The Last Dance

​In a lot of ways, 1998 does not seem like a long time ago. I remember it well. Still, when you think about it, that was 22 years ago and so much has changed in the world we live in.

T​here weren't any smartphones. Yes, there was a time when that was the case. In fact, the internet was in its infancy. Google wasn't around yet. YouTube, Netflix, Facebook and Twitter were dreams at this point. Bill Clinton was still president, the Twin Towers in New York still stood proudly and was heading into teenage hood. In the NBA, the Toronto Raptors still hadn't made the playoffs (though Vince was about to change that). The Grizzlies were still in Vancouver, the Oklahoma City Thunder were still in Seattle and the New Orleans Pelicans were the original incarnation of the Charlotte Hornets.

The biggest NBA difference was that the Chicago Bulls ran the show. They were the biggest draw in the league (possibly in sports). They had the coolest uniforms, they played in a massive market, and they had the best player the league had ever seen. There hasn't been a team with that much during these past 22 years. Not and Kobe's , not the San Antonio Spurs, not even the big 3 in Miami. The Bulls of the nineties were a different sort of animal. Picture the Beatles playing at the United Center every night.

The Bulls may have been fun to watch, but they weren't without some drama. This film focuses on Scottie Pippen's unhappiness with management, which led him to postpone necessary surgery until the season began. I had forgotten this story and it makes what Michael Jordan did that year that much more impressive. He had to carry the team in the stage of the season and though he liked the challenge, a lot to put on his shoulders. If your respect for MJ doesn't grow after watching this film, then you aren't paying close enough attention.

Young basketball fans aren't aware of the greatness of this team and the spectacular impact Jordan had on the game. He was such a perfect example of how hard work, attention to fundamental detail, ultra competitive drive with gifted athleticism can produce the best basketball player in the world.

E​SPN has done the basketball world a by helping us relive those glory years through this impressive documentary. It couldn't come at a better time. I don't know about you, but I am starving for basketball right now and this film is what the doctor ordered. I can't wait for the next two episodes which will come out next week. It may have been the "Last Dance", but what a dance .