Michael Jordan's Shocking Rejection: How 'The Last Dance' Changed Celtics' Doc Plans

Michael Jordan's decision to join the Chicago Bulls in 1984 was a turning point in the NBA, marking the beginning of a dynasty that would dominate the league for years to come. However, what is less known is the impact that Jordan's departure had on another team, the Boston Celtics, and their coach, Doc Rivers. In this article, we'll explore how Jordan's shocking rejection affected the Celtics' plans and legacy.

The Boston Celtics had been a powerhouse in the NBA for decades, with a rich history of success and a loyal fan base. They had been the subject of much speculation about who would be their next big star, with many predicting that it would be either Michael Jordan or Hakeem Olajuwon. However, when Jordan decided to join the Bulls, the Celtics were left scrambling to find a new lead player.

One of the most significant consequences of Jordan's rejection was the impact it had on the Celtics' coaching staff. At the time, the Celtics were coached by K.C. Jones, who had been the team's head coach for many years. Jones had always been a vocal supporter of Jordan, and he had even been mentioned as a potential target for the Celtics. However, after Jordan decided to join the Bulls, Jones was left feeling disappointed and betrayed.

The Celtics' failure to sign Jordan was also a major blow to their general manager, Max Fenner. Fenner had been the one who had pursued Jordan and had come close to signing him, but ultimately fell short. The loss was a significant disappointment for Fenner, who had been convinced that Jordan was the right player to lead the Celtics to another championship.

The Impact on Doc Rivers

Fast forward to the present day, and it's clear that the impact of Jordan's rejection can still be felt. Doc Rivers, the current coach of the Boston Celtics, has often spoken about the influence that Jordan had on his career. In fact, Rivers has said that he had always been a huge fan of Jordan's and had even followed his career closely as a young player.

Rivers' time with the Celtics has been marked by several ups and downs, but one of the most significant challenges he faced early in his tenure was the departure of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. The loss of two of the team's best players was a significant blow, and it left Rivers scrambling to find a way to rebuild the team.

One of the things that Rivers learned from Jordan's rejection is the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Jordan's decision to join the Bulls was a shock to everyone, including the Celtics, and it caught them off guard. Rivers has said that he learned from that experience and has since become more proactive in trying to prepare for the future.

The Last Dance and Its Legacy

The documentary series "The Last Dance" has provided a fascinating insight into Jordan's decision to leave the Chicago Bulls and join the Washington Wizards. The series, which was released on ESPN in 2020, features interviews with Jordan and those who knew him best, including coach Phil Jackson and executive John Paxson.

The documentary provides a unique perspective on Jordan's rejection and its impact on the Celtics. It shows how Jordan's decision was a surprise to everyone, including the Celtics, and how it caught them off guard. The series also highlights the strong relationships that Jordan had with his teammates and coaches, and how his departure affected the team.

The legacy of Jordan's rejection can still be felt today. The Celtics have continued to struggle to find a lead player since Jordan's departure, and the team has often been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. However, the team has also shown signs of improvement in recent years, and there is hope that they may be able to make a deep playoff run in the future.

What Could Have Been

It's easy to speculate about what could have been if the Celtics had signed Jordan all those years ago. Would they have won multiple championships? Would they have become one of the greatest teams in NBA history?

One thing is for sure, the Celtics would have certainly been a more formidable opponent. Jordan's arrival would have given the team a dominant force on the court, and it's likely that they would have been able to compete with the Bulls for multiple championships.

However, it's also possible that the Celtics would have struggled to integrate Jordan into the team. Jordan was a dominant player, and it's possible that he would have dominated the ball and stifled the team's offense. The Celtics would have had to adapt to Jordan's playing style, and it's possible that they would have struggled to find their rhythm.

The Impact on Basketball

The impact of Jordan's rejection on basketball as a whole cannot be overstated. Jordan's decision to join the Bulls marked a turning point in the league, and it helped to popularize the NBA among fans. The success of the Bulls in the 1990s helped to establish the league as a major force in sports, and it paved the way for the current era of superstars and championship teams.

However, Jordan's rejection also had a negative impact on the league. The loss of Jordan to the Bulls marked the end of an era for the Celtics, and it hurt the team's chances of winning multiple championships. The impact of Jordan's rejection can still be felt today, and it's clear that the Celtics have struggled to find a lead player since his departure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Michael Jordan's rejection of the Boston Celtics in 1984 had a profound impact on the team and their plans. The loss of Jordan was a significant blow, and it affected the team's coaching staff and general manager. The impact of Jordan's rejection can still be felt today, and it's clear that the Celtics have struggled to find a lead player since his departure.

However, the legacy of Jordan's rejection continues to