During the first six years of his career, Michael Jordan’s inability to secure a championship left him increasingly frustrated with the Chicago Bulls. He expressed disappointment in the franchise’s failure to make necessary changes and adjustments to strengthen their championship prospects.
It got to the point that in 1991, the five-time MVP had publicly expressed his discontent, openly criticizing the franchise for its recurrent missteps season after season, singling out John Paxson’s salary, and insinuating that he wouldn’t be surprised if things went wrong again that season.
“He’s loyal. He doesn’t say anything and what does he want, maybe seven hundred thousand, eight hundred thousand dollars, and they’re going to screw him. I just hate that. This is going to be our last chance to win,” Jordan said about Paxson via Sam Smith’s ‘The Jordan Rules.’ “I just know it. We’ll wait until the last minute and then they’ll say something like they couldn’t get a deal done because of the cap or somebody pulled out at the last minute. It happens here all the time.”
Chicago Bulls crossed the final huddle in 1991
Following a disappointing seven-game loss in the previous playoffs’ Eastern Conference Finals, the 1990-91 regular season saw ‘His Airness’ clinching his fifth straight scoring title and second MVP award.
Moreover, under the guidance of head coach Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, MJ became the center of all offensive plays, but players like Scottie Pippen, Bill Cartwright, and Horace Grant made significant contributions as post-up players. Additionally, shooters like Paxson played pivotal roles; he proved his value, averaging 8.2 points per game in the playoffs.
MJ criticized the Chicago Bulls for not trading Walter Davis
Like every other star, MJ had his favorites mapped out in the league, and Walter Davis was one of them. When the Bulls couldn’t acquire Davis in the 1990-91 season, and the 1977-78 ROY was acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers, Jordan was furious, publicly claiming that the franchise would’ve been in a better position had he been in charge.
“As soon as we get back, I’m calling Reinsdorf. Krause has messed everything up again. He can’t do anything,” Jordan said.
That said, despite Jordan’s skepticism toward the Bulls’ front office becoming evident, they focused on retaining their marquee players rather than making acquisitions to solidify their team chemistry.
As a result, the Bulls secured victories against the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Pistons, and the LA Lakers, enduring only 2 losses in the playoffs on the course of winning its first-ever title.
