Michael Jordan is the ultimate competitor, as the Bulls legend tried to win at anything. Jordan brought that same energy to the court, as the No.
23 tried to embarrass his opponents at every opportunity. Many even believe that Jordan gained immense motivation from proving his detractors wrong and that talking trash to Jordan was never a good idea.
Three-time NBA champion and 90s legend Byron Scott knew Jordan’s mentality well and even used it against the Bulls guard. Unlike his peers, Scott didn’t try to compete or intimidate Jordan, but instead chose kind words. Speaking about his experience protecting Jordan, Scott added:
“The only thing I did with Mike was I never pissed him off. He takes a shot and you say, “Nice shot, Mike.” You don’t talk down to him, so he goes for 60. You try to kill him with kindness.”
Scott’s approach to protecting Jordan is surely unique, as the Lakers legend made sure Jordan’s competitive fire was not increased. Another Lakers legend, Shaquille O’Neal, seemed to agree with Scott in his analysis of Jordan, as she shared the clip of Scott’s interview on her instagram. Taken from Instagram page. @CheatcodegigiO’Neal’s post about Scott’s interview said,
“Jordan is and always will be the Goat. They feared him. Who do they fear right now in the league? Nobody.”
From the looks of it, Shaq seemed to be endorsing Michael Jordan as his ‘GOAT’. Having won four championships, the Big Hoffa seemed to agree with the consensus opinion that Jordan was the best. The 7’1” center has often criticized the current generation for their “soft” approach to the game. Compared to O’Neal’s playing days, the league has become less physical, as the NBA has shifted its priorities toward player safety and making the league more family-friendly.
Shaquille O’Neal believes no one is afraid of LeBron James
LeBron James has been the face of the league for two decades. Although most are fans of everything LeBron has accomplished, many still believe that the King does not inspire “fear” in the minds of his peers like Jordan and Kobe did.
Even O’Neal had harsh words for the King during a recent episode of ‘The great podcast with Shaq’.
Speaking more about LeBron, Shaq told his guest Mario Chalmers:
“I’ve heard players say, myself included, ‘I was afraid [Michael Jordan].’ I have heard players in [Mario Chalmers’s] generation says they feared Kobe. I never really heard any player say that he feared LeBron.”
Even Chalmers seemed to agree with O’Neal, as James’ former teammate believed that LeBron is very interested in being liked. With the Lakers just reaching the playoffs This season, it’s understandable why O’Neal wants James to be more aggressive with his approach on the court.
