Former NBA Coach of the Year Once Made Legendary Michael Jordan Comparison to James Bond

Irrespective of the fact if you are a basketball fan or not, you  know Michael Jordan. The Chicago Bulls legend is one of the greatest athletes ever, and for good reason. Along with his super-team comprising players like Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and others, he won 6 NBA titles in 8 years.

While many might associate Jordan with the number 23, a former legendary coach thinks otherwise. According to a former Utah Jazz coach, Jordan should have the number 007 because he has ‘the license to kill’.

Legendary coach associates Michael Jordan with James Bond

Michael Jordan needs no introduction. Playing for the Chicago Bulls for practically most his career, ‘His Airness’ won 6 NBA titles that put him among the very best. Moreover, he is regarded as the greatest NBA player by many.

Interestingly enough, Jordan donned the number 23 throughout his NBA career. Whether he was with the Bulls or with the Washington Wizards, the number behind his back remained the same. Currently, we see LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers don the historic number behind his back.

While many might associate Jordan with this number, former Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden feels otherwise. Speaking to the media about Jordan, he talked about how His Airness has the wrong number behind his back. He says, “You know you see that Michael Jordan already has superstar status. He has the wrong number on. It should be 007, he’s got a license to kill.”

Although a 007 number behind Jordan definitely sounds nice, MJ held on to his special number throughout his glorious NBA career.

READ MORE: Kevin Durant Fires Shots at Steve Kerr and Warriors for Pulling Stephen Curry Out vs. Wizards

Why did Jordan choose the number 23?

Numbers in any sport are special. Whether it is Cristiano Ronaldo’s number 7 or Jordan’s number 23, they all hold a special meaning in a player’s life. Interestingly enough, Jordan grew up wanting to represent the number 45 throughout his childhood.

However, he had an elder brother who was a basketball player himself. When Jordan and his elder brother Larry played in the same team during his university days, Larry ended up taking the number 45. Consequently, Jordan used the number 23 during that game given that it is the closest number to the half of 45 i.e 22.5

MJ ended up using the number throughout his life. Whether it was the Chicago Bulls or the Washington Wizards, Jordan always chose 23 and made it his trademark.

WATCH THIS STORY: Which NBA Star Was Michael Jordan Nicknamed After In High School?

What is your favorite memory of Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments below.