Ray Allen Defends Michael Jordan's Leadership Tactics: 'Don't Take It Personal'

Michael Jordan's intensity was a major topic of discussion following "The Last Dance," but former NBA star Ray Allen defended the Hall of Famer being hard on his teammates. 

Allen broke it down Monday on The Encore with Sage Steele (starts at 21:00):

"Once we go on the court, you know we're friends and I love you, but I need you to do your job," he said. "And if I get on your butt, don't take it personal. Don't get mad back at me because you can't handle what I'm saying to you."

Jordan was hard on his teammates throughout his career, although Allen noted that the leadership strategy worked: "The proof is in the pudding when you win six championships."

Jordan's intensity was discussed during an episode of "The Last Dance," and he got emotional while explaining his mindset: 

Allen apparently felt the same way, and it led to his own measure of success with 10 All-Star selections and two titles during a Hall of Fame career. 

"This is what greatness is all about," he told Steele. "If you guys want to see this man and anybody at this level be extremely incredible and you want to watch them night in and night out, this is the commitment that it takes."

The 44-year-old said he wants young people to watch the documentary to understand the benefits of hard work.