Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made

The Bulls under Jackson had created the perfect weapon. The perfect weapon being the triangle offense: Jordon, Pippen, Rodman, and the center - synergistically integrated to destroy the opponent's defense. The perfect weapon was not easily formed and Halberstam compliments Jackson's ability to bring all the talent, personalities, and ambitions together into one focus, another championship. Despite management irritation and desire to split the team, Jordon and Jackson managed to negotiate another season, to stay together, one of the greatest seasons of Bulls history. Halberstam details the struggles of Scottie Pippen and his eventual emergence as physically gifted player, the rebounding threat of Rodman, and Jordon's williness to work with Pippen creating the perfect weapon. Jackson would saw Pippen as a critical component to a third championship but struggle to achieve control.

Fierceness on both ends of the court characterized Jordon with him winning both the MVP and the defensive player of the year. Jordon was not happy unless he was winning. The era of Michael Jordon represented increases in crowd attendence, quantum leaps in player contract pay, more spectacular moves, new emerging talent emulating Jordon, and increased media coverage. If you love basket trivia and want to learn more about the formation of the Chicago Bulls during the Jordon era this is an excellent historical documentary.

Halberstam chronological spans events ,such as, Jordon's family life, his father, mother, and brother Larry; Jordon's high school years, his speed and growth; Jordon's player years at North Carolina and respect playing for Dean Smith; Jordon's leadership as he lead his team to a victory capturing the NCAA crown; Pippens defiance of management and arguements of devaluation; the strange behavior of Rodman and his importance as a rebounder; The championship defeat of the raining kings, Los Angles Lakers, and the fustration expressed by Magic Johnson; Jordon's first championship, his joy and relief of winning a championship; the battle, defeat, and conquer of the NY Nicks; and Jordon's retirement.

One of the rare portions of the documentary is Halberstam's insight into Michael Jordon's intelligence, such as, the secret weapon to build strength without increasing significant mass creating a stronger Bulls team. Jordon knew strength was necessary because the game of basketball was become more physical. The strength training payed off as Jordon was able to finish shots after being hit.

Halberstams work represents a change in American culture as basketball came onto center stage. The battle for our minds leaves basketball, Air Jordon's, Spike Lee, and Michael Jordon jumping skyward with arm outstretched ball palmed with tongue out epitimizing one of the greatest players and era's of basketball. Michael Jordon's vision, fame, and hardwork have transformed basketball into the modern sport we know now, black athletes worshipped as Gods of the court with price tags to match.