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“There’s the Door You Can Leave”: Despite Abnormal Medical Condition, Bully Michael Jordan Was Impressed by Rookie Who Ended Up a 3x NBA Champion

Published 06/07/2023, 2:23 PM EDT

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Michael Jordan’s relentless drive and unwavering competitiveness were the cornerstones of his unrivaled basketball greatness. Fueled by an insatiable hunger for victory, he exhibited a ruthless pursuit of winning, pushing himself and his teammates to their limits. Jordan’s unmatched will to succeed elevated him to legendary status, solidifying his place as one of the most competitive athletes in sports history.

His competitive fire burned brightly on and off the court, with Jordan constantly seeking opportunities to prove himself and dominate his opponents. Whether it was his tireless work ethic in the gym, his meticulous preparation for games, or his relentless drive to outperform everyone around him, Jordan’s commitment to excellence was unparalleled. He inspired not just his teammates but also a younger generation who were always looking to learn something from him.

Former Chicago Bulls forward shares an incident involving Michael Jordan

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Scott WIlliams, a former North Carolina alum remained undrafted in the 1990 draft class. However, he still became an NBA professional representing Chicago Bulls from 1990-1994. Thanks to the support from another of North Carolina’s greatest alum, Michael Jordan. Williams in conversation with ‘Hoops Hype’, in light of his memoir, titled ‘Through the Fire.’

He described the encounter as during summer, Michael Jordan participated in a basketball game in Charlotte organized by his friend Fred Whitfield for underprivileged children. Meanwhile, in Chapel Hill, Williams had the opportunity to witness Jordan’s unwavering commitment as Williams never missed a practice or game.

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Williams recalled the incident and said: “So Jordan, the Carolina guy, he put me on his squad and I got a good physical strong game. Jordan addresses the squad, and he says, [if] you’re not here to play a real, physical brand of basketball, there’s the door you can leave.”

Scott Williams further shed light on how Michael Jordan himself would call the GM and make him consider WIlliams for the Bulls. Williams said: “And as he’s leaving the arena pulling off in his little red Corvette, Fred Whitfield tells the story to a friend of mine that Michael Jordan calls Jerry Krause and says you should give Williams a look-see. And so, Krause called my agent, and they gave me an invitation to try out for the rookie summer program.”

Why didn’t the NBA scouts consider Scott Williams in the first place?

Scott Williams explained in the interview that he faced a hurdle in his NBA journey due to a recurring issue with his right shoulder. General managers expressed concerns about his shoulder’s durability, which led to hesitation in drafting him. However, Williams saw this as a missed opportunity for teams to acquire a reliable and resilient player. Despite the doubts, Williams remained determined to prove himself and demonstrate that his shoulder would not hinder his performance on the court.

Undrafted after four years at North Carolina, Williams credited Jordan for opening the NBA doors. Invited to scrimmage with NBA stars, including Oakley and Higgins, Williams seized the chance to showcase his abilities and earn a spot in the league. Reflecting on his time playing alongside Jordan, Williams cherished those memories and also discussed his eventual departure from the Bulls.

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‘You Can Leave’: Despite Being Labeled a ‘Horrible’ Teammate by Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan’s Elite Mentality Receives Words of Praise From Former Bulls Player

Inspired by Jordan’s unwavering commitment and passion for the game, Scott Williams witnessed firsthand the ruthlessness and clutch performances that defined Jordan’s legacy. Jordan’s ability to elevate his game in critical moments, delivering game-winning shots and unforgettable performances, left a memorable impression on Williams.

Moreover, Jordan’s competitiveness extended to his teammates, driving them to reach new heights and demanding nothing short of excellence. Jordan’s relentless pursuit of greatness served as a powerful inspiration, motivating Williams and others to push beyond their limits and strive for greatness themselves.

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Watch This Story: Marcus Jordan Shares His Extravagant Lifestyle

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Written by:

Almas Saad

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Mohammad Almas Saad is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Almas has over four years of experience writing about the sport he loves. He began right after college and has composed more than 500 stories.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor