“Michael, please don’t let your decision revolve around me” – Phil Jackson tried to convince Michael Jordan to still play after “The Last Dance” originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The Chicago Bulls knew that the 1997-98 season would mark the end of an era. Under the leadership of general manager Jerry Krause, the team learned that head coach Phil Jackson would not be returning, regardless of how the season unfolded. Krause’s definitive organizational move set the stage for a profound shift within the team.
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Krause’s stance led Michael Jordan to seriously contemplate retirement at the conclusion of the season. Like Krause, Jordan was certain that he could not envision playing for any coach other than Jackson.
Even though Phil was aware of the impending changes, he made an effort to persuade Michael to remain with the Bulls, emphasizing that the team could still thrive without him at the helm.
“If I leave and he retires because of that, I guess it will affect the NBA,” the legendary coach said. “But Michael and I have talked about our futures, and he said, ‘Phil, you do what you have to do.’ And I said, ‘Michael, please don’t let your decision revolve around me.’ We both dialed off on it.”
“Anyway, we have other things to think about. Like trying to win a sixth title,” Jackson added.
Phil knew MJ could still play after ’98
Despite the looming uncertainty of a breakup after the season ended, the Bulls continued to assert their dominance over their rivals by clinching their sixth NBA championship.
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At the age of 35, Jordan proved his unmatched dedication by not missing a single game during the Bulls’ iconic “Last Dance” season. He averaged an impressive 28.7 points per game and ultimately earned the coveted MVP title.
Jordan’s performance throughout that season didn’t only solidify his legacy. It also left Jackson with a sense of regret at the thought of the reigning league MVP retiring after the season.
“We want to make this a good finale because I think after this season, we will be split up,” Phil said of the Bulls’ last run together. “We’re doing a private ceremony before our last regular-season game. We’re closing this down. Michael has said he won’t play for another coach. We have a rhythm, a flow. But it’s ending. Three years ago, we couldn’t predict, couldn’t project that Jordan and Rodman would compete like this at the age they are.”
“Nobody has seen anything like it. We didn’t predict it. I sure didn’t,” he continued. “I told Jerry Krause I had never seen a great guard play at a high level after age 34. And now Michael is 35.”
The coach who could’ve made MJ stay in Chicago
The bond between Michael and Phil has stood the test of time. Jordan has repeatedly acknowledged Jackson’s impact on his career, recognizing him as a pivotal figure in his journey to becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
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For Jordan, the Bulls‘ dynasty was a collection of seasoned and talented players and a testament to the culture and chemistry that Jackson meticulously cultivated over the years. He emphasized the importance of the synergy between the coach and his players to the team’s success. Mike believed that it should remain intact, and as a player, it would be illogical to continue his career without Jackson guiding him from the sidelines.
MJ revealed that he might have considered staying with the Bulls if the organization had welcomed the possibility of replacing Jackson with someone who had significantly influenced his early career — his college basketball coach and mentor, Dean Smith.
“He didn’t have a future in front of him right now, so he considers it to be ‘The Last Dance.’ I’m like the same way. I’m considering this to be the moment until something is shown in the future, for the future,” Jordan told Stuart Scott in an interview. “Would there be another coach for me to play for? I have not thought about it in a sense other than Dean Smith, you know, [but] I don’t think he’s coming back at it in coaching.”
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The Last Dance has sparked debates
To this day, many believe that the ’90s Bulls shouldn’t have broken up abruptly. What happened with The Last Dance has sparked passionate debates among NBA fans, analysts and even players.
Some are convinced that Michael and Phil could’ve still led the Bulls to more NBA titles. Others believed that the dominant franchise had already run its course after their sixth championship.
What would’ve happened with the Bulls after ’98 will always be a what if. However, what remains a fact is that the relationship between Jordan and Jackson was foundational to the Bulls’ legendary status, illustrating how great leadership and loyalty can shape a team’s identity and elevate it to greatness.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.