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Like all starving sports fans, we caught the first two episodes of ESPN’s “The Last Dance,” the 10 part documentary on the final season of Michael Jordan’s run with the Bulls, and we have to say, it was outstanding.
It’s hard to know where to start. The traveling cocaine service the Bulls were when he started was a train wreck? That turned around within weeks of Jordan’s arrival?
The incomprehensible arrogance of Jordan’s GM Jerry Krause, who prematurely pulled the plug on one of the great teams in sports history?
Maybe James Worthy saying he was better...for a couple of weeks?
There’s just a ridiculous amount to recommend this documentary series and it’s barely gotten started.
One thing we got a kick out of: we were always intrigued by Jordan’s ears. They’re just a really interesting, swept-back shape.
When they were talking to his family, they showed a shot of the Jordans when Michael was probably 8-10.
The ears were huge. His considerable growth made them look much smaller. They were huge when he was little. We imagine he got teased a lot.
Any teasing ended of course as his rise began. People learned quickly not to challenge Jordan or to talk trash (Danny Ainge alluded to this Sunday).
The second chapter delved into Scottie Pippen, his rise and his more difficult relationship with management - not that Jordan’s was easy.
As it turned out, no one except owner Jerry Reinsdorf seemed to have any respect for Krause. After he blew the Bulls up, they’ve never recovered.
He gets credit for finding the pieces but his petty behavior greatly damaged his reputation.
Here’s the remaining schedule although it’s possible ESPN will do some reruns during the week of episodes 1 and 2.
- Sunday, April 26, 9 p.m. ET — Episodes 3 and 4.
- Sunday, May 3, 9 p.m. ET — Episodes 5 and 6.
- Sunday, May 10, 9 p.m. ET — Episodes 7 and 8.
- Sunday, May 17, 9 p.m. ET — Episodes 9 and 10.