When Michael Jordan made a debut in the NBA, he didn’t just change how the game was played, but he revolutionized it. He turned baggy shorts into a fashion statement, made the number 23 legendary, and even convinced players that winning championships and building a brand could go hand in hand. But according to NBA legend Kevin Garnett, perhaps Jordan’s most overlooked contribution was something that today’s players take for granted.
In a recent revelation during the latest episode of ‘All the Smoke’ podcast, Kevin Garnett shed light on how Jordan fundamentally altered the NBA’s approach to pre-season preparation. “Shout out to Michael Jordan because Micahel Jordan established, within all of us, that when, before you, before Michael Jordan, guys were coming to camp, when they wanted to all that. Michael Jordan came to camp ready to go. That was the precedent for us. So when you came to camp, your best player was already in shape. Straight up, ready to go, out the gate. That was what our generation changed you feel me,” said Garnett during the interview.
Now what Jordan’s fierce preparation did for him is quite visible. Remember his legendary flu game in 1997? Despite suffering from food poisoning, which ultimately led to dehydration just a few days before the playoffs, His Airness delivered a flawless performance in Game 6 of the playoffs with 39 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bulls, with his help, were able to clinch their fifth championship. “A lot of athletes mature physically, but they don’t mature mentally. Michael’s game not only became sharper physically but also became more defined and sharper from a mental standpoint. He knew when to use energy and when to conserve it,” said Tim Grover Jordan’s fitness coach about Jordan during one of his interviews.
If we see, we can tell that Garnett indeed benefited by following Jordan’s routine. ‘The Big Ticket’ was also known for his relentless work ethic and defensive prowess. This mentality helped the Minnesota Timberwolves veteran to score his career-high 47 points and 17 rebounds during a single game against the Phoenix Suns in 2005. Also, the same mentality can be said to have helped him clinch a championship ring.
However, the former All-Star also thinks that the same mentality is fading away that was prevalent during his time. “These days bro kids are using the pre season to get in shape so what are we doing the whole summer?,” remarked Garnett during the podcast.
Michael Jordan’s game-day routine
It can be said that Michael Jordan’s game-day routine was as iconic as his on-court performances. His documentary ‘The Last Dance’, represented how legendary the 1997-98 season was but most importantly gave the fans a sneak peek into his intense routine on game day.
Jordan’s typical day started with a workout session at 5, 6 or 7 am. The Bulls legend would be present at his Highland mansion gym 15 minutes before his given time. Even his trainer Tim Grover would be surprised at times. “Sometimes I would show up, and he’d be halfway done with his workout,” said Grover in the documentary. The next thing to scratch off on Jordan’s list would be a shootaround practice.
His Airness would drive to the Berto Center, the Bulls’ training facility, for shootaround, which began at either 10 or 11 a.m. And finally, just before the game, Jordan had this rule that he wouldn’t touch any ball. “He had this line that he always said: ‘I’ve practiced so hard to make the game easy,” said Grover.
After the game, which mostly ended in a Bulls victory, Jordan would dress up for the media conferences and if he had some time on hand, he would go to his favorite restaurant. One must not forget that at this time Jordan was 35 years old. It was an age when most of the players gave up but the Bulls legend was going strong and had played 103 games in total.
The dedication and discipline required to reach the pinnacle of athletic achievement has always been what drives many players. But it is only more iconic to point out just what Kevin Garnett did and how Jordan was the reason behind changing the NBA at last during his time.
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
