Michael Jordan has won six Championships in the NBA throughout the course of 15 seasons. Jordan’s legacy and greatness as a basketball player were integral for the sport to become popular worldwide; and one of the aspects that defined Jordan’s career and made him so popular among the masses was his aerial acrobatics, which earned him the nickname ‘Air Jordan’.
Credits: USA Today Sports and Twitter
Advertisement
During his final NBA season in 2003, MJ sat down for a TNT interview with legendary college coach John Thompson, revealing some interesting aspects of his career and life. He also touched upon his insane work ethic and aerial acrobatics, which defined his game through the ’80s and the ’90s. However, contrary to many fans’ beliefs, MJ admitted to never practicing these skills before performing them on the court.
When coach Thompson asked whether Jordan ever prepared himself to perform the creativity he displayed on the court and the crazy game-winning shots he scored throughout his career, the 6x NBA champion promptly replied, “No, I never did.” Elaborating further, Jordan added, “Obviously, when you are a kid, you want to countdown 5,4,3,2,1 and take the game winning shot, yes. But I mean in terms of the creativeness, I think, you have seen it, you know it has happened in situations where the defense dictates what your reaction may be.”
“But then, once you do it once you know you have a gift or talent to create in any other situation, you try to alter and you try to change. But all it was with the expansion of Elgin Baylor, Dr. J, all the guys who have created before you. We love watching them so the vision’s here, it’s just the creativity expanded with my talent,” he added.
Indeed, players like Julius ‘Dr. J’ Irving and Elgin Baylor laid the foundation for Jordan to explore his creativity on the hardwood. His Airness has always regarded David Thompson as his idol, one of his inspirations behind his incredible aerial and acrobatic leaps on the court. Thompson also presented Jordan during his 2009 Hall of Fame induction, which very well explains why MJ holds these legends with such high regard to this day.
Michael Jordan cemented himself as a great with his incredible prowess
When the Chicago Bulls drafted Michael Jordan as the 3rd overall pick, they knew they had hit the jackpot. The then 18-year-old kid from North Carolina went on to break and create several individual records in basketball, some remaining unbeatable to this day.
For Jordan, his insane work ethic and competitive nature pushed him to become creative with his moves. Since his college days, he used to put an incredible amount of work behind closed doors, which essentially allowed him to become one of the most effective players around the rim and from the mid-range as well.
Indeed, this creativity and talent earned Jordan six NBA championships, five MVP titles, and one Defensive Player of the Year title in 1998. Throughout all of his six NBA Finals, Jordan emerged as the MVP, further cementing himself as arguably the greatest player of all time.
News
Will Smith Cries and ‘REGRETS’ ADMITTING to Handing Jaden Smith Over to Diddy His Freak-Offs (VIDEO) – daem
It’s true that Diddy received Jaden Smith from Will Smith because of his freakouts. Social media users are discussing the newest developments in the dramatic case…
Markle vs Markle! Mez will face what she has done as her sister reveals SHOCKING SECRETS about the terrifying conspiracy – daem
It’s Markle vs. Markle! Samantha Markle Accuses Meghan of Defamation to Cover Up ‘False Rags-to-Riches’ Narrative Meghan Markle’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, has accused the Duchess of Sussex…
NEW ERA: Louise finally appointed Duchess of Sussex – which means Meghan is KICKED OUT – daem
In a surprising turn of events, Buckingham Palace has announced that Lady Louise Windsor, the 25-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, will be…
Taylor and the ‘MIRACLE: She’s no longer alone between dances – daem
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted enjoying a lively moment together at the 2024 US Open, where they joined in a spontaneous sing-along to The Darkness’s…
DON’T MISS: Explore Patrick Mahomes’ $2.9 Million Mansion – HE ALWAYS INVESTS IN THE BEST FOR HIS FAMILY – daem
When Patrick Mahomes signed his first long-term contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, he purchased a home that, with regard to superstar standards, was considered to be…
NFL approves Travis’ request, Taylor will sign with ‘KC Chiefs’ National Anthem – “Both Travis and Taylor are great young men — they seem very happy,” Goodell says – daem
Travis Kelce roυtiпely draws a crowd of reporters aпd cameras oп the so-called opeпiпg пight of the Sυper Bowl. Bυt this year is пext level for the…
End of content
No more pages to load