I just finished watching The Last Dance. The biggest thing I learned is that, focused as I was on graduate school, I largely missed what happened in the 1990s NBA. So, although the documentary revisits the Chicago Bulls' famous twin three-peats, I realized I was watching them for the first time. Despite the involvement of Michael Jordan's company, Jump 23, in the production of the The Last Dance, the reality of the basketball footage alone convinced me that Jordan was every bit the superlative player of his legend.
Yes, I already knew he was good, but watching him bend the outcomes of games and series to his will, against a succession of superb teams and players, was a revelation. Six NBA championships brought tremendous joy to Chicago Bulls players, staffs, and fans. Yet, the documentary depicted enough conflict, hectoring, and cruelty to temper these accomplishments with a unavoidable sense of tristesse.
The Last Dance is excellent. Nevertheless, it is valuable that the future is sure to add additional perspectives on a fabulous chapter in basketball history.
