Refusing to Become Michael Jordan?s Cheerleader, 10x All-Star?s Hesitancy Over ?The Last Dance? Resurfaces

While Michael Jordan?s greatness flourished in the 90s, the dream of a championship also became elusive for many. One of them was a former Utah Jazz star. While he held a deep respect for the Bulls? legend, openly expressing his feelings went against his personality. So, it was not surprising to find him wavering in his decision to appear in the famed Netflix series, ?The Last Dance.? The docuseries focused mostly on the Chicago Bulls‘ trajectory in 1997-98. This was the time MJ Jordan clashed with the Utah Jazz.?

While he did eventually appear in the series, one of the league’s best ever point guards had some apprehensions about the project.?

Michael Jordan’s former rival was skeptical about ?The Last Dance?

John Stockton is one of the best passers in NBA history. He’s the only player to ever crack 15,000 assists in one career and it’s a record that will likely not be broken any time soon. And without a certain Michael Jordan’s interference, he could’ve added two championships to his resume in 1997 and 1998. During an old conversation, the Utah Jazz legend revealed his concerns about participating in ‘The Last Dance’. Moreover, he was concerned about one particular element of the show.

” I have great respect for Michael,? Stock continued, ?And even with that in mind, when somebody from a show, they’re trying to promote Michael, I don’t just want to sit there and go, ‘Michael, you’re wonderful’ even though I feel that way, he is. It just isn’t my way.??

While the 10x All-Star admired and appreciated Jordan?s talent, he was not eager to come forward as his cheerleader.

The same thing could be said about the Bulls? rival team fans. Despite having remarkable skills and dedication, many like Stockton were thwarted by the seemingly invincible force that was His Airness. Fortunately, after a word with MJ, he changed his decision.

Was John Stockton included in the ?The Last Dance??

The director of the show Jason Hehir once said that he had to chase the 61-year-old for 2 years to convince him.

However, the Hall of Famer point guard later revealed that a conversation with Michael Jordan helped him re-consider the offer.

He shared, ?I asked him about it. I did kind of put my fist down and say, ‘Look, no puff piece or anything like that.’…He goes, ‘We have no intention of making it a puff piece.’ So I thought it was mutual, and it went well.?

The Jazz veteran made his appearance in the last 2 episodes of the series. Have you watched the series? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.?

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