"Can't be great unless you really love the game" - Michael Jordan's heartfelt advice to Frank Ntilikina
For modern-day NBA players, the road to becoming a superstar is filled with distractions and temptations. However, if one’s looking for a surefire recipe to reach the heights of the all-time greats, one would be wise to follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, who overlooked all of it from a very early age.
Recognizing this, a 16-year-old Frank Ntilikina sought guidance from MJ himself. Instead of boasting about his competitive fire and once-in-a-generational talent, the six-time Finals MVP imparted wisdom centered on a far more accessible principle.
Ntilikina on meeting MJ
Even though the former New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks guard grew up in Europe, he was well-versed in the impact Jordan had during his prime with the Chicago Bulls in the ‘90s. In a Players’ Tribune column, Frank revealed the invaluable message he received from Michael when he inquired about the key to all his unprecedented success.
More importantly, Jordan’s message was so concise that Ntilikina instantly grasped the immense sacrifices required to attain true greatness.
"He said, 'What you have to do is love basketball. You can't be great unless you really love the game. Once you love basketball more than anyone else in the world, then you're willing to sacrifice. You’re willing to wake up early. You're willing to do what it takes to be the best. But first, you have to really love it,'" Frank revealed MJ's message.
Jordan's 'love for the game' was evident for all
Some might think that Michael's killer instinct and the never-ending desire to come out on top were all about making everything personal and never wanting to be on the losing end of things. It is impossible for any athlete to sustain the monumental effort required to become an all-time great without a profound love for the game itself.
Interestingly, Jordan was the first player in NBA history to have a ‘love of the game’ clause incorporated into his contract. This essentially granted him the freedom to play basketball whenever and wherever he desired, without the liability of potential injuries sustained during exhibition games, scrimmages, or even casual pickup games at random parks.
That being said, regardless of his ascension to become a cultural icon, MJ's boundless love for the sport remained undiminished, which perhaps was the biggest reason why he never came up short in the Finals.
