Since I wasn't watching NBA at that time - I wonder if MJ got the same "treatment" from non-bulls-fans NBA followers.
Yeah, I've long thought that I would have hated the Bulls, and been really disappointed that there weren't more parity in the league. But I think eventually I would have just reached a point where I appreciate seeing history being made by the greatest player ever.
I was old enough to watch Jordan's peak through high school and some of college and I despised him and looked for any excuse to downplay everything he accomplished. When I grew up, I regretted it - I missed out on appreciating maybe the best player ever at his peak but I let good guy/bad guy narratives get in the way. It's a major reason why I've tried to get over my dislike of LeBron and appreciate what a phenomenal talent he is - at least when he's not playing Boston.
You only get to see so many guys of that caliber in a lifetime, and odds are most to all of them won't be wearing your favorite color shirt.
LeBron was on the verge of blowing the ECF last year, and he rallied and crushed his biggest nemesis in their house, then pulled away in Game 7. He had 2 horrible turnovers and a brutal brick late in Game 6, and he immediately came right back and drained the next 3, and with some help won that game and played a brilliant Game 7, including making the biggest shot of the game. Anyone who claims to be a fan of the game's gotta respect that.