Every great NBA player remembers the time when another superstar took charge. For Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan’s ascension was something he vividly remembers. So much so that he has talked about it numerous times. And yet each, time there is a childlike glee in his eyes. Michael Jordan had that much of a profound impact on him.
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So, the story is a tale as old as time, a rising superstar finally reaches his prime and realizes that it is his moment. He can vanquish all foes and finally claim the throne.
When MJ realized it, it felt like a true fairy tale, and from the mouth of Magic, it feels even more like a fable. However, there is some veracity to it because following that incident, MJ went on to win multiple titles.
1992 Dream Team, Michael Jordan shows out in practice, leaving Magic Johnson and everyone in awe
As Magic Johnson recalls, almost animatedly, in a dream-like state, how MJ soared through the air and was face to face with one of the best players from the 80s, David Robinson.
And at the moment, Jordan’s airtime was so long that he could stare back at David falling down and then complete his move. He did a 360 to finish. And after it, he even stared down Magic.
“I just want y’all to know, there’s a new sheriff in town”, Michael said. And the rest is history. As Johnson recalls this tale to the All The Smoke podcast crew, which includes Rachel Nichols, Stephen Jackson, and Matt Barnes are all left in splits.
The video was recorded by Rachel herself.=
Michael’s impact on everyone around him elevated after the 1992 Olympics
As the story goes, the 1992 dream team was something out of a film. They never trailed a game and they won the gold medal rather emphatically.
Almost every player on that team is a Hall of Famer. And yet, during this time, MJ only had 2 titles to his name and was just earning bragging rights.
Once the games concluded and the regular season began, MJ would go on to threepeat. Retire. And threepeat again. The rest is history. He recently had the MVP trophy renamed after him.
