The Last Dance: MJ vs. LeBron and How Sport Changes the World

A conversation about the ESPN documentary series The Last Dance: from there, we transition to a broader discussion about basketball and legacy of Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan shaped the modern perception of basketball players. We talk about how sport can change the world. Sport provides a blueprint for pushing yourself to do the impossible.

In the fall of 1997, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls allowed a film crew to follow them as they went for their sixth NBA title in eight seasons. That resulted in a stunning portrait of one of the sport's most iconic athletes and a celebrated team. "The Last Dance" follows the Bulls' 1997-98 season from start to finish, while also covering the rest of the chapters in Jordan's remarkable career. The 10-part docuseries follows the Jordan timeline from when he was an emerging star on his high school team to becoming a worldwide marketing force and cultural figure. The series takes its name from a phrase coined by then-Bulls coach Phil Jackson, who knew that the season would likely be the final run for the core members of that 1990s Bulls dynasty.

Watch The Last Dance on ESPN!


Show Notes

[00:05:13] Introduction

[00:09:15] The ceiling prior to Michael Jordan

[00:14:07] The Bulls and Partying in the beginning 

[00:18:58] Scottie Pippin

[00:21:25] Jordan’s break to play baseball

[00:27:17] A higher standard?

[00:33:28] Why Sport can change the world

[00:37:08] Visiting Boston and Patriots Game

[00:44:57] Why is Jordan the GOAT?

[00:55:40] Phil Jackson and a new breed of coach

[01:01:43] The Legacy of Michael Jordan

[01:14:21] Shoes to fill after MJ

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