For those that even read a book about Jordan, and what his peers said about him and his reputation, wasn't really surprised by the speech. Most Hall of Fame speeches are somewhat dull, mostly about thanking people who helped them in life, what their life was like before and after success, and what lessons of life they learned from their experiences. Not Jordan.
Jordan mentioned every slight that was done to him, perceived or otherwise, and told the audience about how he found motivation from those slights. It was all about him, and his, hunger, to be the best. He even stated then that he could STILL come back right now and play in the NBA. To him, basketball was the way for him to be the best, and by God, he was going to do it, no matter who got in his way. Personally, it was way more enriching than someone like David Robinson's, but it was somewhat shocking when it was done at the time.
People always get shocked when they hear how people got successful, and what they REALLY had to do to get there. People like hearing about the successes, but rarely the failures and hardships endured. Everyone ignorant of his history thinks Mark Cuban just got lucky getting his wealth from selling broadcast.com to Yahoo (and even he admits it), but they rarely really listen to how he was living 5 guys to an apartment, how for 3 years he was paid low wage selling computer programs and parts to other businesses, how in college he was working his ass off teaching dance classes, running a bar, plus other business ideas I don't remember off the top of my head, while trying to get his degree.
Instead of glossing over that part of his success like most other HOF speeches, Jordan I believe high-lighted them, which just surprised people, that's all.