Former Chicago Bull Scott Burrell explained how Michael Jordan prepared him for life

MJ was tough on Burrell, but for a reason that goes beyond the game itself

Michael Jordan and Scott Burrell were teammates for only one season. Throughout their time together, MJ made sure Burrell developed a winning mindset that he could incorporate into his life outside of basketball.

Burrell on being pushed hard by Jordan

Jordan prepared Burrell to be in the trenches with him by picking on him in practice. The way he pushed and challenged Burrell worked, as he helped the Bulls win the NBA championship.

Burrell retired from the NBA in 2001 and is now the Southern Connecticut Owls head coach. He also played with the Hornets, Warriors, and Nets during his eight years in the league. However, his best year was in Chicago, where he shared a locker room with Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. 

Burrell joined the Bulls in 1997 after he was traded from the Golden State Warriors. He talked about what Jordan was like as a teammate during his appearance on 'The HoopsHype Podcast.'

"It was like getting taught; getting taught in a tough way. I didn't think it was embarrassing, I didn't think it was humiliating. I don't have any regrets of how it went down or any second thoughts about learning from the best. I mean, I was getting tutelage from the best player to ever play, from the best team ever put together! And it was a team that won five out of seven championships before I got there, and I didn't want to mess it up! So, I was glad to learn any way possible that was taught to me," Burrell said.

MJ's life lessons

Over the years, Jordan explained that he was trying to toughen Burrell up and prepare him for grueling playoff series. What Scott later realized is those lessons did him good long after he retired from the game.

"I think it prepared me for life, not just basketball. I had played with some very good teams in the past and with very good players, but it's totally different when you play for a great player and great coaches, and you're playing for the same goal – winning a championship. It's totally different when that level is turned up another 100 degrees and you're in the midst of it," the former Bull explained.