Horace Grant says Phil Jackson screamed at him for Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen
When it comes to the 1990s Chicago BullsHorace Grant is without a doubt one of the most beloved players ever. Recently, Grant was honored by the Bulls at their Ring of Honor ceremony in November.
Overall, he was a fierce defender and a coachable rebounder. Thus, playing a significant role in the Bulls’ first three-peat, often in the shadows Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
On Tuesday, Grant shared an untold story about how Phil Jackson coached him when he first became head coach, per Alex Kirschenbaum of Newsweek. It all started in Jackson when Grant was invited to his office to outline his strategy.
“It’s so crazy,” Grant says. “He calls me into his office. He says, ‘Horace, I’m going to ask you to do something that’s going to be a little weird, but I need for you do it.’
“I said, ‘PJ, whatever the team.‘
“He said, ‘I’m going to yell at you, but I’m yelling at Michael and Scotty.’ I’m like, “Make it meaningful.”
“He was like, ‘I don’t want to get under their skin and they will lose their thought patterns.’
“I’m like, ‘Okay, I can take it.’ I didn’t know it would be seven years, you know? Grant laughs. “I thought it would be (one season) but it was seven years! But him and me until today they have a great relationship, PJ. What a wonderful man, just a great leader — not just for basketball players, but for men as well. He treated us like men there.”
The strategy worked as the Bulls took off and ran away from there.
Jackson replaced Doug Collins as head coach in 1990. The following year, the Bulls won their first NBA title against the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. It marked the passing of the baton from Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan.
As for Grant, he would become an NBA All-Star in 1994 and be chosen up to four other NBA defensive teams.
In addition, he would win a total of four championships, three with the Bulls and one with the Lakers in 2001.
2025-12-16 23:39:00
