“Hell Yeah I Wanna Meet Mike”: Reliving the Nerves He Felt, Former NBA Star Describes the Array of Emotions He Experienced When Meeting Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan may have retired in 2003, but that didn’t affect his popularity. People still wanted to be ‘like Mike’. His aura was infectious yet suffocating. The air went thin just by his mere mention. It was basketball’s greatest after all. Despite the heavy obsession to even get a glimpse, not many got to watch him play, let alone meet him. Well, one former NBA star got his chance. During his recent interview with Gilbert Arenas, he spoke about his experience, and what it was like having an interaction with the Hall of Famer. The lucky man was Evan Turner.

The former Philadelphia 76ers forward is probably one of the NBA’s most curious ‘What Ifs’. As a collegiate star, Turner made waves with his outstanding display with Ohio State. It was in his third season that he really got the NBA’s attention. A Naismith Award winner, Turner was destined for greatness. He even got off on the right foot by signing with David Falk, the same man who managed Michael Jordan. Turner got an invite to a party with His Airness in attendance. After just a single look, he knew what true GOAT status looks like.

What it is like meeting Michael Jordan

During his conversations with Arenas, Turner spoke about the time he got an invite to Falk’s 60th birthday. It was supposed to be a quiet night. However, that was until the number two pick got news about Michael Jordan attending the party.

“I’m going to wear a suit,” said Turner while on the ‘No Chill’ podcast.

Luckily for him, he knew His Airness knew him through his matchups against his sons. Playing for Ohio, Turner revealed he had “30s or something” in those Big Ten clashes. A clinique against MJ’s sons had to be enough for the man to take note. But that didn’t stop Turner’s heart from pouncing in his chest.

He wore a suit and went to the party. Finally, the moment came, he saw Jordan enter. However, he noticed a rather worn-down look on his face. Apparently, the six-time champion had spent time on his second love – golf for the entire day before coming to the party. At first, Turner was hesitant to go up to the NBA icon. Maybe it was the nerves.

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So, his former agent came up to him and asked him whether he wants to meet the Chicago Bulls legend. “Hell yeah I wanna meet Mike,” said Turner to his agent in brimming excitement. Everyone at the party abided by the dress code. There was one rule – no jeans allowed at the party.

Turner was in a suit ready to impress Michael Jordan rather than show out for Falk’s special occasion. When he approached him, ET discovered the perks of being the NBA’s GOAT. There was Jordan, in ripped jeans, walking the party with no regard for the dress code standard. He was the Michael Jordan after all. Turner remembers his thoughts from the moment. “I just remember seeing him like, ‘Yeah, this is what a GOAT looks like,'” he told the podcast hosts.

How did the interaction go?

Evan Turner was finally introduced to Michael Jordan. The five-time MVP shook hands with Turner with his gigantic palms. The interaction was short, but for the Naismith Award winner, he was a kid in the candy store.

Jordan asked him, “Yo Evan, you ready?” 

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Turner could only nervously reply, but he had his bucket list experience. He described the experience as ‘dope’. And is it even surprising? He just got to meet Michael Jordan!