I've never really had a team to cheer for in the NBA -- I just follow those teams that have former Sooners on the roster. But the Jordan-era Bulls were so good and he was so amazing that I did pull for them. I'm learning some stuff from this doc, too, and enjoying the chance to revisit Jordan's greatness. Remarkable to think he's still such an influential figure, that, for example, a line of shoes and apparel with his name on it is still a must-have for young people who never saw him play.
I used to bartend at Mickey Mantle's sports bar and restaurant here in NYC, and one night, just as we were closing, we got a call saying some of the Bulls wanted to come in after hours -- they'd just played an overtime game at the Garden, if I recall correctly.
So we locked the doors at the usual time, but let them in when they arrived. Phil Jackson and MJ were among those who came, and I think Pippin. Not sure who else. Jordan stopped by the bar briefly to chat with some non-players who werre in the group (I think a couple of local journalists were there, too), so I got to shake his hand before he headed to a table in the back of the restaurant to have dinner. I asked his waitress to get his autograph for my nephew, and she did (we weren't supposed to ask for autographs, but I knew she could get away with it).
Phil Jackson sat at the bar and we chatted at great length as I served him drinks and a meal. A very nice guy -- reserved, but not at all standoffish or inaccessible. I really enjoyed talking with him.
