Paolo Banchero recalls how hard Michael Jordan pushed for him to sign with his brand

Paolo Banchero is a Duke Blue Devil for life but, under the right circumstances, isn’t afraid to do business with a North Carolina Tar Heel. On The Pivot Podcast, Banchero reflected on his journey to signing with Jordan Brand in 2022.

“When it was MJ, it was easy [to put my UNC rivalry aside],” Banchero said. “That was wild I think because during that time I was figuring out where I was gonna sign a shoe deal and all that. It was between Adidas and Jordan.

“I just got a call from Jamal [Crawford]. I was in the airport, actually, I remember. I hadn’t talked to him in a minute, and he just called me. He was like, ‘Yo, how you doing? What’s up?’ He was like, ‘Man, you won’t guess who I just got off the phone with.’ And I was like, ‘Who?’ He was like, ‘The Black Cat.’ And I was like, ‘Black Cat?’ He’s like, ‘Michael Jordan, bro.’

“… He was like, ‘Michael Jordan, don’t ever call me.’ He was like, ‘So the fact that he called me to talk about you, like, man, he really wants you to be part of Jordan.’ And I was like, ‘Damn, for real.’ He was like, ‘Yeah, man. He called me and said he loves your game. Love that you’re about the right stuff.’ He said, ‘We got to get you to the brand.’ Sh*t, that’s, that’s all you had to say. I signed with Jordan.”

Banchero signed with Jordan just before beginning his debut campaign in the NBA with the Orlando Magic. Banchero had a standout season, reeling in the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

He hasn’t slowed down since. He earned his first NBA All-Star selection in 2024 and would’ve most likely been an All-Star again this season if it weren’t for an oblique injury. Banchero averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season.

In February, Jordan released the Paolo Banchero Player Edition of the Heir Series basketball shoe. The green and blue color scheme on the shoes are an homage to the Rotary Boys & Girls Club, where Banchero developed his game through the Seattle Rotary Select Basketball program.

Banchero is able to remember where he came from every time he puts them on before playing on the biggest stage in basketball. He couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.

“Just to be able to sign with Jordan and be a part of that brand, and just the greatness that is associated with that brand, and me trying build my own greatness, there’s no better place to be for me. So, I’m really excited about that.”