Michael Jordan is a true icon of the game. Jordan helped popularize the NBA to an extent it had never seen before and established himself as the greatest player of all time with his style of play and his accomplishments. Jordan was a massive inspiration to many NBA players today, including the reigning NBA Finals MVP.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Michael Jordan were named on the NBA 75 list, which includes the 75 best players in the history of the league. And ahead of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, the NBA honored the players on NBA 75 list. And during that ceremony, Michael Jordan met Giannis Antetkounmpou for the first time.
After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke during the post-game press conference about his first time meeting with Michael Jordan. Giannis joked that he was worried about meeting Jordan, and was shocked to know that Jordan knew who he was. Antetokounmpo was thrilled to meet the player he considered the best of all time.
Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo on meeting Michael Jordan for the first time on Sunday: “I just went up to introduce myself to him. I was kind of surprised he knew who I was. No, I’m joking.” pic.twitter.com/p6OghBl2mY
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 21, 2022
“I asked if he was here, but they told me he was not here at first. But then I saw him when he came out and I was kind of like in shock… arguably the best player to ever play the game. It’s crazy. I just went up to him to introduce myself. I was kind of surprised he knew who I was… no I’m just joking.”
Giannis’ first meeting with Michael Jordan seemed to work like a good luck charm, as Giannis was a big part of Team LeBron winning the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, making it the second consecutive year that Giannis Antetokounmpo was on the winning team of the All-Star game.
Giannis was not the only young star that Jordan was seen interacting with. Jordan also took a moment to meet with Luka Doncic and Karl-Anthony Towns before the NBA All-Star Game began. Doncic is one of the bright young stars represented by the Jordan brand, so MJ went out of his way to meet him and speak to him.
