Being the ‘Greatest of All Time’ also means you’re under the microscope at all times. Even as a retired NBA player, Michael Jordan continues to be under the spotlight. Recently, the sale of the Charlotte Hornets at a sizeable valuation of $3 billion raked in a lot of unwanted attention for Jordan. 

Jordan’s lifestyle, career and court ethics have created a lot of media buzz. Several athletes have voiced concerns about Jordan’s reckless behaviors on and off the court. However, one, in particular, seems to stand out now with the sale.

Maurice Taylor reminisces about Jordan’s ‘smoking-hot’ entry

MJ steps out of the locker room. As expected, he has got all eyes on him. Cameras flashing brightly. “And he’s smoking this huge cigar, indoors…in the locker room,” Maurice ‘MO’ Taylor chuckles as he remembers the halo of cigar smoke surrounding Michael Jordan when he steps out of the Chicago Bulls locker room. MO, in a recent conversation with Ryan Hollins on the NBA Rookie Life with Ryan Hollins podcast, comments on Jordan’s devil-may-care attitude. 

“And it’s Michael Jordan. They just let him walk through the sports arena with a huge cigar, with securities around, and I was like, ‘man they’d let him do whatever,‘” Maurice Taylor and others watched MJ in silence. Jordan boldly blazed a cigar in front of hundreds of people, blatantly disregarding all rules.  MO says, “It was surreal,” to watch MJ. There was no way that a ‘no smoking’ sign could coop up this free-spirited NBA megastar. 

The Great Jordan could have been greater

Despite the 6 NBA championship wins and 2 Olympic gold medals, athletes have always faulted Jordan’s smoking habits. MJ loves his cigars as much as he loves basketball. Olden Polynice, on the BallySports podcast, goes on to say, “Can you imagine if this guy ate right instead of eating McDonald’s, did not drink and did not smoke? Can you imagine that Michael Jordan?” It is generally perceived that athletes don’t smoke, and if they do, it’s certainly not before or after a game. 

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But MJ was different. He stunned everyone. His love for cigars crossed all bounds. Jordan, in an interview with the Cigar Aficionado, admits to smoking a pre-game cigar to relax, “I wanted that feeling of success and relaxation. It’s the most relaxing thing.” Jordan’s passion for basketball and his off-court hobbies made him a very formidable opponent. His entry into the court would intimidate players, even before he started playing.

Read more: Spitting on LA’s “No Smoking” Rules, Michael Jordan Burnt Through Tobacco While An Entire Team He Just Insulted Watched in Silence

While we appreciate Jordan’s exuberance on the court, Olden Polynice’s points still seem valid. Can we imagine how brilliant MJ could have been if he had truly given up smoking? In the meantime, we can only marvel at the anecdotes of MJ and his beloved cigars. Do you agree with this?

Watch this story: After Joe Gibbs and Denny Hamlin Fulfilled His Personal Request 9 Years Ago, Michael Jordan Was Once Left “Nervous” for His Future Business Partner

Share your thoughts in the comments!