Michael Jordan built an unprecedented resume during his 15 seasons in the NBA that the majority believe cements him as the greatest basketball player ever. The legendary shooting guard was renowned for his relentless approach to the game that propelled one of the most dominant dynasties in league history.
It was not easy to work with Jordan during this era, but a five-time NBA champion recently gave further insight into what made the Bulls legend different, adding another layer to his legacy.
Five-Time NBA Champion Shares Key Lesson From Playing With Michael Jordan
Ron Harper’s NBA career is often defined by his time with the Chicago Bulls, where he joined the team in 1994 and became a vital part of this dynasty’s second three‑peat. With Jordan and Scottie Pippen leading the way, Harper transformed his game from a scoring guard into a defensive and versatile role player, tasked with shutting down opponents and facilitating the offense.
The 6-foot-6 combo guard played five years with Jordan before going on to win two more rings later in his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Harper was one of the most respected pros of his era, and in a recent interview on the “Cousins” podcast with Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, he explains how his time with the Bulls changed his approach to basketball.
“No days off, when you walk in that gym (with the Bulls). Lace them up like it’s game day. That’s what I tell people all the time that Chicago team, the work is extremely crazy. The game was easy, every drill you do was game speed.”
Harper’s comment about the Bulls shows just how much work went into their success when no one was watching. By treating every practice like a game, Jordan and company set an example that pushed everyone to the brink but offset the pressure of the real games.
This contagious energy led to six championships in eight years, including some of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Jordan wasn’t the only player on the roster emphasizing this kind of perfection, but he did set the standard as the face of the franchise.
Yet even with full buy-in from the rest of the roster, Jordan’s mindset was polarizing, and some players, like Pippen, still hold a grudge against him. Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue with the results. Based on his comments, Harper seems to be on board with the idea that the approach was worth it in the end.
