via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 12: In this handout image provided by Jordan Brand, Michael Jordan paid a visit to Palais 23 this afternoon on Friday June 12, Joined by his frequent partners-in-design Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith, key figures in the 30-year evolution of the Air Jordan, Jordan has returned to Paris to mark the 30th anniversary of 1985’s Air Jordan One. Palais 23 is a spectacular tribute to the shoes, moments, designs and artifacts that have shaped the 30-year evolution of the Air Jordan. (Photo by Jordan Brand via Getty Images)
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 12: In this handout image provided by Jordan Brand, Michael Jordan paid a visit to Palais 23 this afternoon on Friday June 12, Joined by his frequent partners-in-design Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith, key figures in the 30-year evolution of the Air Jordan, Jordan has returned to Paris to mark the 30th anniversary of 1985’s Air Jordan One. Palais 23 is a spectacular tribute to the shoes, moments, designs and artifacts that have shaped the 30-year evolution of the Air Jordan. (Photo by Jordan Brand via Getty Images)
Michael Jordan signed a deal with Nike in 1984, which led to the birth of the Air Jordan shoes we know today. Not only Michael, but players around the league started wearing his shoes. Even Kobe Bryant once wore them for the game against MJ. Jordan also wore the first edition of his shoes in his last game in New York.
There were games where players trash talked a lot, especially in the 90s. Michael never backed down and always answered with his skills. But when his opponent wore his shoes, it was a different story.
Michael Jordan played with Jim Jackson
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jim Jackson had played 14 seasons in the NBA. He played for the Nets in the 1996-97 season. Though he only played 31 games for New Jersey, he faced MJ twice. And in one of the games he went off for 33 points on the Bulls wearing Jordans. He said that for the entire game both the players went back and forth, though the Bulls ended up winning the game. After the game, Jordan made sure to point out why Jackson wore his shoes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“So Mike and I are going back and forth just talking, ‘You can’t guard me, I can’t guard you’ blah blah blah we going back. We lose the game, I had 33, Mike had 30 something, so we’re going through the line to shake hands afterwards and Joe Kleine that played for the Bulls before pulls Mike to his side and says, ‘Mike leave my man JJ alone my young brother’ Mike said ‘No JJ is my guy but tell him that’s why he’s wearing my shoes.'”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jordan trolled Jackson hilariously, though Jackson was not going to change his shoes from then on. Jim said that Michael had over 30 points, but in reality MJ scored 21 points and dished out 10 assists in that game. Jackson had his fun scoring 33 on Bulls, but Jordan had the last laugh. Jim is now an analyst, and never misses out on telling this particular story.
WATCH THIS STORY: Worlds Collide as Pierre Gasly Swaps Merch With NBA GOAT Michael Jordan
