Michael Jordan, one of the GOATS of basketball, was the face of the NBA during his career. By the time his Chicago Bulls side won its first championship in 1991, Michael had already become arguably the most important player in the league. His global appeal was of such tremendous value, that a Japanese company was once open to giving him $450,000 more than any other Bull to come to travel to their country.
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Jordan’s reputation as a teammate has seldom been positive or selfless. However, he once came to aid his teammates when Disney approached Jordan with a $100,000 paycheck to say a specific catchphrase after winning the NBA finals in 1991. Jordan agreed with the condition that he would only do commercials with the whole starting five, and each of them would get $20,000 for it. In return, he gave up his $100,000 check, for a $20,000 payout as well.
Michael Jordan was offered 5 times more than other Chicago Stars for a Basketball Camp in Japan.
Much like the US, Japan is known for conducting multiple elite basketball camps throughout the year. Working to develop their country’s potential in the sport, several entities often invite stars from abroad to teach the country’s youth. One such instance in 1991 occurred when the Chicago Bulls were called to take basketball clinics in Japan, and Jordan was offered more than anyone else on his team, as per the book ‘Jordan Rules’.
A Japanese company had approached Hodges; the firm would pay $100,000 to any Bull to come to Japan to give basketball clinics for a week, and it would be $550,000 if that Bull was Jordan.
Jordan’s marketability and persona after his triumph in 1991 were at an all-time high. His global impact made him one of the most desired individuals to market the NBA globally at the time. It was only natural that other entities were willing to shell out the big bucks for it too.
MJ significantly put the NBA on a global map after the ‘Dream Team’ won gold at the Olympics in 1992. The team featured basketball greats alongside MJ, like Magic Johson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and Larry Bird, along with many more.
The NBA going global, and broadcasting access to international audiences later caused a rise in international broadcasting deals. The league event went global with Global Games in countries like Mexico, Japan, and China. This inspired countless future NBA players like Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki.
Michael Jordan does not spare kids at his camps
Michael Jordan’s quote “I took it personally” has been in the news since the release of The Last Dance, and the quote stands to date. Jordan often holds basketball camps, where he is often ruthless with his advice, no matter what camper he is teaching. On one occasion, he saw one of the kids wearing a Kobe Bryant’s kit, which led to the destruction of the camper,
Admittedly, this is the child’s fault. After all, it is well known that Jordan takes no prisoners. Despite that, they still tried goading him with the jersey they wore. In the end, their humiliation was inevitable because of it.
