The Last Dance: Discussion Guide Part 2 of 5

Those of you who have watched Ken Burns' Baseball can raise your hand. Otherwise, I would like to know sports fans, Have you ever watched a 10-part series that lasts 10 hours? By no means is this a complaint about the latest 30 for 30: The Last Dance. In fact, as soon as the Sunday two-pack comes to a close, I can't wait for the next two. However, given the dynamic content and the many years it covers, I would like to propose a suggestion to help me organize and differentiate one episode from the next. Do you agree? With that request, I will launch my suggested names and questions for further discussion.
Enjoy.  We have six episodes and six more hours of a great documentary.

More than a Bad Boy: Dennis Rodman's Path to the Bulls

In the opening scene, Rodman is asked: Does it hurt you that the public perceives you as this bombastic crazy guy? He responds by saying: "I created this monster. The public will say I'm a bad person, but no one can say anything bad about me as a teammate."

• Have you ever coached an athlete or had a teammate who was a challenging if not problematic person off the court, but a great athlete/teammate on it?

The Worm was known as being the player who was willing to do all the dirty work. In fact, he played seven games where he had 20 rebounds and 0 points. Pippen admitted " He’s a huge reason for our success. He brought us the edge we needed." 

• Does every team need an athlete who is willing to do the dirty work? Who is the athlete on your team who brings the "edge" you need?

In 1986 Jerry Krause hired Doug Collins as the head coach of the Bulls. Before his first game against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden, Collins who is extremely competitive and high energy admitted that he was sweating profusely and chewing his gum until it was like chalk in his mouth. Jordan said "Coach, you can relax I’m not going to let you lose your first game."

• What does this reveal about Jordan and about Collins? Do we want our players to carry that responsibility? 
• BTW: that night Jordan set a record for the most posts (50)scored by an opposing player in MSG. The Bulls went on to beat the Knicks

Collins built his system around Jordan. He told the camera, "Michael understands the greatest respect you can give a great player is to coach 'em and coach 'em hard.

• Athletes: please rewind that line. Listen. Repeat.

From Give it to MJ to Who's Open?

After losing to the Pistons in the 1989 NBA Finals, Jordan committed to getting stronger by gaining 15 pounds of muscle mass. When the personal trainer asked him to do six reps, he did twelve. 

• All coaches have encountered an athlete like this. What are the positives and negatives of coaching an "overachiever?" How do you handle him or her? Do you?

The Chicago Bulls won their first ever championship in 1991 because Coach Phil Jackson got MJ to trust his teammates.... In short, he asked the question: Who is open? Rather than ask for the ball, Jordan said "Paxson. Let's give it to Pax..." You know where this story goes: Jordan with the assist and Paxson for 3!!

• If you ever doubt the importance of teamwork and surrender, remember this play. Any other thoughts?

Rodman thrived under the leadership of Phil Jackson because they mutually understood one another. Jackson who was familiar with Lakota spiritual practices told him, "In their tradition you would be a backward walking person,a Heyoka." He added 
"there was always a person that was different. You’re the heyoka in this tribe." 

Steve Kerr noted "he would weave Zen Buddhism and Native American philosophies into our own culture. 
Everything was about being focused and playing as one
."

• Who is the heyoka in your tribe? How do you work together?
• Coaches: how do you integrate your spiritual beliefs into all that you do—at practice, in games, while traveling, etc.

Lastly, what I believe makes this documentary so outstanding is the way the director integrates music. In both episodes, the songs—with highlights together tell a unique story. Each one is poignant, outstanding.

Prince: Partyman

Beastie Boys: The Maestro

Kool Moe Dee: How Ya Like Me Now

Photo Credits
Last Dance