Michael Jordan served as an inspiration for many generations due to his brilliance on the court. The six-time NBA champ’s level of fierceness and competitiveness was something that had never been seen in the league. However, he also admired an NBA legend’s game while growing up. Recently, the same NBA legend dragged billionaire Michael Jordan for stealing his nickname.

Michael Jordan became synonymous with the sport of basketball in the 1990s. His two three-peat achievements took him to a height of greatness that was acknowledged worldwide. However, he was blamed for stealing his nickname ‘MJ’ by an NBA great and it’s not Magic Johnson.

NBA legend makes a bold claim about Michael Jordan

In a recent appearance on No Chill with Gilbert Arenas, Milwaukee Bucks legend Marques Johnson joined co-hosts Gilbert Arenas and Josiah Johnson. The co-host Josiah Johnson asked Marques Johnson what it meant to him knowing Michael Jordan admired him. Jordan’s admiration for Marques Johnson is not unknown. There is a very famous photo that depicts the scenes from a young Jordan’s dorm room where the striking poster of Johnson’s Law could be seen on his wall. The Adidas ad poster featured the Bucks legend with the slogan, “What goes up goes in.”

Trending

“I Can Be Replaced”: Shaq Drops Cryptic Note Online As Absence From TNT Live Show Confuses America

May 20, 2024 01:32 AM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

Angel Reese Rejuvenates Allen Iverson’s Legacy Through Ties With $2.5 Billion Worth Brand

May 18, 2024 03:28 AM EDT

“Gonna Be On LinkedIn”: Charles Barkley Begins Job Hunt, Shaq Goes AWOL as NBC Takes ‘Inside The NBA’, TNT to Deep Waters

May 20, 2024 12:20 PM EDT

“Jordan Slipping Him Cash”: Fans Join In as Magic Johnson Slams Stephen A. Smith for Leaving Isiah Thomas Out of His List

May 18, 2024 03:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Moreover, Michael Jordan also shared his respect for Marques Johnson in The Last Dance. During the conversation, Johnson revealed that his son sent him the footage of the episode from The Last Dance before its release. In the footage, MJ talked about his liking for the Bucks giant. While sharing his experience of watching the video, Marques Johnson said, “It was Michael saying, ‘Yeah! Yeah! Marques Johnson. I’m a big fan. I used to love Marques Johnson. He was my favorite player.” 

Johnson reckoned that it was a huge honor for him to be Michael Jordan’s favorite player. Meanwhile, Marques Johnson’s revelation prompted Gilbert Arenas to pose a question. Arenas questioned, “So basically, he stole your name?”

After “Another $108,000 in Checks” at Gambling Weekend, “Not Perfect” Michael Jordan Got Off Easy by the NBA: “The Mistake Was…”

In response, Marques Johnson said, “MJ? I mean, yeah.” Moreover, the acknowledgment of the claim about Jordan stealing Johnson’s nickname triggered jokes from Gilbert Arenas. The NBA veteran joked that they were coming for the Chicago Bulls legend and that Johnson needed his checks for the money Jordan had earned with the nickname ‘MJ’.

Jordan’s admiration for Marques almost took him away from Nike

Michael Jordan has become synonymous with the multinational sneaker brand Nike. His partnership with Nike has earned him and the company a great deal of fortune and played a crucial part in achieving billionaire status. However, Michael once revealed his inclination to sign Adidas, due to Marques Johnson’s history with the sneakers brand. 

Once, MJ was asked if there was a shoe company he wanted to associate with. The Bulls legend responded with a smile, “Yeah, I was Adidas. I like Los Angeles Lakers, and I like Marques Johnson, and I like Adidas. I like Adidas shoes.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Will Smiths Net Worth Compared To Michael Jordan and Shaquille ONeal

Thus, due to Johnson’s associations with Adidas in the past, Jordan was inclined to join the sneaker brand. However, he made a wise and fortune-showering decision of partnering up with Nike and the rest is history.