"One name that comes up repeatedly is Michael Jordan, who Jackson coached to six championships. "What so many people admired about Michael Jordan is he took the blows and went right back to the free throw line," Jackson says. "When players were playing four games in five nights at that time which they don't do anymore he could play ... the fifth night as hard as he played the first game in that series.""
"And yet, Smith adds, Shaq's Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant was more serious about the game. "Kobe took the game seriously because he wasn't as physically talented. His hand wasn't as big like Jordan. He couldn't palm the ball like that and dominate the game," Smith says. "He was in the gym there at 8 in the morning, 6 in the morning, 8 at night, 10 at night, whatever, all the time.""
Michael Jordan combined resilience and unmatched competitive intensity with the ability to perform at peak level even after consecutive games, contributing to six championships. Physical dominance, as exemplified by Shaquille O'Neal's size and power, can create exceptional impact but does not guarantee greater seriousness or preparation. Kobe Bryant compensated for lesser natural gifts through relentless practice and focus, training at early and late hours. Effective leadership can include building trust by avoiding requests that create indebtedness, preserving influence. Core components of NBA greatness include durability, relentless work ethic, disciplined preparation, physical talent, and trust-based leadership.
Read at www.npr.org
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