In basketball, not many rivalries have been as exciting as the one between Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan. Both are seen as game legends, and their intense battles on the court have greatly impacted fans and players. Recently, Dominique Wilkins became the center of discussion once again with his unexpected thoughts about The Last Dance, the popular documentary series about Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls.
Dominique Wilkins And Michael Jordan (Images Credit: Getty Images)
Speaking on the JAXXON podcast, Wilkins said he has always recognized how great Jordan is and how much he changed basketball. He remarked, “I never even seen it [the docuseries]… because we lived it. I saw it every game; I know his mentality. I saw it in him in college when he was a freshman; I was a junior, and I saw it then, the toughness, the determination, the will to win.
Michael Jordan of the Wizards at the 2003 NBA All-Star Game (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Dominique Wilkins Claims He Values Personal Experience Over Any Documentary
Dominique Wilkins also mentioned that he doesn’t usually watch sports documentaries or movies about athletes because he prefers to focus on what’s happening now and in the future rather than looking back at past events.
Wilkins acknowledged that while The Last Dance provided valuable insights into Jordan’s mindset and career, he was content with his own memories and experiences. He stated, “That was just common knowledge back then. So I didn’t need to see the documentary to know that a lot of stuff was factual.“
The Last Dance aired in 2020 and became a huge success. It gave a detailed look at Michael Jordan’s career and the Chicago Bulls during their 1990s championship run.
Within a month of its release, the series averaged 5.6 million viewers per episode, making it the most-watched ESPN docuseries ever. This highlights Jordan’s lasting appeal among fans.
It was praised for its behind-the-scenes footage and honest interviews, revealing Jordan’s competitive spirit and personal challenges, which inspired many current NBA stars and fans.
Dominique Wilkins’ choice not to watch The Last Dance shows that personal experiences matter more for some athletes than looking back at past events.
