?He Will Grind You Down?: Despite ?Battling? for ?Big Bucks?, World Series Champ Exposes Close Friend Michael Jordan?s Addiction to ?No Limit? Play

Nearly as legendary as his basketball stories are the gambling stories of one Michael Jordan. The six-time champion was driven by competition and where there weren’t any stakes, Mike wasn’t afraid to create them. He’s done it on the hardwood and he’s done it on the golf course, getting into his opponents’ ears and oftentimes, walking away their money.?However, there is one person the Chicago Bulls legend is yet to sit across from on the table.

Despite being a legend on the Poker Table, this man shied away from Michael.

Michael Jordan just as fierce on the Poker Table

While poker remains a forever underappreciated sport, Phil Hellmuth is the ace on the table. Gaining prominence at the same time as a certain Black Jesus, Hellmuth won his first World Series of Poker bracelet in 1989. As everyone knows, MJ’s first title with the Bulls came in 1991. The two enjoyed a meteoric rise together.

While Michael Jordan became the kingpin of the NBA with 5-MVPs and a litany of accolades, Hellmuth remains the record holder for most bracelets.

The two became close friends but somehow remained away from the Poker Table. With Mike’s fascination with the deck and Phil’s expertise, it would seem like an obvious match.

However, as Phil himself describes, “MJ and I have hung out at a lot of different places, but we?ve never played poker.”?

The simple reasoning for the 17-time Champion is, “He would?ve wanted to play ?til seven in the morning and who knows at that point. He will grind you down, but I?m a little stronger.”?

So, the two remain wilfully away from suiting up for a round. However, it’s not like they don’t partake in any game whatsoever.

Jordan’s other card game

While he may miss out on Larcus’ wedding completely, the 10-time scoring champion isn’t completely missing out on Phil. Instead of poker, the two like to play a unique game called badugi. Explaining the rules, Hellmuth went into detail.

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“You?re dealt four cards and you want to have a club, a diamond, a heart, or a spade. Ace, deuce, three, four (in four different suits) is the best possible hand. And (Jordan) wants to play no limit, so things can get really crazy.”?

As it turns out, the previous owner of the Charlotte Hornets did eventually bring his love for cards into his friendship with Hellmuth. However, it does look like the two friends bonded well over it. Let’s just hope Jordan never enters the World Series of Poker.

Or, his perfect record might just be in jeopardy.

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