As the most polarizing figure in basketball history, it's no surprise that Michael Jordan got his own documentary.
What was most surprising was just how popular it was during its release, which each new episode gaining more and more hype.
Most of the NBA community loved it, but there are some who just did not care for it. Rick Mahorn, who played against Jordan as a member of the PIstons, didn't even go out and see the documentary.
Here's what he said about it in a recent interview.
“Well, you know I didn’t watch any of The Last Dance because you know when I look at it that’s 10 hours I can’t get back,” Mahorn said via The Universe Galaxy YouTube channel. “So I was watching the Rifle Man, WII TV, me TV watching all the old, watching The Flintstones making sure that I get a good laugh because it’s Groundhog Day.
The Last Dance, I wasn’t watching that I mean it’s just something to glorify a little bit of Michael Jordan."
The idea that Jordan released the project to massage his own ego is a narrative shared by many, including Jordan's own teammate Scottie Pippen.
Except Michael was determined to prove to the current generation of fans that he was larger-than-life during his day—and still larger than LeBron James, the player many consider his equal, if not superior. So Michael presented his story, not the story of the “Last Dance,” as our coach, Phil Jackson, billed the 1997–98 season once it became obvious the two Jerrys (owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Jerry Krause) were intent on breaking up the gang no matter what happened.
Each episode was the same: Michael on a pedestal, his teammates secondary, smaller, the message no different from when he referred to us back then as his “supporting cast.” From one season to the next, we received little or no credit whenever we won but the bulk of the criticism when we lost. Michael could shoot 6 for 24 from the field, commit 5 turnovers, and he was still, in the minds of the adoring press and public, the Errorless Jordan.
Needless to say, Jordan may have burned a few bridges with "The Last Dance." Apparently, not everyone likes the way he was celebrated in the piece.
Of course, MJ himself probably couldn't care less. He's never been one to take too much stock in what others are saying about him. anyway.
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