Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"This could be that four basketball. Right. Son, I'm going to say right now this is going to win a bunch of Emmys. Like, this is... So first of all, there's nothing else coming out in three months. It's over. It's so well done, son." — Host (Discussing the quality of "The Last Dance")
"The biggest knock on Kraus is, in my opinion, the biggest thing you could take away from Kraus is he didn't draft Jordan. Okay. So the linchpin for all the other decisions that he made is Jordan, right? Yeah. He is the core of that team. He's what makes that team win. He's the engine that makes the car drive." — Host (Analyzing Jerry Krause's role)
"But Jordan, his lasting legacy will be Jordan brand. He will be basketball sneakers. The kids now that are watching this documentary, son, the kids now that are watching this documentary, the kids in college, don't even remember Colby's heyday." — Host (Discussing Jordan's brand impact)
The podcast hosts enthusiastically discuss the initial episodes of ESPN's "The Last Dance," highlighting Michael Jordan's extraordinary competitive nature and the documentary's compelling narrative. They agree that the documentary transcends mere sports and delves into the human drama and ego surrounding the Chicago Bulls dynasty. A significant portion of the discussion centers on the controversial figure of General Manager Jerry Krause, with the hosts analyzing his contributions to team building, particularly his role in acquiring key players like Scottie Pippen, while acknowledging the common criticism that he did not draft Jordan. The conversation also touches upon the financial impact Jordan had on the NBA, revolutionizing player endorsements and sports marketing, with his Jordan Brand generating billions.
The hosts explore the psychological aspects of greatness, discussing the immense pressure Jordan faced and how he managed it, including his indulgence in gambling and drinking as a coping mechanism. They contrast this with other athletes and public figures, noting the necessity of such outlets for individuals operating at the highest level. The documentary's structure and focus are debated, with some hosts expressing a preference for a more chronological, Jordan-centric narrative rather than a broader team-focused approach. The complex dynamics between Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Jerry Krause are dissected, with a focus on the clash of egos and the eventual unraveling of the dynasty.
The discussion also touches on the evolution of the NBA game, the effectiveness of the triangle offense, and the specific talents of players like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. The hosts express their admiration for Jordan's ability to inspire, intimidate, and elevate his teammates, emphasizing his unique impact on the league and his lasting legacy, which they posit will be defined by his brand as much as his on-court achievements.