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Jackson's New Age philosophy, a mixture of American Indian and Zen Buddhism, has kept the superstars and scrubs, the Croatian and the Australian, the young and the old, the sane and Rodman playing in harmony. But even the coach is hard put to explain just how this team will win more games than any N.B.A. team before it. "A number of times this year," he says, "I'd tell my coaches, 'Pinch me, I don't know if this is a dream or not.' It was like we were doing this with mirrors and smoke. But the reality has sunk in that this team deserves it all for the way they are playing. We've had some breaks this year, without a doubt, but we've had some hard times too." Indeed, the Bulls have weathered injuries to Pippen, Rodman and center Luc Longley, as well as Rodman's six-game suspension for head butting a referee. Since then Rodman has been on his best behavior--relatively speaking. Asked to assess Jackson as a coach and as a man, the tinted one replied, "Great coach. As a man, well, I've never slept with him."
What distinguishes the Bulls from other teams, present and past, is not so much talent as intelligence. As Magic Johnson says, "They got guys that have that look." They know that practice makes perfect; they know not to burn the candle at both ends; they know there is no I in team: they know--and believe in--all the cliches. They also know that 70 wins, which Rodman delights in calling "the ultimate orgasm," is actually no big deal. "It's just a record," says Jordan. "That's all. It won't mean anything if we don't win the second season."
Ever since he returned to basketball a year ago, Jordan has been intent on winning back the championship. Williams, who almost signed with the Bulls before re-upping--much to his regret--with the Nets, says, "After last season Michael said to me, 'Come play for the Bulls, pull down eight to 10 rebounds a night, and I'll get you two championship rings.' At the time I thought, 'Who's spiking his Yoo-Hoo?' How was I supposed to know? I go out to Chicago, take the psychological test and while I'm trying to decide, they sign Dennis Rodman. How bad did I do on that test?"
This season Jordan has averaged 30.8 points a game, which will give him his eighth N.B.A. scoring title. He scores differently nowadays though. "He's not quite as explosive as he was five years ago," says Bulls guard Steve Kerr, "but he's stronger and a better shooter. His fadeaway jump shot is now his signature move, not the spectacular drive to the basket." That's not to say Jordan is getting old at 33. He can still put on a show, especially if he wants to teach the younger players in the league a lesson. Back on Jan. 13, he lit up the 76ers for 48 points just to leave an impression on rookie and fellow North Carolina alum Jerry Stackhouse. In fact, there are those who say the best there ever was is even better this time around. "The game's easy for him now," says Pippen. "He's a much smarter player; he's using his head a lot more." According to Pippen, Jordan's leadership role has also expanded, from merely setting an example to making sure his teammates follow his example. "Let's face it," says the Nets' Williams. "Michael's second to God."