Back when I had a reason to watch...

Ok, so I was flipping through the channels looking for something worth watching to delay going to bed a little bit. I knew what they were going to say on Sportscenter and I didn't really want to watch an episode of the Dog Whisperer. Even FSC, Spike, and ESPN Classic were letting me down.

The source of entertainment came from an unexpected channel, NBATV, which I never watch. They were airing a replay of Game 1 of the 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. It was really great to see Jordan playing again, it made me realize how much I missed those days. I used to love basketball and watching the NBA in those days, even though I played soccer year round. Jordan brought a certain excitement and awe to the court every night he played. You always knew he was going to do something amazing. Watching the game and Jordan, Pippen, and the rest of the cast work together so beautifully, made me miss those days. I miss the feeling of awe while watching an athlete at the top of their game, without all the arrogance and talk and controversy.

The Jordan I remember was the best player to ever play the game, yet he continuously let his play speak for itself. He was always confident and always a leader, but he didn't have to be flashy about it (see his new "Let Your Game Speak" commercial. You knew that when there were mere seconds left on the clock, Michael was going to get the ball, and he was going to find some way to win. It still gave me chills even just to see a close-up of him at the free throw line.

I miss the Jordan era. The NBA, and I venture all sports, hasn't been the same since MJ left the Bulls. The NBA is driven by massive egos rivaled only buy their multi-million dollar contracts. Scandals, cheating, brawls, and gangsta attitudes prevail throughout the league. There was a day when everyone looked to Michael Jordan and felt a voice deep inside them say, "I wanna be like Mike." Sadly, that day is long gone, but tonight I had a taste of it once again. A glimpse of Jordan, the Bulls, and the NBA at its best.

I also hadn't realized how much I missed the NBA on NBC theme music (written by John Tesh of all people). Hopefully, you'll enjoy this little look back at His Airness as much as I did. Jordan, Pippen, Rodman all on the court. Malone choking. Phil Jackson nodding to Jordan and saying "You." Classic finish. Gotta love it.