Some people say ‘never meet your Idols’, but honestly, who wouldn’t love to have the chance to meet Michael Jordan? especially if you’re a basketball player?
Well, it seems like young Russell Westbrook wasn’t that impressed by the GOAT during his early years, as he completely blew him off just to continue playing pick-up.
Westbrook told Jimmy Fallon the story during a recent interview when the host asked him if he had any Michael Jordan related history amid ‘The Last Dance’s’ hype and we still can’t believe it:
“So, the first time I had an opportunity to meet Michael Jordan I kind of like – So I was probably about 10 or 11, maybe. I went to Michael Jordan’s camp. So my parents took me to Michael Jordan’s camp in Santa Barbara. At the end of Michael Jordan’s camp, usually every kid, every team has to bring something Michael Jordan could sign. You need to stand in line, you need to be ready to go. So when my team was up, my parents had given me a basketball to get signed… I don’t know why – what I was thinking, but when it was my time to go, I was in the middle of a game.
I was already playing pick-up with other kids and my coach was like ‘come on, come on, you’re gonna miss the opportunity to get a picture with Michael Jordan and an autograph from Michael Jordan’. Myself said ‘Aww, I’m ok, I don’t need it right now’. So I didn’t get a picture with Michael Jordan, I didn’t get an autograph from Michael Jordan, I literally didn’t get in line, I just kept playing basketball. I just kept hooping and when I was over, the camp was over. When I got home, my mom and dad were like ‘did you get the ball signed?’ and I was literally like ‘No, I was playing a pick-up game,” Westbrook said while cracking up.
Perhaps it was that determination and love for the game what drove Westbrook all the way to the NBA. Luckily for him, he’d have the chance not only to meet Michael Jordan but to be constantly praised by him and sign a signature shoe deal with his brand.
Needless to say, he most likely gave his parents a couple of autographed memorabilia to make up for that infamous story, so he’ll get a pass this time.
