Steve Kerr was a big talking point of the Democratic National Committee until the showstopper stepped up. The Obamas not only arrived, they dominated like a prime Magic Johnson in the Showtime Lakers. Chicago’s United Center, that’s well-versed with some basketball greatness, hosted the DNC with fanfare. It was when Michelle Obama took the stage that time seemed to stop. The former FLOTUS did what she did best, pumped up crowds with her speech, back Kamala Harris, and had everyone on their feet. Her speech had a seismic effect on the NBA community on social media.

Magic Johnson has always been involved in the DNC. This year he stated what he’s looking forward to before it began. “Cookie and I are looking forward to hearing from former President Obama tonight at the DNC! I’ve always believed he’s one of the greatest speakers of my time—his eloquence and ability to connect with people of all ages and races are truly remarkable.” he wrote on X.

He was awed by the celebrity performers at the convention too, but he and Cookie were here for one person. “ We’re also very excited to hear from former First Lady Michelle Obama. She is class personified! She could have easily been President with her moral character and intelligence.”

Unfortunately for Magic and any likeminded supporter, the phenom has repeatedly refused pleas to run for the presidency. Michelle has put her power and grace to bolster the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris instead. Her speech was equal parts moving and emboldening from the moment she opened with, “American hope is making a comeback.” 

That statement resonated with former Denver Nuggets coach, George Karl who wrote, “Michelle Obama is amazing. Hope is back! Michelle is also so effective at crushing the competition, without directly focusing on them.”

By crushing the competition, he’s referring to Obama taking aim at Harris’ opponents and critics without namedropping most of them except for a few instances. Michelle especially called out Donald Trump’s relentless commentary on the Obama family.

Michelle Obama’s 2024 DNC outing would go down in the history of some of the most powerful speeches of the modern world. For NBA player, coach, and podcaster, Evan Turner it felt like a throwback. “Michelle poppin off like Tupac at the Indy Expo,” he said. And yes, he’s referring to then 21-year-old Tupac’s legendary moment at the 1993 Indiana Black Expo.

It wasn’t just these NBA stars. The Michelle Mania took over the WNBA too.

Michelle Obama outshines everyone

On the first night, Steve Kerr’s return to the city where he won three of his five NBA championships was all everyone could talk about. Eddie Johnson casually promoted Kerr’s unexpected appearance at the DNC. The next night, the Team USA coach using Steph Curry’s signature ‘Night-Night’ taunt was overshadowed my Michelle Obama’s dazzle.

One of her more viral statements from the night include, “No one has a monopoly on what it means to be an American.” Chicago Sky rookie, Angel Reese, heard it loud and clear. And to ensure others did too, she wrote, “MICHELLE SAID WHAT SHE SAID,” in uppercase to make her point. She’d yell this on a megaphone if she had one.

Michelle would end her speech by introducing her husband, Barack Obama. It was a tough act to follow for the former POTUS, but he did an impressive job.

Atlanta Dream star, Renee Montgomery felt it too. She summarized Barack and Michelle Obama’s combined presence in one sentence – “The Obamas are thee definition of a Power Couple… like wow, they are both a Power House in their own right #Goals“

Goals indeed. Leave it to the Obamas to fill out NBA arenas with their star power.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.