10 Reasons Why The Last Dance On Netflix Is Unmissable

The Last Dance on Netflix has only recently concluded and is already touted as one of the most comprehensive documentaries of all time. At first glance, the glossy docu-series is about the the final championship season of the Chicago Bulls in 1997/1998, but crucially - like all good documentaries - it transcends the subject matter.

This ten-part series goes far deeper than the sport of basketball, celebrating the career of one of sports most iconic figures in Michael Jordan, his teammates Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, as well as head coach Phil Jackson. The ten episodes unveil humble upbringings, personal tragedies and fierce conflicts that will resonate with many viewers, basketball fan or not.

Told by the people who were there, The Last Dance showcases one of the most iconic and dominating dynasties of all time and with never before seen, candid footage, this is a peak behind the curtain like never before.

A mesmerising story that supports the sport of basketball with heritage, destiny and cultural phenomena, it's an absolute must-watch. And here's why...

Part of the show's appeal is not just what it shows, but the compelling questions that hand over everything.

It’s called The Last Dance for a reason. No spoilers really as it happened 22 years ago, but the foundations of the Chicago Bulls were falling apart, and this is a consistent theme throughout the series.

Internal wars between players and the front office alongside an aging team led to general manager Jerry Krause stating that Bulls coach Phil Jackson would not coach past the 1998 season even if they ‘went 82-0’ and that a rebuild was crucial.

The question lingers, however, with Michael Jordan still the best player in the game and the same people around him, could they have won another championship? The following season was reduced to 50 games following a lockout to reach a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This lessening of the workload would have hugely benefitted the Chicago Bulls and it is a hypothetical question many have asked.

In reality, key players like Scottie Pippen and Steve Kerr were traded, and Dennis Rodman was released. Michael Jordan retired for a second time and coach Phil Jackson eventually headed to the Los Angeles Lakers and would win a further five championships there.

And the Chicago Bulls team that did play that shortened 1999 season? They became only the second defending championship team in history to miss the playoffs the following year. They haven’t won a Championship since.