When it comes to playing basketball, not many can argue the fact that Michael Jordan is the best basketball player to ever play in the NBA. Even if you do, a quick look at his incredible resume will change your mind.
But as good as MJ was during his playing days, he has failed to repeat the same level of success as an owner of an NBA team. Jordan bought the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets) back in 2010. But since then, the team hasn’t seen much success in the league.
He has owned the team for 12 years and during this time period; the Hornets have gone to the playoffs just twice. The franchise is currently in a playoff drought of six years and would like to soon change that.
They have placed all their hopes on the amazing LaMelo Ball. Now, to help Ball, the franchise has drafted Duke Blue Devils big man Mark Williams using the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
The team has high hopes for the young man and he could very well turn out to be a great addition alongside LaMelo for the Hornets. Also, it seems like the 20-year-old has already impressed MJ.
After being drafted by the Hornets, behind-the-scenes footage of a phone call between Jordan and Williams surfaced. In the call, Jordan can be seen cracking a joke about drafting Williams even though he used to play for the Duke Blue Devils.
(Starts at 0:33)
Best. Phone Call. Ever. #NBADraft | @MarkWi1liams pic.twitter.com/4xd2ad2yAc
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 24, 2022
Michael: Hello Mark.
Mark: Hello.
Michael: Congratulations, man. Welcome.
Mark: Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity.
Michael: Well, I’m looking forward to it, man. I hope you’ll get in the gym and start working on your game and make a difference.
Mark: Yes, sir. Right away.
Michael: And even though you’re a Dukie, I take pride in that we did draft you.
Mark: Yeah, I appreciate that. Gotta put the beef aside.
Michael: Alright, my brother. Well good luck, alright?
Mark: Thank you.
The pretext for Mike’s joke was the fact that Duke and UNC share one of the fiercest rivalries in college basketball. So MJ being a UNC alum and drafting Williams, who is a Duke alum, wasn’t something that the fans expected to see.
But Duke did produce some great talent this year. After all, they had four players being picked in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. And once again proved why their basketball program is one of the best ones out there.
