Hornets’ Michael Jordan on Zion’s passion, LeBron comparisons, global reach
Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan hardly ever does media. That’s frustrating for those of us who cover the team regularly.
But instances like Friday before the Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks played in Paris illustrate why he’s reluctant. When he’s made available, media worldwide look to lead Jordan down paths that can only end in hassles for him. Like when Jordan was asked to rate Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James in the “GOAT” department.
“He’s an unbelievable player — one of the best players in the world. If not the best player in the world,” Jordan replied. “I know there’s a natural tendency to compare eras. It’s going to continue to happen. I’m a fan of his; I love watching him play.”
Jordan either says something placid and superficial like that, or he invites controversy. No matter what he says about James or Kobe Bryant or Giannis Antetokounmpo or Luka Doncic, it will be dissected and often misrepresented. It’s great being an iconic former player worth more than $1 billion. But it comes with landmines.
I wanted to hear Jordan’s impressions of this Hornets rebuild. Unfortunately, neither I nor the other two Charlotte-based journalists in Paris were called on during a 30-minute press conference. Jordan was one of three at the dais, along with NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry.
Most questions were directed at Jordan. The one thing Hornets-related is how much attention the basketball operation is giving international scouting. Jordan said his people — I assume he meant general manager Mitch Kupchak this week — scouted Brussels and Germany.
The only other thing vaguely local was when Jordan was asked for a review of former Duke star and No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson. Jordan Brand signed Williamson as an endorser, and it took until now for Williamson to heal from a knee injury and make his debut with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jordan has some latitude to speak about Williamson without incurring a tampering penalty because of his Nike division’s business relationship. He said the big attraction to Williamson was abundant passion.
“That’s something you can’t get. Either you’re born with it” or not. Jordan said. “And you want to share it with the rest of the world. We look at Zion as an impact player who can bring energy to the game of basketball.”
Some other thoughts from Jordan’s rare media appearance:
He’d adapt
Jordan — so effective with mid-range jump shots that are out of vogue with the NBA’s new shot-value math — is confident he’d still excel if this was his playing era.
“You’ve got a lot of different (perceptions) about how I would play (today). I’m pretty sure I would make my adjustments,” Jordan said. “I think the game would still be played with passion. I don’t think the passion in basketball has changed.
“I think the talent has changed. I think the versatility has changed. You have younger players and you have bigger players. But overall, you still have to shoot, you still have to defend. You still shoot free throws and 3s, you still have to play as a team. Those things transcend generations.
“Things would have been totally different — I would have been playing against LeBron James. I would have been playing against Anthony Davis. As opposed to playing against Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Now, would I have had as much success? We’d never know, so I’ll let you guys speculate on that.
“But I think my passion for the game would have been the same, because I love the game of basketball.”
David Stern’s passing
Former commissioner Stern died Jan. 1. Asked about Stern’s impact, Jordan said he wouldn’t own a team today without Stern, who mentored his transition beyond playing.
“I wouldn’t be here without David Stern,” Jordan said. “I learned a lot from him, not just as a basketball player, but then obviously when I moved into the business.”
On the Hornets being picked for Paris
“Truly an honor. It’s been 23 years (since he played here with the Chicago Bulls)...The Paris people have been unbelievable. It’s been a treat for me to be back and reminisce about the basketball.”
On the NBA’s global reach
“The Dream Team started it, and it led right into us playing here. The game is expanding all over the globe. I’m glad I was a part of it. it will continue to get bigger.”
On NBA returning to Paris next year
“I imagine there are 28 other teams that would love (to come over). Whenever the league comes to us and invites us (to play internationally) it’s great for our culture. The (players) get to see a different country and bond as a unit.”
