it comes to native Chicagoans, Koehler might’ve been the first. 

He owned a limo company at the time and this was perfect timings as someone who would have their fame skyrocket in a matter of weeks needed both a personal car service and driver. Luckily for him, Koehler provided his services almost immediately. 

“I am not really the driver. I’m kind of like the personal slave. There are 1,000,000 people in this world who would love to hang out with Michael. Fortunately, I am a friend, and as long as he wants me around, I will be around,” said Koehler. 

Michael Jordan lost a great friend in Charles Barkley 

One man who Michael Jordan befriended and became quite fond of during his time in the NBA was none other than Charles Barkley. They would golf together and gamble together while also doing interviews on air with one another. However, this all changed when Chuck took to his ‘Inside the NBA’ show to berate MJ on his front office management skills while with the Washington Wizards. Jordan took this personally and for the past 15+ years, they have not spoken.

Considered by many as the GOAT – or greatest of all time – of basketball, Michael Jordan has set his fair share of records on the court, but he just set another major record by donating a whopping $10 million to Make-A-Wish. The donation, given just ahead of his 60th birthday, is the largest donation the organization has ever received from an individual in its 43-year history.

Jordan hopes his donation will inspire others to celebrate his birthday on Feb. 17 by donating to Make-A-Wish, which brings surprises, or “wishes,” to children diagnosed with terminal diseases. Many children wish to meet celebrities, like Jordan, or to have experiences like going to Disney World.

Jordan, who quickly rose to fame after joining the Chicago Bulls in 1984, granted his first wish in 1989 and has since granted hundreds more. He is still one of the most requested celebrities by wish recipients, according to the organization.
Jordan, who quickly rose to fame after joining the Chicago Bulls in 1984, granted his first wish in 1989 and has since granted hundreds more. He is still one of the most request celebrities by wish recipients, according to the organization. MAKE-A-WISH
“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” Jordan said. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true.”

One of the notable wishes he granted was for an 11-year-old in 2000. A girl named Katie dreamed of becoming a basketball player but was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to put her dream on hold as she received treatment. Meeting Jordan through Make-A-Wish helped reignite her passion for the sport.

“Thinking about [meeting Michael] helped me get through all of my treatments,” Katie said. “It gave me something else to dream about and think about.”

She not only overcame her brain tumor, but she went on to become a staff member for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic for five years.
Katie meeting Jordan in 2000. MAKE-A-WISH
Make-A-Wish will use Jordan’s donation to make future wishes. Jordan’s philanthropy often makes headlines as he donates to several charities a year, including Boys and Girls Club, of which he is an alumnus. In 2021, Jordan, who is a North Carolina native and owns the Charlotte Hornets, donated $10 million to open two new medical clinics in North Carolina, regional health care provider Novant Health announced.

While a $10 million donation and hundreds of wishes granted makes him one of Make-A-Wish’s greatest benefactors, Jordan does not hold the organization’s record. That’s John Cena, the wrestling star and actor who, starting in 2002, has granted a total of 650 wishes and received recognition from Guinness World Records. No one else has granted more than 400 wishes.

Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan aren’t fazed by the outside noise about their relationship.

During a recent appearance on the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” show, Larsa, who was married to NBA champ Scottie Pippen for 24 years, and Marcus — the youngest son of Michael Jordan, Pippen’s longtime Bulls teammate — explained why their unexpected romance works.

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“It’s awkward,” Larsa, 49, said.

“It’s weird. I get it. But to us, it’s not weird.”

“It’s probably weird to the world because our last names are known to basketball history.”

Jordan and Pippen won six championships together in Chicago and are considered arguably the greatest NBA duo, but their relationship has seemingly soured in recent years.

The Real Housewives of Miami star said she’s heard the negative chatter about her relationship with Marcus.

“Aesthetically it probably doesn’t look good,” she said.

“Just to hear of it, it doesn’t resonate well with people.

“ … There were so many pros and the cons were our last names and that’s literally what it was. I’m not concerned with my ex or Marcus’ dad. We’re both adults.”

The couple don’t care about the optics. Picture: larsapippen/Instagram

They’re just doing their thing. Picture: larsapippen/Instagram
Larsa politely declined to discuss whether she’s “been around Michael” during her relationship with his 32-year-old son.

“I feel like I don’t really wanna talk about Marcus, Michael or my ex,” she said.

“I feel like we are really comfortable talking about us. I feel like our families just want us to be happy … No one’s really affected by our relationship to be honest with you.”

That’s when Marcus explained that his dad isn’t one to pry in his dating life and revealed the blunt four-word message he gave him.

“The main thing from my dad was he said ‘you’re a grown man,’” Marcus recalled.

“Ultimately as long as I’m happy, he’s happy. He’s never intervened in my dating life prior to Larsa, and he’s not going to start now.”

In response to those who still doubt their relationship is real, Marcus simply said, “F*** ’em’” with a smile.

“That’s kind of my mentality — f*** ’em all. I just feel like we complement each other in so many different ways,” he continued.

“ … I just feel like we’re living in our truth and anybody that isn’t happy about it can p*ss off.”

Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan. Picture: larsapippen/Instagram

MJ offered up some blunt advice. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Larsa and Marcus stirred speculation they were engaged when she stepped out with a silver diamond ring on that finger in August.

The couple clarified that it was a “promise ring” during a previous episode of their “Separation Anxiety” podcast.

Marcus also teased that the promise ring “might end up” on this season of “RHOM,” which premieres Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Pippen and Jordan were first linked in September 2022.

They went public with their relationship in January.

It came two years after Larsa finalised her divorce from Pippen in December 2021.

The exes married in 1997 and share four children: sons Scotty Jr., 22, Preston, 21, and Justin, 18, and 14-year-old daughter Sophia.

This article originally appeared on the NY Post and was reproduced with permission.

Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

If you watch a replay of “The Shot,” Michael Jordan’s hanging, series-deciding jumper over Cleveland’s Craig Ehlo in 1989, then you have a sense of Doug Collins’ personality.

The then-Chicago Bulls coach ran around the court in celebration, hugging anything and everything in his path, sweat-soaked and celebratory.

Passion is his strong suit.

And now that passion will forever be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Collins, who went 137-109 in three seasons as Bulls coach from 1986-1989, was named one of 13 honorees for the Class of 2024 on Saturday.

Collins, 72, will officially enter the Hall of Fame during enshrinement weekend in Springfield, Mass., the birthplace of basketball, on Aug. 16-17. He enters as a contributor, a nod to Collins’ wide-ranging impact as a player, coach and broadcaster.

“Doug Collins’ basketball accomplishments are special,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, a Class of 2016 inductee, in a statement. “Doug did enough to be an Olympic basketball star. He was one of the NBA’s best guards and an All-Star four consecutive seasons before knee surgery prematurely ended his playing career. He then became a premier NBA coach who coached an All-Star game and a Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy award winner for his broadcasting and TV game anaylsis.

“But Doug, who is a dear friend, also holds a special place in the hearts of Chicago Bulls fans and the franchise as the coach who started the climb toward the great dynasty of the 1990s by leading the Bulls and Michael Jordan to the franchise’s first 50-win season and conference finals appearance in more than a decade and later returning as an adviser and mentor to Bulls staff and coaches in the Tex Winter tradition.

“The Bulls congratulate Doug and are proud to have been a part of his legendary Hall of Fame career.”

Collins sank perhaps the most pressure-packed free throws in Olympics history at the 1972 Games in Munich. He made two free throws with 3 seconds left in the gold-medal game against the Soviet Union to put the United States ahead by one point, only to lose in a controversial finish that led Collins and his teammates to reject their silver medals. The Soviet Union received three chances to inbound the ball before finally scoring.

Drafted No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973, Collins averaged 17.9 points and made the aforementioned four All-Star appearances before injuries ended his career.

Hired by Jerry Krause and Reinsdorf with no previous head coaching experience, Collins’ passion, detail recall and knowledge helped lead the Bulls to three straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the 1989 Eastern Conference finals.

Dismissed that offseason in a shocking move that led to Phil Jackson’s hiring, Collins quickly established himself as one of the premier broadcasting analysts, calling out expected outcomes before they happened and breaking down complex concepts in easy-to-digest sound bites.

Collins returned to the sidelines with the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and 76ers, improving each franchise by double-digit victories during his tenure. The second stop happened on Jordan’s request when he ended his retirement to play for the team he owned. At Collins’ last stop, he presided over the eighth-seeded 76ers first-round upset of the top-seeded Bulls in the 2012 NBA playoffs and was the first person to console Derrick Rose when Rose crumpled to the ground with an ACL tear in Game 1 of that series.

John Paxson, who replaced Krause in 2003, actually tried to hire Collins in 2008 after dismissing Scott Skiles. But Reinsdorf overruled Paxson, citing his close friendship with Collins, and the Bulls turned to Vinny Del Negro.

Paxson ultimately ended up hiring Collins in 2017 as a senior adviser. Collins enjoyed working with the coaching staff.

Collins, whose son, Chris, leads Northwestern’s program, finished with a coaching record of 442-407. His Olympic experience finished full circle at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, when LeBron James and others asked Collins to join their gold-medal ceremony in recognition of his 1972 heartbreak and his broadcasting expertise at the 2008 Games.

Now, the kid from Benton, Ill., who attended Illinois State University will forever be enshrined in greatness as a Class of 2024 member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

In preparation for construction of the new office building for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, United Center and Levy Restaurants staff, the Bulls’ Michael Jordan statue will be temporarily relocated from the east side of the arena to the southeast corner near Gate 5 on Thursday, April 16.

The body of the statue will be the only portion that is moved. The pedestal base with Jordan’s accolades will be protected and remain in place throughout construction and the statue will be placed on a temporary base at the new location. McHugh Construction is coordinating the relocation of the statue. Terry Dowd, Inc., a local art handling company, will facilitate the removal and reinstallation of the statue via a small crane.

Once construction is completed, the current plan is to place the statue back in its original location in front of Gate 4.

The iconic Michael Jordan statue is a very popular attraction and people from around the world travel to the United Center just to see it. The team is committed to ensuring public access continues during construction and encourages fans to continue to visit the statue in its temporary outdoor location, which is approximately 150 feet to the south of its permanent location.

Michael Jordan’s mindset was a crucial factor in making him one of the greatest competitors in sports history. His unparalleled work ethic, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence set him apart from his peers and propelled him to unprecedented success on the basketball court.

At the core of Jordan’s mindset was his unwavering belief in his own abilities and his unyielding commitment to being the best. He approached every practice, every game, and every challenge with a singular focus on winning and achieving greatness. Jordan’s legendary work ethic was evident in his tireless dedication to honing his skills, constantly striving to improve and push himself to new heights.

Jordan’s mindset also manifested in his unparalleled competitiveness and desire to dominate his opponents. He refused to be outworked or outperformed, consistently pushing himself and his teammates to excel. His relentless drive to win, combined with his exceptional talent and skill, made him a formidable force on the court and earned him the respect of his peers and adversaries alike.

One of Jordan’s most famous quotes perfectly encapsulates his mindset: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” For Jordan, failure was not an obstacle but rather a stepping stone on the path to success. He embraced challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, using them to fuel his determination and drive to succeed.

In the eyes of many, Jordan’s mindset was unparalleled. His commitment to excellence, his relentless work ethic, and his unwavering belief in himself set a standard of greatness that few have been able to match. As a result, he remains not only a basketball icon but also a symbol of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and the right mindset.

In the annals of basketball history, few duos shine as brightly as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Their partnership on the court was legendary, fueling the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships. Yet, behind the scenes, a rift developed that fractured their once unbreakable bond, all due to an unexpected catalyst – Jordan’s son’s love affair.

The story unfolded as Marcus Jordan, Michael’s son, found himself embroiled in a public scandal involving his romantic entanglements. Reports surfaced, linking Marcus romantically to someone close to Pippen. The revelation strained the friendship between the two basketball icons.

Pippen, known for his loyalty and protective nature, felt betrayed by the situation. He couldn’t reconcile Marcus’s actions with the respect he held for Michael. As tensions mounted, communication dwindled, and the once inseparable friends found themselves drifting apart.

For Jordan, the ordeal was a painful realization of the consequences that family matters could have on personal relationships. Despite his attempts to mediate and salvage the friendship, the damage was irreparable. The rift between him and Pippen grew wider with each passing day.

Their estrangement sent shockwaves through the basketball community, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning how such a strong bond could crumble under the weight of external circumstances. It served as a reminder that even the closest of friendships are not immune to the complexities of life outside the court.

As time passed, both Jordan and Pippen focused on their respective endeavors, finding solace in their individual pursuits. Yet, the void left by their fractured friendship remains palpable, serving as a cautionary tale of how fragile relationships can be, even among the greatest of teammates

There are many things that Michael Jordan excelled at. He was a proven winner, pulled off amazing dunks, his tough mentality, and obviously his impact on the NBA. When you combine all these things, it’s no wonder that MJ is considered as the GOAT of basketball.

Speaking of Jordan’s skills on the court, there’s hardly anything that hasn’t been talked about enough. But one thing that people might overlook when talking about ‘His Airness’ was his insane hang-time and aerial control.

In fact, MJ’s nickname ‘His Airness’ is no coincidence as he still holds the record for the highest-ever vertical in NBA history with 48 inches. Jordan used his amazing hops to dominate opponents in various ways.

One of them was to pull off layups and shots that looked impossible, all thanks to his amazing hang-time.

Michael Jordan’s Aerial Control Was Out Of The World

Over the course of his incredible career in the league, Jordan perfected the art of shooting the ball while falling down instead of when he was at the peak of his jump. As a result, Mike looked as if he was floating in the air when he scored by using this technique.

On that note, an NBA fan on Reddit recently posted a compilation of MJ’s insane hang-time and aerial control. It led to many fans sharing their shock and praise for Mike in the comments section.

SlyMrF0x: I get that gravity applies to this dude the same way it applies to everyone else, but it sure doesn’t feel that way when you watch him.

ToxicTurle-2: John Salley said in The Last Dance that once he gets in the air he’s not human.

Subtuppel: Yeah, the “effect” he created with his contortions / movements in the air is almost magical.

hanselpremium: He doesn’t jump, he flies.

devilwing0218: I think it’s the way he stretched in the air making him look like hanging longer than others. Besides he always was able to do more moves while hanging.

javo516: Crazy how talking about Jordan’s excellence literally never gets old.

UnsungHerro: It’s fascinating how physically optimized the guy was. 6’6, massive hands, highest vertical ever with bonkers hangtime and 90th percentile first step to go with it.

hoi_ming: Other players stay in the air as long as he does, but it’s the unmatched body control while midair that makes it truly hang time.

Fanny_Applebaum: His control in-air obviously remarkable. But the dude hardly was injured. His ability to contort his body in-flight and still safely land is astounding.

sneakers91: Even if the slowed version of these clips was live, he still has amazingly quick mid-air reaction time and decision making. Just unbelievable.

As expected, fans were left in awe of Michael Jordan’s ability to control is body mid-air and knock down shots.

Another thing that truly made fans appreciate Mike’s skill in the air was the fact that he was hardly ever injured. So it proves that Jordan solidified his fundamentals and made sure that he pulled off these movies with utter mastery.