Michael Jordan 's ascension to the status of the arguable GOAT was never a solitary endeavor; it involved the contributions of numerous individuals. Among the most significant contributors was his trainer - Tim Grover , who worked tirelessly to optimize MJ's physique. The latter's efforts resulted in a lean yet muscular body that could withstand physical play while maintaining speed and minimizing injury risk despite Mike playing at full intensity in every game.
Moreover, while forging such a strong professional bond, the five-time MVP once paid Grover the highest compliment, which made Tim realize his true worth in the eyes of the six-time NBA Champ.
Jordan's ultimate praise for Grover
During his appearance on the 'Endless Hustle' podcast, Grover reminisced about his time working with Mike. He recounted how the Chicago Bulls shooting guard entrusted him with complete authority over various aspects of his physical conditioning, including nutrition, hydration, and strength training. Put simply, MJ gave full control to his trainer to take whatever steps were required to enhance his physical abilities.
However, as His Airness grew bigger and stronger, achieving unparalleled success, various athletes approached Jordan to express their interest in acquiring Grover's services. But the six-time Finals MVP, who rarely went all out to appreciate others, responded by emphasizing how he paid his trainer to keep him all to himself.
"A lot of people would approach Michael and say, 'Can I use Grover?'" Grover said . "Michael's standard line was, 'I don't pay Grover to train me. I pay him not to train anybody else,' which is the biggest compliment that you can get. For the first three years, he didn't allow me to work with anybody else."
Tim had no idea he was going to train MJ
Grover was pretty clear with Mike about what he expected and where he saw his physical condition going. But it's equally ironic that he had no clue how some people were questioning his knowledge. Simply put, the Jordan camp ensured Tim knew everything about improving a player's abilities before they even brought him on board. It wasn't until three months later that the 59-year-old trainer was told to visit MJ at his house, and he had no idea whose house he was heading to.
"They didn't tell me who it was. It's in the suburbs. This is before the big gated house. I ring the doorbell once, and I ring it a second time," Grover added. "I ring it a third time, no answer, and I'm like, all right, I've just been set up. Michael Jordan ends up opening the door."
When Grover finally made his way to the 14-time All-Star's mansion, in true MJ style, he allowed him to enter only after he removed his Converse sneakers.
Related: Michael Jordan urged Patrick Ewing to join the Wizards' coaching staff: "If you like that, we'll let you be a coach"
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