“I played hard every day in practice, so playing hard in a game was just a habit,” remarked Michael Jordan once. By embracing this philosophy, “His Airness” was able to achieve unparalleled success both in the NBA and internationally.
The 1992 Dream Team gained notoriety for their rigorous training regimens, but they are best remembered for their star-studded squad that went on to win the Gold after losing out in 1988. Jordan was so impressed by a specific scrimmage in Monte Carlo that he referred to it as the “greatest game I’ve ever played in.” 32 years later, Team USA used the intensity of those practices to improve their teamwork and performance.
The podcast “The Shop” published a pre-recorded conversation with LeBron James during the Paris Olympics on August 29. LeBron talked about how “competitive” and “pushing each other” the practice sessions were. Additionally, he made an instant connection between his “Avengers” and the “Dream Team.”
Have you watched any videos of the 1992 Dream Team competing while they were in Barcelona or Monaco? That has been our experience as well,” LeBron remarked. The player went on, “You know, obviously as the games are going got you know more and more closer to each other now, we just like it’s all about fine tuning, just sharpening each other’s swords every day,” so it wasn’t all pain and exhaustion.
The Team USA roster of 1992 had some legendary NBA players. It included Michael Jordan, Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, Celtics great Larry Bird, and Lakers superstar Magic Johnson. As a result of all the talent, the practice sessions got intense. Charles Barkley said: “It was a battle of egos,” with players figuratively attempting to “kill each other every day.” The greatest game that Michael Jordan ever played in took place even before the Olympics. As part of a final practice session before heading to Barcelona, then head coach Chuck Daly organized a 5 vs 5 matchup. To equal things out, he put Jordan on one team, and Johnson in the other. With nine future Hall of Famers competing head on, no one expected things to go easy. When Johnson remarked that “we’re not in Chicago Stadium anymore,” Jordan reportedly “took it personally.” The game ensured Team USA was already battle-hardened before competing against other national teams.