In his two stints with the Charlotte Hornets between 2011-15 and 2018-21, center Bismack Biyombo has a vivid story that highlighted team owner Michael Jordan’s competitive spirit even after he had called time on his legendary career.
He may be with the Phoenix Suns now, but Biyombo has fond memories during his time as a Hornet, and one of them was Jordan not missing a chance to take them on even in his 50s.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Suns’ clash against the Hornets, a contest they comprehensively won 128-97, the center shared a story of how Jordan decimated Charlotte players during practice (via USA Today):
“Mike is Mike, man. I’ve seen him play one-on-one with players after the games, and one by one was taking them out. So this was probably I think seven, eight years ago,” Biyombo said. “He would come into practice and just play one-on-one with players and just kill them, 100 percent. I (didn’t) think he could move like that.
He also recalled the time when someone challenged him during the pandemic in 2020, and true to his self, Jordan just asked for a couple of months to get into shape so he could be ready for a one-on-one.
It may seem hilarious, but for those who know the Chicago Bulls star and has watched ‘The Last Dance,’ the man has the tendency to take things personally, and he would be there to live up to the challenge. He might be 59 now, and minus those seven years, he would be 52 and, despite the age, had what it takes to pip the younger players.
Bismack Biyombo Reveals His Solid Relationship With Michael Jordan
In the same interview, Biyombo explained his close relationship with Jordan and how he would always look up to his icon.
He revealed that Jordan was always around for the players and was a guiding force for them as they prepared for each season.
“He’s always there to give advice to players and stuff,” Biyombo said. “It’s somebody that I always know that I could reach out to if I need any advice whether you’re with their team or you’re playing for another team.”
Jordan’s relentless approach to being the best and their unwavering determination to never give up despite the odds stacked against them made him one of the more legendary players in the NBA and one of the best in the sport the world has witnessed.
He led the Bulls to six NBA titles in the 1990s, including one over the Suns in the 1993 finals. On the season front, his team might not be where they wanted to be. Charlotte is 14th in the East with a dismal 13-36 record, and while their playoff aspirations are pretty much done, maybe they need another Jordan masterclass to reignite the desire to finish on a high note.
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