Michael Jordan is probably the most popular and recognizable sports figure probably ever. We know him as a superlative sportsman, winner of 6 Championship, someone closest to flying. Prior to reading this book, I honestly did not really know much beyond his sports achievement and the gambling infamy. This book digs deep into his history (even the background of his family tree), his upbringing, the meteoric rise through his high school, college and NBA years and his afterlife. It gives a very nuanced and deep portrayal of Michael Jordan the person and what drives him to such height.

10 thoughts that I find fascinating from the book:

1. The rarefied drive, work ethic and skill that drove him to the top. You see a lot of that throughout the book as grew up and tore through the NBA
2. Solid family foundation that gave him the stability to succeed. Both his parents were dedicated to and supportive of his journey (attending all his college games for example). Despite some differences later on, this foundation allowed him to commit fully to his craft.
3. Lucky breaks growing up. He had the fortune of being associated with people who provided the right environment for him to grow up, including Dean Smith (his coach at UNC), his first wife Juanita (with her maturity) and close friends and entourage who gave him peace and groundedness.
4. Phil Jackson looms large as an important piece in Jordan’s and the Bull’s NBA success. He was the counter-balance to Jordan’s intensity and allow both to achieve the unprecedented 6 NBA titles together
5. MJ effect on the Bulls and NBA. Before he joined, the Bulls were populated by low attendance, indifference and even drug uses among its players. Jordan’s years with the team completed transformed the team and the league, bring more attention, money and success.
6. Nike’s symbiotic role with MJ. They bet on his success coming into the NBA and grew to their current dominance. MJ also parleyed this relation to drive his commercial Empire.
7. MJ’s lack of involvement in non-basketball social issue. He focused on playing during his tenure and even afterward never really ventured into more political or social
8. His private nature. Despite his pristined image, he found solace outside of basketball in golf and later gambling to feed his competitiveness
9. Lack of skill as executive. He flirted at the Wizards and the Hornets, and neither were considered a success. It’s fascinating to see how poorly his drive and intensity translated into a new role he had to take.
10. Complex personality. The book really show a lot of sides of Jordan that I myself was unaware of. Nice guy who demands trust but hold grudge for a long, long time

Highly recommended book that explores the most iconic personality (not just in sports) of our lifetime!