Don't mess with The Chief. Michael Jordan learned that lesson at a practice during Robert Parish's lone season with the Bulls in 1996-97 - the last of his 21-year career.
Appearing on CLNS Media's Cedric Maxwell Podcast , Parish told the story of him taunting Jordan (a rare sight at a Bulls practice in the '90s), and the shock Jordan responded with.
"We were scrimmaging, we played like six games going to five points. And so after the first two games, Phil (Jackson) put me with the second unit who I always played with. You know, my boys," Parish told Maxwell. "We proceeded to kick their (the first unit's) butts like four straight games. And Michael took offense to it, so I asked him, 'How did he like that butt whooping?'
"He took offense to it because clearly no one ever manned up to him, you know, challenged him. So he said if I wasn't careful, he was going to kick my ass. And I told him, 'I'm not in awe of you. I've played with some of the baddest fellas there walking the court … And I'm supposed to be in awe of you?' You know, he's looking at me like I had slapped his mug (laughs)."
Parish ended his career a four-time NBA champion - thrice with the Celtics (1981, 1984, 1986) and once with the Bulls (1997). He cited his experience playing with all-time greats from Larry Bird to Kevin McHale to Bill Walton to Maxwell as reason for not being intimidated by Jordan.
Still, his gumption apparently sent shockwaves down the roster.
"Derrick Dickey ( Dickey Simpkins? ) couldn't believe that I talked to Michael like that," Parish told Maxwell on the podcast. "Clearly, Michael was the alpha, you know, it was his team. He ran the ballclub and everybody kind of like got out of his way and let him do his thing."
Parish added that he respected Jordan's brazen leadership style, but that he preferred the manner in which Bird operated.
"Everybody got their own style, and the way they lead. Michael was in your face, he challenged his teammates," Parish said. "Larry was our leader (with the Celtics), and he led by example. You know, he wasn't a vocal leader, he let his play dictate how we should play. I think Larry's style and philosophy makes the best leaders, because if you are a yeller and a screamer, after a while your voice fall on deaf ears and players just kinda tune you out, don't hear what you got to say.
"I respect both leadership styles, but I prefer Larry's style the best. Cause you know, some nights you don't want to hear what he got to say, speaking of Michael. He all up in your face talking trash, you know, he might get a short right, man (laughs)."
Fair enough. Jordan's abrasive ways weren't for everyone. Surely, he's content to let his six rings speak for themselves.
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How Michael Jordan reacted to Robert Parish taunting him at Bulls practice originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
