"Basketball is Life is Basketball"

Types of Leadership in the NBA. Part 2

All of the names about to be mention in this article are all driven by an amazing desire to win.
Win at all cost.
They all earn respect on the court not only by their peers,but also from their rivals.
They've been through losts and devastation. But in time, they'll win.
They did so, time and time again.

But still , each and every person has put their personal stamp in the game on their own term.
In the court, these players have their own way of leading.
Ways, that we're about to learn...

2. Michael Jordan
Michael needed years untill he finally won a championship ring.
But once he gets there, there's no stopping him.
Michael won an astonishing numbers of 6 championship trophy, numerous MVP awards, regular, playoffs AND Allstars. Lead the league in scoring plenty of time, back2back Slam Dunk Contest Champion, several All NBA Defensive team, Several All NBA first team, and to add your awe: He is the ONLY player in history to come back from retirement and win championship...3 consecutive times.

In short,
You can't pronounce "Dominance" without Michael Jordan.

But how did he lead?
We know his Weapon of choice is his high flying Dunks.
We know his favorite "Go to move" is his Fade Away Jump Shots.
But how did he lead his team to 6 championship?
Why is it that when he retired for almost a year, his team Chicago Bulls were so helpless that they can't make it to the playoffs?
There has to have something to do with his leadership.

Let's try to breakdown the answers by looking back in time...
Michael was an obedient player, you'd hear or read about him telling how he's very thankful to his High School Coach, College Coach, he is the student of the game. Despite the fact that he was once got cut from his team.
Entering the NBA, Michael made a sudden impact in the game.
He wore ridiculously ammount of jewelry around his neck. Got charged by the NBA for wearing multi color sneakers (the first Air Jordan) which wasn't allowed back then.
But that wasn't the only impact he made, he soon was known for his killer instinct. Making points in most ways one can ever make.

Michael and the Bulls, we're head over heels trying to get a championship ring. But in the late 90's, the Bulls were defeated many times by the grueling defense performed by the bad boy from Detroit.
Every season Michael and his team had to go home in disapointment after losing in the Playoffs .
Untill finally , the year '91 came.
And Michael was ready with a vengeance .
By this time, Michael had been surrounded by talented young players. No longer over shadowed by Michael's stardom. Now, everybody has a role .

Michael would perform at his best. He definitly showed his teamates that this is the Michael Jordan that will not take a beating . He proved that during off season he had trained to be better , and definitly stronger.
He set the tone everytime he's in the court.
He became the best player in his team.

Michael pushes himself every night. Making plays , dishing passes, steals away the ball, blocked shots , and at the end of every fastbreak , he's there with his high flying dunks . After that, he goes home with a 40 plus average.
Brought Chicago Bulls to their first Championship and taking the MVP Finals with him.

During his course towards threepeat, Michael makes sure that nobody bullies the Bulls.
There are stories that says, everytime a player tried to trashtalk his teamates , Michael would show up and take matters to his own hand.
Once, Michael punched a player in the stomach after he tried to psychologically off balances John Paxson. After the quick punch he whispers "Don't mess with my boys"

But there's more to Michael Jordan in terms of his leadership.
Phil Jackson once said "Its hard working with Michael , you have to be ready to play, otherwise he'd tell it to you that you're not playing good enough."
Michael is also known for his candor.
Many times reportedly Michael shouts at his teamates in the locker room because he feels that they weren't playing good enough.
So that when Phil Jackson enters there's a chill in the locker room.

Surprised ?
Not exactly the Michael Jordan people know.
But maybe that's how he leads.
Truth to be told, no team has ever surpassed Chicago Bulls's record.
Threepeat , twice .
Making a total of 6 championship titles .
All, under Michael's leadership .

Finally , how do we define Michael's Leadership ?
First , he leads by setting himself to be the best player in the team.
Everybody needs someone to look up to.
He sets example .
Secondly , he leads, by acting like a big brother .
He defends his team, he yells at them, its almost like a sibling rivalry .
Third, Michael's determined to win everytime he steps in the court.
"He's determined to be Michael Jordan every night" the legendary Bill Russel once said.
Knowing how he is, that's a tall order.

But perhaps the single most important thing that he has as a leader lies within his heart.
George Karl met Michael at the 95 NBA Finals. After losing, he talks about Michael.
"Its his inner gut and inner strength which makes him a great player. People don't really know it but that's his greatest gift"

Indeed.