ESPN and Netflix’s Chicago Bulls docuseries “The Last Dance” took over NBA Twitter to a bit of fanfare Sunday night.
The documentary series, which tells the story of Michael Jordan and the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls, sparked some discussion between fans, current and former NBA stars, and media professionals during the live viewing.
There was a bit of excitement for many tuning in to watch episodes No. 7-8 of “The Last Dance” especially because of the way it was promoted in advance.
Did the documentary series live up to the hype on Sunday night?
I think yes, but others may disagree. Consider the words shared by Evan F. Moore of the Chicago Sun-Times. In a tweet, Moore said he believes “The Last Dance” felt rushed.
So we not gonna mention Reinsdorf’s role in the MLB strike AND how well the White Sox were doing that year?#TheLastDance
— Evan F. Moore (@evanFmoore) May 11, 2020
Moore’s tweet is in reference to the state of the White Sox and how Jordan decided to stage a comeback to the NBA scene.
Laurence Holmes of 670 The Score agreed, saying the documentary series made a stunning omission.
So wait...we ain’t gonna talk about Game 7 of that series? pic.twitter.com/OZ2ncaGS8e
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) May 11, 2020
Holmes’ tweet is in reference to the documentary series and its flashback to Jordan’s return to the NBA playoffs to face Orlando Magic.
Not everyone found reason to be discontent with the creative direction of the documentary series. Look no further than J.A. Adande of the Medill School at Northwestern University.
I’d seen this video clip before but never heard the audio of him sobbing. That hit different #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/kXFwvkXr6H
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) May 11, 2020
Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report lauded the documentary series, saying the reason it works so well is because of the genius of Jordan.
Interestingly enough, former NBA star Quentin Richardson gave a shout out to former NBA star BJ Armstrong after spotting him in the documentary series.
S/O BJ looking like Eazy E at the press conference. #thelastdance
— Quentin Richardson (@QRich) May 11, 2020
In a bit of a GOAT recognizing another GOAT moment, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had this to say.
Damn the series lost(rusty), MJ so cold that he went from 45 to 23 from game 1 to game 2 in the playoffs! Haha. That’s legendary! #LivingLegend
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 11, 2020
James’ tweet references a part of the documentary series where Jordan and the 1995 Bulls find themselves trying to make a playoff push. About that time, Jordan reversed course by switching his jersey number from No. 45 to No. 23 after finding it may be impacting his game.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also weighed in on Jordan’s decision to bring back the No. 23 jersey number.
Finally been able to watch #TheLastDance. Agree with MJ – 45 is not a great number.
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) May 11, 2020
Bomani Jones, formerly a co-anchor for ESPN’s midday talk show “High Noon with Pablo Torre”, said he believes Jordan’s decision to take Steve Kerr’s jersey number after retiring the No. 23 was wrong.
"please give me steve kerr's number" is the sort of thing you do when you never had any use for steve kerr's number. #thelastdance
— bomani (@bomani_jones) May 11, 2020
The landscape of the game was forever changed when Jordan and the Bulls mounted a pair of three-peats in the 90s.
Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report said it’s clear that certain NBA teams couldn’t shine so long as they stood in Jordan and the Bulls’ shadow.
not even saying this as a joke, it would not feel good to watch this documentary as a Knicks fan.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) May 11, 2020
DeAntae Prince of the Chicago Tribune said he believes Jordan didn’t know how to chill, even when it came to pick-up basketball games during the offseason.
These guys revered Mike so much that they traveled to L.A. and let him use them.
— DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) May 11, 2020
And, of course, he made summer scouting reports for the upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/4DWN98SPy2
Prince’s tweet references a moment in the documentary series where Jordan invites a group of NBA stars to play pick-up basketball games in between filming scenes of “Space Jam”.
Jemele Hill of The Atlantic, noting a moment in the documentary series, does want it to be known that Jordan didn’t always have to have the ball in his possession to be effective.
We have video evidence of Michael Jordan passing the ball in a last second situation. WHAT IS WE GONE DO #TheLastDance
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) May 11, 2020
Hill’s tweet is in reference to a long-standing debate over what makes Jordan great and how he’s different from the stars of today’s NBA.
Several current NBA stars tweeted support for the GOAT and what he means to the game.
Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz was among those describing Jordan as otherworldly.
I’m sorry he different 😭😭😭
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 11, 2020
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks shared that sentiment.
https://twitter.com/TheTraeYoung/status/1259679841701580808
Wayne Drehs of ESPN had a message for broadcast networks that he hopes will not be for naught after watching “The Last Dance.”
After next Sunday, I say we air everyone’s unedited interview in its entirety. Just put them on ESPN+. “#TheLastDance Interviews.” I feel like maybe a couple people would watch that. Because next Sunday can’t be the end.
— Wayne Drehs (@W_Drehs) May 11, 2020
The last two episodes of the “The Last Dance” will air on Sunday beginning at 8 p.m. CST.
The documentary series can be viewed on ESPN and ESPN+.