"Coach Smith used to get mad at me because I would be working out on off days" - Rookie Michael Jordan shut down burnout chatter
Most NBA rookies are gradually integrated into a team until they adjust to being a pro. But this wasn't the case for Michael Jordan.
The North Carolina product averaged 38.3 minutes per game and appeared in all 82 regular season games in his rookie campaign despite being fresh off the 1984 Olympic run with Team USA. Naturally, questions arose about MJ burning out, but the 6’6” shooting guard showed no signs of that despite working harder than arguably anyone in the Association.
How Jordan shot down the burnout factor
Following the conclusion of his collegiate career, wherein he averaged 19.6 points across 31 games in his junior year, Jordan spent the entire summer with the Olympic Team. Soon after, he became the focal point of the Chicago Bulls offense.
Amidst the chatter about burnout halfway through the 1984-85 season, doubts surfaced about whether a 21-year-old who took no breaks would succumb to it. However, Michael dismissed those concerns.
"Lots of people ask me that, but let me tell you, burnout won't be a problem for me," Jordan said. "I love to play basketball. The Olympics? The NBA schedule? No problem."
In addition to his passion for the game, MJ also highlighted his dedication to improving his craft daily, a commitment that occasionally annoyed coach Dean Smith.
"Coach Smith used to get mad at me because I would be shooting and working out on off days," Jordan said. "Man, I love the game; that's why I do it. I'd play every day if I could."
MJ proved his worth as a rookie
Mike also acknowledged that living and playing in Chicago made his job easier, particularly since it is centrally located in the United States, which usually resulted in shorter travel times compared to other teams located on the coasts.
MJ's sentiments were echoed by coach Kevin Loughery, who dismissed the notion of burnout as a term coined by the media. Moreover, observing Jordan's performance, Loughery was certain that his star guard would never succumb to it. And he was right.
Mike flourished in his debut campaign, averaging 28.2 points per game and rightfully earning the Rookie of the Year award after leading the Bulls to a 38-44 record.
Over the course of his career, Jordan averaged 38.3 minutes per game in the regular season and 41.8 in the playoffs. He also played a full 82-game schedule nine times.
Granted, two retirements probably helped him not feel burned out, but Michael's love for the game was never brought into question.
