There are plenty of stories about Michael Jordan as a leader, constantly pushing his teammates, talking trash, and demanding every single day. While those methods helped the Bulls win 6 rings, they also had drastic impacts, such as retirements. 

One of the rare victims of Jordan’s brutal practice sessions was Rodney McCray. The 1983 third overall pick came into the Bulls' fold ahead of the 1992-93 season with veteran experience. Considering his 2x All-Defensive Team selection and consistent double-digit scoring, he was a valuable rotational forward.

However, that wasn’t the case for the 10-year veteran.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, a former Bulls player, whose identity remains undisclosed, said, “He (Michael Jordan) has practically ruined Rodney McCray for us.”

The player noted that MJ and Rodney often played opposite each other in the scrimmages.

“(Jordan) is in Rodney’s face, screaming, ‘You’re a loser! You’ve always been a loser!’ Rodney can hardly put up a jumper now.”

Notably, McCray retired after the season, helping the Bulls complete their first three-peat.

McCray, who shot close to 50% for most of his NBA run, witnessed a significant decline in the last stretch of his career. In his only season with the Bulls, he shot at 45%. The anonymous player felt that the brutal practice sessions hampered McCray’s confidence.

Despite the experience, McCray had only positive things to say about Michael Jordan. In an interview with Robert Land, McCray recalled joining the Bulls when MJ and Scottie Pippen returned from the Dream Run at the Olympics.

McCray praised MJ’s discipline and how serious he was about the practice sessions. Never missing one and always the last to leave.

He isn't the only one to have faced Jordan's intense practice sessions.

Steve Kerr opened up on Michael Jordan’s practice sessions

Before becoming a successful coach, Steve Kerr had to undergo the Michael Jordan treatment. Appearing on Bill Simmons' podcast, he admitted that players were “scared to death” of those practice sessions. 

At the same time, Kerr credited MJ, saying, “He made me way better.”

The legendary coach admitted that he was scared to take a big shot and always refrained from it. The sessions with MJ enabled him to confront it.

Kerr further summarized the positive aspects of MJ’s method.

“ If you couldn’t handle the trash talk in practice, there’s no way you could handle the pressure of the NBA playoffs. It made perfect sense. He was right!” 

While Jordan's methods could be considered questionable, his teammates have nothing but positive things to say about him. Clearly, there was method to his madness.

Do you think Michael Jordan was too hard on his teammates during his famous practice sessions? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Shahul Hameed

Edited by

Surjo Ray