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The Last Dance: Reacting to the first two episodes

ByRich Kraetsch|
NEW YORK CITY - JANUARY 23: Dennis Rodman #91, Michael Jordan #23 and Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the New York Knicks on January 23, 1996 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY - JANUARY 23: Dennis Rodman #91, Michael Jordan #23 and Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the New York Knicks on January 23, 1996 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jason and Rich of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast discuss major takeaways and reactions to episodes 1 and 2 of ESPN’s much-anticipated The Last Dance documentary.

It’s finally here… and it didn’t disappoint! Join Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch as they react to episodes 1 and 2 of ESPN’s much-anticipated The Last Dance documentary about Michael Jordan and the 1998 NBA champion Chicago Bulls.

Topics and highlights included:

  • The tone of the documentary — fully telling the story or perpetuating the myth?
  • “18-month hiatus”
  • Who is the most insufferable Bull?
  • Jerry Reinsdorf admitting they considered a rebuild pre-1998
  • Why didn’t Reinsdorf fire Jerry Krause if he thought he was getting in the way?
  • Interesting treatment of Krause — he did mostly a legit great job as GM with the huge caveat of alienating the biggest star in NBA history and one of the greatest coaches (with the understanding that they were difficult personalities).
  • The fun aspect of Blazers drafted Sam Bowie #2: they got the pick from Indiana.
  • Bulls traveling cocaine circus!
  • MJ says he didn’t drink — at the time
  • The transition has been “pretty easy”
  • Scott Burrell wanted a hug
  • Jordan teasing the new guys who had never won before
  • “Don’t let Jerry get it”
  • Phil Jackson very much part of the players vs. management narrative
  • Scottie Pippen under constant trade rumors
  • Pippen 122nd in salary in 1998 and the CBA reasons why a new deal couldn’t be done
  • Charles Oakley slapping and pushing Pippen around in a joking manner
  • Pippen admits he delayed his surgery past the summer. Jordan was pissed about that. Phil says he understood.
  • Bulls struggle early in the season without Pippen — Jordan voices his frustrations — yelling at Ron Harper and Toni Kukoc footage.
  • “I’m pretty sure I was irritable to a lot of people” during 1986 injury
  • Reinsdorf 9 out of 10 pills story.
  • “Losing attitude” in the front office.
  • Jordan 7 minutes per half — pissed at end of Indy game where Stan Albeck left him out. John Paxson hits the GW. Albeck wouldn’t let Krause in the game.
  • Jordan still averaging insane numbers despite a strict minutes limit.
  • MJ played golf with Danny Ainge the day before 63 points.
  • Footage of Jordan’s 63 to “I’m Bad”
  • Krause very openly discussing trading Pippen in public but never told him to his face and Jordan thinking he was being selfish

Listen on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTiOzYV0MAo

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