To become GREAT you must be Driven!

During the end of the 1996-1997 regular season, Tim McCormick of the NBPA had an opportunity to go watch a Chicago Bulls practice. The Bulls were pursuing their 2nd straight (5th overall) championship and had set an NBA record with 72 wins the previous season. As excited as he was to be there, he was a little disappointed because he assumed he wouldnt get to see Michael Jordan practice. After all, the Bulls had just played 4 games in 5 nights and he assumed MJ would take a well deserved day off. Especially since they won all 4 games and his Airness had scored something like 38, 42, 46, and 34 points (and played over 40 minutes) Much to his surprise, MJ showed up 45 minutes before practice. He began with some form shooting and then quickly moved to a variety of up-tempo shooting drills. He got up 200 shots. He was focused and intense and was in a full lather of sweat by the time the rest of the team arrived. Sensing his team needed a light day: Phil Jackson told the team that practice was only going to consist of a scrimmage to 20 baskets. MJ proceeded to score 12 of his team baskets and assisted on 3 others. He dove for loose balls and took a charge!!! On a day when he deserved to take a day off he still outworked everyone. His commitment to excellence and competitive fire never stopped. Michael Jordan wasn't great by accident.