The relationship between players and coaches often goes beyond the hardwood. From Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant’s spiritual and competitive connection on the court to Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan’s two-decade-long partnership, these bonds have shaped the NBA’s landscape. However, a recent encounter between Michael Jordan and his former Chicago Bulls coach during the 2024 Hall of Fame ceremony showed that no other friendship would have better explained the dynamic of coach-player camaraderie.

In the recent video posted on X, His Airness can be seen calling out his former coach Doug Collins with utmost enthusiasm. “Whatup dawg? What’s happening?… I know he told a bunch of lies, I know he told a bunch of lies,” said Jordan in the video.

The Jordan and Collins connection began in 1986 when the latter took charge as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Despite Jordan’s individual brilliance, the team struggled to break through in the playoffs. Collins’ tenure, while short-lived, laid the groundwork for the Bulls’ future dynasty. He instilled a work ethic and defensive mindset that would become hallmarks of the team’s success under Phil Jackson. “I wasn’t a Phil Jackson fan when he first came in. Because he was coming in to take the balls out of my hands. Doug put the ball in my hands,” said Jordan in his ‘The Last Dance’ documentary.

While it has not been mentioned why Jordan accuses Collins of telling a bunch of lies it can be speculated that it was a simple playful jab at him. Their relationship weathered the storms of early playoff disappointments and Collins’ eventual dismissal. Yet, the respect and affection between them never wavered. Collins went on to have a successful coaching career with other teams and as a respected broadcaster, often providing insight into Jordan’s unparalleled competitiveness and work ethic.

In an era where player empowerment and coaching turnover are increasingly common, the Jordan and Collins dynamic serves as a poignant reminder of the impact these relationships can have. However, there was a time when Collins revealed a secret about Jordan.

When Doug Collins shared Michael Jordan’s secret

The legendary NBA coach, who coached Jordan for both the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards, once shared a fascinating insight into the iconic basketball player’s personality. No one had such an insight except him for he had seen Jordan at his highs and lows.

During an interview with the Washington Post in 2004, Collins revealed that after getting sacked by the Detroit Pistons in the middle of the 1997-98 season, he had no interest in coaching again. But it was Jordan’s loyalty that brought back his love for coaching.

“How loyal he is to the people who have been with him throughout… I really had no desire to coach until I went back to Washington. Michael called and asked me. I thought it would be a great opportunity to be with him and help him at the end of his career as he was trying to get Washington back into a winning situation,” said Collins during the interview with the Washington Post.

Like their time with the Chicago Bulls, the reunion of Jordan and Collins lasted for two years. The 6x NBA champion is usually remembered as a fiercely competitive and determined athlete, but this revelation by the freshly-minted Hall of Famer showed that he also had another side to him that fans didn’t know about.