Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul reveals how Michael Jordan’s less-popular “Michael Jordan’s Playground” short film, inspired him to play basketball.
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After chasing his title aspirations for nearly 16 years, Chris Paul is two games away from being called an NBA champion. Ever since CP3 was acquired by the Phoenix Suns, his role on the team has been instrumental on the court, and a mentor-like figure off the court. Behind the veteran’s leadership, the team finished with the second-best 51-21 record, advanced to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, and made their first finals appearance since 1993.
Chris Paul is not only a leader but also an inspiration for several youngsters in the league. But who was Chris Paul’s inspiration to play this game which he loves so much?
Just like most of the athletes, CP3 was in awe of Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Brought up in North Carolina, Chris was immediately fell in love with the way His Airness played the game.
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“I wouldn’t have the drive and the will without Michael Jordan”: Chris Paul
Recently, during an interview with ESPN, the 6-foot pass-first point guard, revealed how he loved the game at a young age because of MJ.
“I play this game and fell in love with this game because of Michael Jordan,” Paul said. “That’s just always gonna be that for me. I’m not in the NBA — I wouldn’t have the drive and the will without Michael Jordan.”
The 11-time All-Star further explained, how a lesser-known Michael Jordan short film – “Michael Jordan’s Playground”, was the reason behind his passion for the sport.
“Me and my brother used to get home from school — and I might date myself — but we used to watch this thing called Michael Jordan’s Playground,” Paul explained. “Like, every single day when we get home from school we would watch Michael Jordan’s Playground. It had MJ in it, Public Enemy was in it, and it was just, you know, I wanna be like Mike.”
“We watched WGN games. Mike’s game came on at 7 or 7:30,” he said. “There wasn’t DVR, so we had to be in front of the TV to watch it. So, the love and the passion for the game came from MJ.”
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Jordan might’ve been the inspiration behind Chris. But it has been CP’s love, determination and knowledge of the game, which has helped him reach such amazing heights. Chris has had an impressive and illustrious 16-year career. And hopes to add a championship to his resume in the coming week.
