Michael Jordan BULLYING victim was also Bulls star’s favorite teammate, claims famous Bosnian journalist
While Michael Jordan may have bullied all of his teammates, he struck a certain camaraderie with Toni Kukoc.
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Michael Jordan spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bulls. He was a player who was absolutely obsessed with winning. In his pursuit for championships, he was willing to push himself and his teammates to the breaking point, often bullying them to toughen them up. As a result, he never fostered friendships with many of his Bulls’ teammates. However, there were a few people who were lucky enough to form a connection with Jordan. One of them was Toni Kukoc.
Toni Kukoc was a former Croatian professional basketball player. After a successful career in European Basketball, he transferred to the NBA. In the days when European basketball players weren’t established in the league, Kukoc stood out. He was a valuable asset to the Bulls team and even won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1996. He played a vital part in the Bulls’ title runs during their second three peat. Considered a reliable shooter and a great passer, he was also a clutch player throughout his career, which is perhaps what drew Jordan to him.
According to Bosnian Journalist Sabahudin Topalbecirevic Baho, who is making a film on Kukoc’s career, when Jordan was asked for an interview about Kukoc’s career, he was uncharacteristically open to the idea. Jordan also overshot the allotted interview time, speaking for more than an hour. This proves Jordan’s fondness for Kukoc, since Jordan is typically strict with his timings. When Kukoc was inducted into the Hall of Fame, it was Jordan who welcomed him.
Jordan was describes as a bully during his playing days. It was said that he shouted at each one of his teammates. However, It is also evident that while Jordan was a tyrant on court , he did take a certain liking to Kukoc that has continued to this day.
What was Jordan like to his teammates?
The documentary The Last Dance shed a lot of light on his relations with his teammates. According to most, Michael Jordan was a terrible teammate. He mentally abused his teammates on a daily basis, trying to get into their heads to prepare them for game situations. Some however believe that he was simply being a good teammate, pushing them to be at their best.
Michael Jordan’s teammates have gone on record saying that while Jordan could behave like a downright autocrat, it was necessary for the team. Whatever people choose to believe, the results are undeniable. Michael Jordan did push himself and his teammates, but in the process they did become 6 time NBA champions, that’s got to account for something.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)