Jamal Crawford challenges Michael Jordan to 3pt shooting contest and loses his car
The NBA has seen many great players throughout its history. We've seen the dominance in players like Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O'Neal and the finesse in players like George “The Iceman” Gervin and Kyrie Irving.
The NBA has seen players win championships at an unprecedented rate, like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. All of the above-mentioned players are great, but there was one player who seemed to have it all.
This player was dominant while on the court. He had a level of finesse that we've never seen before and after his retirement. And, of course, this player won many championships, six to be exact. The player I'm referring to is the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan.
Jordan was a once-in-a-lifetime player that could will his team to victory. As an opposing player, you quickly realize not to challenge His Airness because if you do, he'll take it personally, and you'll be in trouble.
Some players are wise to this, or they simply don't care, as they believe they can be the one to take the GOAT. Jamal Crawford, a 3x Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, decided to offer a challenge to Jordan, and it did not end well for him.
Jamal Crawford Loses His Car To Michael Jordan In 3PT Shootout
Jamal Crawford entered the NBA in 2000 after he was the eighth pick in the Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Crawford but immediately traded him to the Chicago Bulls.
It's been said the reason the Bulls traded for Crawford was that Jordan liked Crawford's game and urged the Bulls management to draft him. Whether that's true or not, we're not sure, but Jordan did like his game that he and Crawford used to play pickup games together.
In fact, the two apparently went undefeated in two years playing pickup ball against others. But the two didn't always play on the same team. While Jordan was preparing for his return to the NBA as a member of the Washington Wizards, Crawford reportedly challenged Jordan to a three-point contest. As mentioned earlier, you never challenge the GOAT.
The story was recounted by Gianmarco Pozzecco, who is the current head coach of the Italy national team, and used to play basketball in the Italian League from 1991 to 2010. In 2001 Pozzecco tried out for the Toronto Raptors as he played for them in the Summer League.
Pozzecco did not make the Raptors or any other NBA team, but during this team, he was a witness to Jamal Crawford's three-point shooting challenge to Michael Jordan.
“Jamal Crawford challenged Michael Jordan to a 3-point shootout for $1000. Jordan won and said that $1000 is for babies and upped the wager to $5000. This time, Jamal won. Michael Jordan then asked Crawford: “What car did you drive here with?” Jamal replied: “Mercedes” Jordan then said: “I came with a Ferrari, let’s bet our cars.” Crawford agreed and Jordan went 5 for 5, removed Crawford’s personalized license plate and left with the Mercedes.”
This is an incredible story that shows the competitiveness, ruthlessness, and the greatness of Michael Jordan. MJ didn't like to lose to anyone, even a friend. He wanted to beat you, and badly at that.
I can't think of a worse way to lose than to lose your car in a basketball shooting contest. But that's the type of wager Jordan would often bring to any bet that he was in. This showed the supreme confidence that Jordan possessed, a confidence not too many others have ever shown.
Jordan's ability to believe in himself is one of the reasons why he's so beloved all over the world. Fans who watched him and read these stories just wish for one day that they could 'Be Like Mike' and have the confidence to achieve anything. Even if what they want to achieve is to walk away with a brand new Mercedes.
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