Michael Jordan’s leadership style is under fresh scrutiny after Miami Dolphins legend Channing Crowder declared the Bulls icon “not a great leader” in a new interview tied to *The Last Dance*.
What did the NFL vet say?
Channing Crowder, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Dolphins, argued that Jordan’s relentless “MJ love” approach—documented in ESPN’s 2020 series—crossed into bullying rather than building. “No, I don’t think they’re great leaders,” Crowder said of Jordan and Kobe Bryant. “You said leadership, I don’t think they’re great leaders. I think they’re great players.” His remarks landed just days after *The Last Dance* resurfaced Jordan’s hardline tactics, including a notorious punch thrown at Steve Kerr during a 1997-98 practice.
How *The Last Dance* framed Jordan’s methods
The documentary painted a dual portrait: Jordan as both the architect of a six-title dynasty and a locker-room figure whose intensity bordered on abuse. Teammates like Jud Buechler admitted fear in *The Last Dance*: “People were afraid of him. We were his teammates, and we were afraid of him.” Jordan’s own words echoed that ethos. “Winning has a price,” he told producers. “And leadership has a price. So I pulled people along when they didn’t want to be pulled.”
The series spotlighted Jordan’s treatment of Scott Burrell, whom he repeatedly taunted and belittled in front of peers. One clip showed Jordan insulting Burrell during drills, testing him daily. The fallout extended beyond words: Jordan also punched Kerr after Kerr stood up to him in practice, an incident Kerr later called something he “wasn’t proud of.”
Why the debate still matters for Jordan’s legacy
The argument over Jordan’s leadership isn’t new, but Crowder’s take underscores how *The Last Dance* reframed the GOAT’s off-court reputation. While his six rings and 10 scoring titles cement his on-court greatness, the documentary forced fans to confront the human cost of his standards. Jordan’s philosophy was simple: teammates who joined after him hadn’t endured what he had, so he wouldn’t accept anything less.
Kobe Bryant’s similar approach—screaming, cursing, pushing teammates to breaking—offered a natural comparison. Jordan Clarkson, who won his first title with the 2024-25 Knicks, summed it up: “LeBron [James] is very encouraging, bringing everybody along. Kobe? He’s testing you. If he’s gonna get at you, he’s gonna scream, he’s gonna cuss.” Both styles worked, Clarkson noted, but they split the leadership spectrum.
What comes next for the leadership debate?
Crowder’s comments arrive as *The Last Dance* enters its fifth anniversary year, ensuring Jordan’s leadership remains a talking point. The debate isn’t likely to fade as new generations dissect the Bulls’ dynasty. For Jordan’s most ardent supporters, his results speak for themselves. For critics, the footage from 1997-98 keeps the conversation raw.
One thing is certain: the conversation around Michael Jordan’s leadership isn’t about wins or losses anymore. It’s about what it takes to build a champion—and who gets to decide if the price was worth it.