The Last Dance: Episode 1

As we thought nothing exciting with basketball would be coming anytime soon, we received the visual gift of a legacy. It is the "The Last Dance" documentary of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls Dynasty. For TheHoopsCreative, I will be sharing my thoughts, opinions, and reflections of each episode. Yes! I am happy to be sharing and expressing this topic. This series will be airing every Sunday here in the USA. For those that are abroad, it will be on Netflix every Monday. See the schedule below. Spoilers may or may not be included, depending on the topic I decide to cover.

• Sunday, April 19, 9 p.m. ET -- Episodes 1 and 2. (Abroad: April 20th)
• Sunday, April 26, 9 p.m. ET -- Episodes 3 and 4. (Abroad: April 27th)
• Sunday, May 3, 9 p.m. ET -- Episodes 5 and 6.    (Abroad: May 4th)
• Sunday, May 10, 9 p.m. ET -- Episodes 7 and 8.  (Abroad: May 11th)
• Sunday, May 17, 9 p.m. ET -- Episodes 9 and 10. (Abroad: May 18th)

EPISODE 1: "Michael Jordan is bigger than the Pope"

During this episode, as MJ goes abroad for an interview and to play basketball, a news reporter points something out. He states that people are saying Michael Jordan is becoming bigger than the pope. I giggled at that statement because as you see the nostalgia of 90s scenery, it really goes to show how powerful of an image you have to be in order to be compared to the pope. In reality, it is basically saying he is the next closest thing to a god. 

The NBA, in general, has been going on since the beginning of professional basketball. There are times where business and those that love the game don't see eye to eye. I can relate to Jordan on his annoyance towards Bulls' management for their inconsideration towards players. Management claims they are the main reason for wins, not the players. Now, organizations with strong management still do a great deal of work. That can't be denied, as they research and analyze how to make the best team possible. Who we need, what we need, and why this person needs to be playing for us. They are a few key notions made for the bigger outcome. An NBA championship.

However, I still side with Jordan on this because he quotes,

“I would never let someone who isn’t putting on a uniform and playing each and every day dictate what we do on the basketball court. The most important part of the process is the players."

The reason I agree with his side is that as an athlete myself, I know it is the players and how they unite together that wins games. It is the players that win championships. 

The truth of the matter is that all management needs to do is bring players together. That just involves having luck and money. The real talent comes down to how everyone plays with each other and how they get along. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that you could have the most talented of players together and they could still play like sh**. Why? Because they have no court chemistry. They have no real bond established and, if the coach isn't engaged or doing their part, then players will just play how they want to. This can create a tense atmosphere, as the personalities of players and style of play won't have rules or directions. It can turn into chaos. 

You can have great players that can't take direction or be coached. You can have players that aren't as talented, but have a strong sense of hustle and determination to get better. There are players that want to be great, but don't want to put the extra sessions in. Then, there are players that don't get many minutes on the court but are all about being a team player. 

These are a variety of different player situations that all need chemistry to understand one another. I know this is what MJ might have had in his thoughts while dissecting the insult that was clearly stated towards him and his teammates. It is more than just playing and putting the ball through the hoop.

Overall, Jordan was still human. Growing up in North Carolina and going to school. A memorable moment, which I found touching, was his mother reading an old letter. It was a letter that MJ wrote to her while he was at college. He basically was speaking like any college kid would say. He told her basketball was tough, but going well. Then proceeded to say that he loved her and wanted money for food and snacks. We will always see the superstar that Michael Jordan is to the world. But, now we get to see the unraveling story of a kid that hustled for the dream.