At least COVID-19 gave us ‘The Last Dance’

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

Going along with a few previous columns discussing some of the things I miss during this pandemic madness, obviously sports in general is the biggest.

But there has been a silver lining and some sports entertainment.

If you haven’t caught “The Last Dance” on the ESPN networks, especially if you’re a sports fan around my age, you’re missing something incredible. Six episodes of the 10-part series have aired. The final four are slated for the next two Sundays with two episodes each night.

The documentary was originally set to begin June 2.

For those not aware of the premise, during the Chicago Bulls’ six-championship run in the 1990s, a camera crew was given access to the team’s facilities and players in the 1997-98 season.

The run was deemed “the last dance” by Bulls coach Phil Jackson, who was told it would be his final season on the bench.

The series time jumps throughout, going back to the days of Michael Jordan in college, then to when he was drafted by the Bulls. We all know what a player he turned out to be. 

Each episode takes an in-depth look into what led to the championship run, and ultimately, the final championship in the dynasty. Yes, the ’90s Bulls were a dynasty.

There are episodes about Scottie Pippen’s rise, the arrival of bad boy Dennis Rodman, the rivalry with Detroit’s “Bad Boys” Pistons teams and the ascension of Jackson to the top of the NBA’s coaching pyramid.

Episode 5 gets into the construction of the 1992 Dream Team, assembled with the NBA’s biggest stars for the Olympic Games. It’s definitely one of the best episodes.

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