Many people might not know former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro. Vaccaro was responsible for one of basketball’s most iconic and revolutionary partnerships, Michael Jordan and Nike.

Vaccaro was instrumental in convincing Nike to sign Michael Jordan. He was then relieved of his duties by Nike just after the NBA Finals of 1991.

This started a fierce cold-war between the executive and Nike. He joined Adidas and was pivotal in signing Kobe Bryant to the brand.

Vaccaro was even omitted from ‘The Last Dance’. This was enough for the 81-year-old to finally make a statement and to prove how important he really was in Jordan’s meteoric rise.

In a recent interaction with various reporters, Vaccaro said, “I can’t allow these lies to perpetuate and take hold.”

In order to prove that he played a crucial role in Jordan’s rise, the 81-year-old recently put up the 1991 Game 4 NBA Finals sneakers worn by MJ for auction. The projected price of the shoe ranges from $500,000 to $750,000.

MJ’s gift to Vaccaro

Sonny Vaccaro had a close professional relationship with Jordan. He played a big role in MJ’s signing with Nike in 1984 and remained close to Jordan until his departure from the brand.

MJ had even invited the executive to attend the 1991 NBA Finals game in Los Angeles, but he declined. To Vaccaro’s surprise, Jordan had left a pair of black Air Jordans that he had worn to start Game 4.

Trending

Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets

April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

Marcus Takes Eyes Away From GF Larsa Pippen to Acknowledge Father Michael Jordan’s Talladega Victory

April 22, 2024 09:33 PM EDT

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

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

Follow Us

These sneakers were notable because of a hole cut on the top of the right in order to help MJ play, despite having a bruised big toe that was still hurting him.

For Vaccaro, it was something else. In a statement to the press, Vaccaro said, “In my 6-decade career in basketball, I was fortunate to spend 7 years working together with Michael Jordan during my time at Nike, and these Air Jordans represent the moment that he became the most iconic athlete on the planet, as well as the culmination of my career and friendship with Jordan,”

When asked about what the shoes signify for him, the former executive said, “It also shows how close we were. I certainly didn’t call (and ask for those shoes). It’s a beautiful memory.”

Sonny Vaccaro is one revolutionary executive and thanks to him we have seen such a drastic change in basketball and its stars.