Legends Feel Nerves Too

I might as well start saying, "Get off my lawn." That's coming next after I tell you how much better the NBA used to be.

In the 90's, I was ranging in age from 3-11. In those days, there were guys in the league like: Muggsy Bogues, David Robinson, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, Scottie Pippen, and more.

None of them. I mean NO ONE, compared to the one and only, Michael Jordan.

North Carolina's own MJ, and the Chicago Bulls, won 6 NBA championships in that timeframe. In the '95-'96 season, the Bulls had the most wins ever in a single season. And MJ racked up accomplishments like:

• 6-time NBA finals MVP

• 5-time league MVP

• NBA Rookie of the Year

• NBA Defensive Player of the Year, twice

• 10-time NBA scoring leader

• 14-time NBA All-Star

• 2-time Olympic Gold Medal winner

• Named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history

and others. Spoiler -- Michael Jordan is better than Lebron James could ever be.

Just this week, the NBA got back underway and started showcasing their games on NBC for the first time in 23 years. As part of the leagues return to the network, NBC's Mike Tirico set down with Jordan for a three-part series called "MJ: Insights To Excellence."

His first segment (part seen below on NBC) somewhat blows my mind...

It took MJ retiring from the game THREE times. I guess when he walked away, he meant it the last time.

Sounds like there's no pick-up games. There's no basketball hoop at the house. There's never a time where MJ steps out to shoot a few, just to get a feel for old times.

Is it burn-out? Is it not being able to perform at a level MJ is used to, so it's better to just not attempt at all? Or is this just some kind of tall tale that is being embellished for a good TV interview?

Direct from the source (above), Jordan's story checks out. All the way to the detail of swishing the shot.

This whole series of events affirms the mystique and legend of one Michael AIR Jordan.

From NBA finals, to Gold medal games at the Olympics, and posturizing dunk competitions -- MJ had every opportunity to feel the nerves produced by this game. It came down to a backyard court, in front of some grandkids that had likely never heard of the greatness that was staying at their Papaw's house.

Even a legend feels nervous. He just swished the shot.