Privacy above stardom — the mantra by which Michael Jordan seems to live by ever since he hung his basketball shoes. The very reason that the 5x NBA champ seldom makes any public appearances. Whether it be media interactions, podcast appearances, or most other things that NBA stars are known to embrace after retirement. However, Matt Barnes feels he can now get the 6x NBA champ to maybe make an exception.

What makes the former LA Lakers star believe that way? Count in the reputation boost All The Smoke podcast has received after Kamala Harris’ appearance as one factor. Appearing on CBS Mornings recently, the podcast hosts—Barnes and Stephen Jackson—were asked the one person they would want to have on their show now that the VP has been on it. Without a second thought, Jackson had Michael Jordan as the first name.

The fact CBS Mornings host Gayle King stated they too have been trying to get His Airness, but it has been a “hard no”. However, Barnes saying, “I just think the ask is a little easier now the VP under our belt,” is some strong hope. But from what MJ has spoken about his unwillingness to make public appearances, the chances seem thin.

“There are many days I don’t want to be around people and I’m a nasty person, an evil person. I stay in till I’m back in the mood to deal with peo­ple again,” Mike once told GQ’s David Breskin. Moreover, Harris has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning. But MJ won’t come on CBS Mornings so let’s not get our hopes high based on just one factor. But there is another factor that may work in the favor of All The Smoke podcasts.

Unlike media outlets, the two stars come from the same community (NBA) as MJ. But most important of all, they have been consistent with their approach towards His Airness.

Did All The Smoke almost have Michael Jordan convinced to appear on the podcast?

During the time Mike Bibby appeared on the podcast in November last year, he was asked about the star he next wants to see on the show. Yep, the answer was Jordan. And then it came to light that Jackson had almost made it a done deal on his end.

“We need your help Mike. We have to simultaneously text this brother, alright? I think we can work it from both angles coz he actually said that he would do it when I talked to him but I think me and you being both on Jordan I think,” Jack said.

But it seems there is still a lot that will go into convincing MJ at this point. Meanwhile, Barnes has reached a point where he will be satisfied with the opportunity to sit with His Airness, even on a different show. During a recent interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Matt revealed that the stories he heard from Dominique Wilkins about Jordan left him in awe.

So he’d love to hear Michael Jordan himself tell some stories. “Hopefully it’s All the Smoke but if it’s not us… anybody,” he added. With such dedication, the Matt and Jackson stars may as well make it happen what they have been longing for their podcast.