When ESPN released the 10-part documentary series ‘The Last Dance,’ it gave fans a closer look into the mindset of Michael Jordan than we’ve ever had before. We saw just how intense he was about winning, we heard from former teammates and opponents, we had a retrospective MJ giving his present day thoughts about situations from the past.
Overall, it was incredible pulling back of the curtains that we all thoroughly enjoyed. While some fans may have thought he was too tough and too intense, most fans saw it a different way; that MJ’s attitude is what it takes to be as great as he was.
While it’s a different day in age, a different sport, and a different situation in general, it’s impossible not to see shades of that mindset in this recent Nikita Zadorov interview where he spoke on Nathan MacKinnon. The Colorado Avalanche superstar is already one of the best players in the league, but he is doing everything in his power to maximize his already-World Class abilities.
This interview has been translated from Russian to English, but you can get the general idea.
The personal monetary investments that hit 6-digits at a minimum are something that reveals how committed to greatness he is. It’s money out of his own pocket to ensure he is his best possible self.
On top of that, he challenges his teammates. Some will say that yelling over teammate mistakes is not an example of leadership, but you can guarantee that teammates aren’t cutting corners when Nate Mack is around.
MacKinnon doesn’t indulge in the cravings that others might, and expects his teammates to do the same. MacKinnon is a perpetrator of winning culture, and this mindset makes it feel like it will only be a matter of time until he hoists a Stanley Cup.
(H/T Joel Klettke)
