“So Gracious”: Kim Mulkey Reveals How Michael Jordan Agreed to Present Her at 2021 Hall of Fame

LSU’s women’s basketball coach, Kim Mulkey, is part of the 2020 batch of Hall of Famers. In an element of pleasant surprise for her, Michael Jordan is coming in as a replacement to present her with this honor.

NBA followers have been awash in excitement for this exclusive batch of Hall of Famers. Moreover, the legend himself, Michael Jordan, will be presenting Kobe Bryant‘s Naismith Hall of Fame in the upcoming ceremony.

2020 Hall of Famer – Kim Mulkey

Kim Mulkey, one of the inductees, had chosen her former coach at Louisiana Tech, Leon Barmore as the presenter. But due to illness, he won’t be able to travel for the ceremony on May 15. But Mulkey now has a terrific substitution in Michael Jordan.

Kim recently left Baylor to join LSU as the head women’s basketball coach. She was at Baylor for 21 seasons and won three championships during her time. In addition to that, one of her primary achievements is that she is the first person in the history of NCAA women’s basketball to win a national championship as a player, assistant coach, and head coach.

“I’m so thankful”: Kim says after Michael Jordan’s gesture

Since presenters are themselves required to be Hall of Famers, Kim asked the organizers to find a substitute from the ones who will be there. When MJ agreed to fill in, Kim said that she was ‘thankful’ to him.

She narrated the incident and said, “And they just casually said, ‘Michael Jordan is doing it for Kobe Bryant.’ Well, Michael and I were in the Olympics together, and so they asked him. And he said, ‘Sure, I’ll do that.’ I’m so thankful he agreed to do it and was so gracious.”

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Kim shares a historic Olympic achievement with Michael Jordan

One of the major crossroads where Mulkey and Jordan crossed paths was at the Summer Olympics back in 1984. It took place in Los Angeles and both the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams won a gold medal that year.

“One of the most vivid memories I have with Michael Jordan is when we were getting ready to walk into the opening ceremony. I mean, just think of those Olympic basketball teams,” said Kim.

The Naismith Hall of Fame ceremony will be taking place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on May 15. A much-anticipated event for most fans because the likes of Kobe, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett will get inducted into the HOF this year.

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