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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
Even during his time with the Wizards, Michael Jordan remained an exceptional player, a legend well aware of his qualities. In fact, he would not accept being defended by young players who had yet to prove their worth. The proof is in this anecdote from Jason Richardson.
There’s one player that youngsters may not know about, but who was particularly popular in the 2000s. Never selected for the All-Star Game, despite seasons of 20+ points per game, Jason Richardson was a true highlights machine. While he could be deft behind the arc, it was in the paint that he traumatized defenders.
HBD Dunk Legend Jason Richardson! pic.twitter.com/BqSzWZpMZX
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 20, 2020
Michael Jordan’s lunar attitude towards young NBA players
Like all athletic backs of the time, Richardson had the chance to test himself against Michael Jordan. The latter was playing for the Wizards at the time, he was approaching 40, but he still exuded absolute confidence in his qualities. Speaking on Paul George’s podcast, the winner of the 2003 Dunk Contest looks back on this memorable duel.
My first career start was against Washington. My direct opponent was Michael Jordan. I was so motivated by the idea of defending against him. On the first possession of the game, my point guard announced a system for me. I grabbed the ball, tried to dribble past MJ, he intercepted me, went on the counter-attack and dunked. On the next play, I find myself defending him with my back to the basket.
I can hear him shouting, “They want to defend me with this fucking rookie?! You’ve got to be kidding me, it’s going to be a long night for you, you fucking asshole”. Long story short, Mike put up 32 points that night and I only 8. I didn’t know what to do because I respected Jordan for his accomplishments. At 38, he had me under control the whole game, and talking.
There are several types of veterans in the NBA. There are those who greet the youngsters with a smile, who try to pass on things to them during and especially after the games, and there are the Michael Jordans. The latter didn’t necessarily want to share with the new generation; in fact, he even took it badly when a rookie defended on him. With his 6 rings, he felt above the fray.
