Michael Jordan and his iconic trash-talking are no secrets to NBA fans. The stories of his competitiveness have echoed through the annals of basketball history. One teammate, Rodney McCray, experienced the same during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
McCray, whose journey spanned 10 NBA seasons, saw his career take an unexpected turn after his championship run alongside Jordan. In 1992-93, the Bulls strengthened their place in history, capturing their third consecutive NBA championship.
One of the members of that legendary team was Rodney McCray, a veteran forward who had previously spent his exceptional years with other teams. His journey through the league began with the Houston Rockets in the 1983-84 season.
The 6ft 7ins forward showcased his skills early on, achieving an impressive rookie record with averages of 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. McCray’s basketball journey took him through Houston, Sacramento, and Dallas, where his performance as a star was solidified.
Name your favorite NBA player from your childhood. I’ll go first,
Rodney McCray pic.twitter.com/obHWrqrF6F
— Michael_D (@Michael48941322) February 10, 2022
Over 768 games, McCray averaged 11.7 points and 6.6 rebounds, demonstrating consistent performance on the court. However, everything changed when he put on the Chicago Bulls jersey.
Jordan’s professional intensity was legendary, and his competitive drive was unmatched. A Bulls teammate disclosed to Sports Illustrated, “He’s the most viciously competitive player I’ve ever seen.” Jordan’s temperament wasn’t limited to opponents; it extended to his teammates, as Rodney McCray experienced firsthand.
Where is Rodney McCray now?
As the Bulls soared to a 57-25 record during McCray’s lone season, Jordan’s presence was undeniable. Under the guidance of Phil Jackson, with Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, the Bulls won through the playoffs, conquering Atlanta, Cleveland, New York, and ultimately Phoenix in the 1993 NBA Finals. However, McCray’s role in the spotlight was limited. In seven postseason appearances, he averaged a mere 5.6 minutes per game, contributing 0.3 points.
The former Bulls teammate recounted, “When the two players are on opposite teams in scrimmages, Jordan is in Rodney’s face, screaming, ‘You’re a loser! You’ve always been a loser!’ Rodney can hardly put up a jumper now.”
McCray’s confidence must have been affected to the core, as we never saw him on the basketball court after his last season. During this, his attempts per game dropped to 3.2, and his scoring output was a mere 3.5 points.
He took early retirement, and the world doesn’t know where he ended up going. It seemed like the rising star just vanished away in thin air. All of this likely happened because of his time with the legend Michael Jordan.