Michael Jordan, despite him not having played in almost 20 years, still has a magical aura about him. After retiring for the third time in 2003, Jordan has remained a pivotal figure in the NBA, first as an executive and now as the franchise owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
Jordan stays involved with his franchise, having a key role in the decision-making process for his team. Despite him being a reclusive figure in the media, Jordan establishes a solid relationship with NBA players who play for his franchise.
Over the last 12 months, Jordan and the Hornets have been experiencing better fortunes. The Hornets drafted LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. On top of that, they signed former All-Star Gordon Hayward to the team. The duo helped bring excitement back to the Hornets franchise.
Prior to their arrival, the Hornets were floundering, especially after All-Star guard Kemba Walker left in 2019 to join the Celtics. Jordan is becoming more and more involved with the rookies in the Hornets roster. And one rookie even got a call from ‘His Airness’ after a difficult night at the NBA Summer League.
James Bouknight, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had a difficult game at the NBA Summer League. But after the game, Hornets owner Michael Jordan called him to talk about and critique his game with him. Bouknight was thrilled to be able to speak to Jordan, remarking that not many players of his stature and age get the opportunity to have Michael Jordan critique their game and give them pointers.
“He critiqued my game, told me what he saw. Not many 20-year-olds fresh in the league can say the best player to ever pick up a basketball is calling to give them pointers.”
Jordan calling Bouknight to give him advice comes as no surprise. Even when he was an NBA player, Jordan took it upon himself to help his teammates, even if he had to do it the harsh way. During his days in the Chicago Bulls, Jordan once gave Luc Longley an ultimatum after he kept squandering his passes. And despite retiring from the game, Jordan feels a responsibility to help those in his team improve.
For Bouknight to get the opportunity to interact with Jordan, and get some advice about what he needs to do to improve his game is a big plus. Jordan has often been criticized for not being more involved in his franchise as the owner, especially given the experience he has playing in the NBA. But stories like these reflect that Jordan’s passion for basketball is far from gone.
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