Many regard Michael Jordan as the greatest of all time. He is known to have been very competitive during his playing career. Jordan was important to the Bulls and they won all their NBA championships with him. During Jordan’s 1st retirement, the Bulls struggled to win, and the Rockets won back-to-back championships.
However, heading into the 1992-93 season, the Bulls were planning on completing their first three-peat. They signed Rodney McCray to bolster their offense and have more depth for a long season. McCray and Jordan were getting along quite well early in the campaign.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, one incident happened between the two that changed McCray’s career. In fact, Rodney McCray retired just after that season. According to an unnamed source, Jordan trash-talked with him and it destroyed his confidence from within.
Michael Jordan trash-talked with Rodney McCray, destroying his confidence
According to a former teammate of Michael Jordan, McCray and the Bulls superstar were on opposite sides during a scrimmage. Jordan brutally trash-talked with the former.
ALSO READ- Hornets’ Kelly Oubre Jr. on Michael Jordan as GM: “Come on, You Know Better Than That Sh*t”
“He’s the most viciously competitive player I’ve ever seen. That’s what makes him, I think, the greatest player ever. He has practically ruined [reserve forward] Rodney McCray for us,” the source said.
“[ 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,” the source added.
Rodney McCray made 64 appearances for the Bulls that season, mostly from the bench. Michael Jordan delivered the Bulls’ third NBA championship and retired after that.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
McCray won the first ring of his career and retired permanently. Statistically, it was the worst year of his career as he managed to score 3.5 PPG that season. In fact, he only attempted 92 shots throughout the season.
WATCH THIS STORY: NBA Stars That Shaquille O’Neal Has Taken Jabs at: Donovan Mitchell, James Harden & Others
We don’t know why his numbers went down massively. He has been putting up better numbers prior to that season and after winning his first ring – he decided to retire.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments below.