460: 174: The Last Dance of Fate (Request for Monthly Tickets!)_2 460: 174: The Last Dance of Fate (Request for Monthly Tickets!)_2 Apart from Shaq, the entire Magic team would disintegrate, a foregone conclusion for the end of a dynasty.
Maybe in the future, the Orlando Magic could win more championships under Roger’s leadership.
But remember, this is the last dance of the Magic from 1994 to 1997!
Cherish the last performance of this team.
I think, the biggest regret for Bulls fans must be not cherishing every minute and every second before the disbandment of the Bulls Dynasty last season.
However, I believe Roger won’t let the Orlando fans have too many regrets.
He will definitely put a perfect full stop to this dynasty.”
The comments by Magic added a touch of sorrow to the Magic Team’s title defense journey.
No matter the outcome, this is the last time that the heroes will fight side by side.
On the other hand, Michael Jordan went to Phil Jackson’s office for a private talk before the start of the East semifinals.
Phil Jackson had thought that Jordan’s talk would focus on the next round’s opponents, the Miami Heat.
Just now, over “who should guard Allan Houston”, the Zen Master and Jordan had a significant disagreement.
The Zen Master believed that the task should be left to Larry Johnson, and there was no need for Jordan to waste extra energy on defense.
But Jordan insisted that Larry Johnson would have a hard time keeping up with Allan Houston’s smart movement.
Just now in the locker room, he told the Zen Master outright:
“I don’t want to lose any games because of that damn Allan.
We don’t just want to win, Phil; we want to do it cleanly and decisively!
The Magic are too old; we can’t give them any time to breathe!
They will definitely sweep their opponents 4-0 in the second round, so we must, absolutely must, press on them relentlessly!”
So, Phil Jackson thought Jordan was there to talk about that.
He was holding a book, looked up at Jordan, then continued reading: “Michael, sometimes you have to learn to trust your teammates.
Larry’s defense off the ball isn’t as good as on-ball defense, but he’s a hardworking kid.
Has he ever complained once this season in his role as a supporting player?
Trusting your peers is important.”
“If we can’t win the championship this season, I’ll retire.”
Phil Jackson’s head exploded with a “bang”, as if his brain were scattered in all directions.
What is that guy talking about?
The Zen Master was stunned, as Jordan’s words were completely unexpected.
Even if he had such thoughts, wouldn’t he ease into it rather than stating it so bluntly?
No foreplay or smooth transition, just straight out with it?
retire?” the Zen Master did his best to sound calm, but his slightly trembling hands betrayed him.
“Yeah, my team, the Nike team, they all advised me to do it.
I don’t want to leave the league as a clown.” Jordan had really made up his mind; he had become the person who planned his own funeral in advance.
“Didn’t you hear what Magic said?
This is the last dance for the people of Orlando!
Of course, I believe we can win, but if an accident happens, next season, Orlando will be rendered powerless.
I mean, we still have a chance to win a championship!”
“Phil, do you know why our first championship was such a sensation?
Because we beheaded the Detroit Pistons and made it to the finals, not by avoiding them.
I’m not one of those pathetic creatures who picks through the garbage for a back-to-back championship and then boasts of being the best in history.
If I can’t win the championship by taking Roger’s head, I still can’t shake off his reign.
Even if we win next season, so what?
Fans are not fools; everyone knows I could win because the Magic were rebuilding, but Roger still dominated me.
And don’t act like our situation is so great.
How much longer can Patrick’s knee hold up?
How much longer can Larry Johnson’s back hold up?
And Charles, nearly 35, what kind of performance can he still deliver?
Next year, the team’s condition is completely unknown.
If we lose again next year, I won’t be able to bear the consequences.”
Okay, I just came to tell you so you wouldn’t find out through the news.
Besides, we’re going to win this year; I’m just proposing a scenario.”
Jordan was a smart man; he also knew the consequences of continuing to lose.
Or rather, he was someone who feared failure.
In the original history, after the 1998 season, Jordan actually wanted to keep playing.
He thought he was stronger in ’98 than any other year because, aside from using his physique, he had also learned to play with mental prowess.
He felt fully capable of winning a seventh championship.
His decision to retire left him feeling angry and unwilling.
So why didn’t he continue playing?
It’s not like someone was forcing him to retire at knifepoint.
The answer is simple: Jordan knew the Bulls were going to rebuild, and if he stayed, defeat was inevitable.
With Jordan’s status at that time, he simply couldn’t afford to lose; he dreaded failure.
It’s the same now; Jordan can’t afford to lose.
Even if reluctantly, he must accept fate.
“So”, the Zen Master closed the book, his expression becoming serious, “let’s continue with your hypothesis.
If, and I mean if, we fail this year, and then you retire, would you come back for a third time?
What if I invite you back some year?”
Phil Jackson was probing, and the answer he got was, “If the accident we’re assuming happens, then I’m 99.9% sure I won’t play in the NBA again.
So, we’d better not let the accident happen.
About that earlier matter, I’ll take your word for it, we’ll let Larry guard Allan.”