‘Bullied’ by Michael Jordan, Bulls GM Jerry Krause Once Unveiled 6x NBA Champ’s Relentless “Arrogance”

The modern NBA is a game of alliances. Superstars mingle with a beaming smile all to compete for the coveted prize. However, the landscape of the NBA wasn’t always so peaceful. There was a time superstars wanted to take each other out. In the clash of egos, the ultimate reward was a victory over their rivals. At the helm of this intense competitiveness was Michael Jordan. His Airness was one star who never demanded any help. Despite his rocky relationship with then Bulls GM Jerry Krause, even he couldn’t deny the 6x champion’s unfazed confidence.

Yes, the Chicago Bulls became a dynasty with the help of a few Hall of Famers. It was the work of Krause, the expert GM. What most might not know is it wasn’t on the order of their keystone player.

Michael Jordan was fine on his own

Jordan was special since the day he stepped into the NBA. But his journey shaped him into the proud competitor he was. It was due to his demanding attitude that he rose above the average and into the realm of legends. However, a part of this overwhelming character was his self-belief. Michael Jordan never accepted being inferior. Instead, he hunted those who the media pinned by his side.

According to him, he was fine with the supporting cast he had. Even when Scottie Pippen was young and yet to blossom, Jordan never spoke out. He stayed loyal to the Chicago Bulls and to his personal agenda of winning championships. The initial years were tough. He had to face heartbreak, the bitter taste of losing year after year. In today’s age, it might prompt the prime star of a franchise to scout for a partner. However, Black Jesus was unaffected and kept going.

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“The arrogance that he carried with him was a plus because he knew that he could do things that other people couldn’t do. And it was a difference between us. But I will say one thing for Michael Jordan to this day and forever. He never came to me and asked for other players. He never came to me and asked me to draft a player,” Krause once said. 

However, the infamous GM was never on good terms with MJ. Jordan reportedly slammed Krause whenever an opportunity arose. As per an article by CBS, Jordan made fun of his weight, told embarrassing stories about Krause to his teammates, and even publicly criticized the GM and tried to get him fired.

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MJ never gave Krause any trouble as far as his expectations went, though. As the late GM saw it, Jordan’s prowess convinced him he could win without such help. As it transpired, he won six championships with his long-time teammate Scottie Pippen. Never once did another star enter the stage with him. Michael Jordan always stayed at the summit, and he proved that all it took was his deep craving for success.