One year ago the NBA decided to honor the 75 greatest players of all time at their annual All-Star Weekend.
A number of dignitaries showed up to commemorate the occasion, but the league’s greatest player ever, Michael Jordan, had a prior NASCAR obligation that day.
As a result, he was expected to no-show.
At the last minute, Jordan made his triumphant appearance at the ceremony – much to everyone’s surprise.
A number of memorable moments emerged from Jordan that day, but the most infamous was a particularly ‘friendly’ encounter between him and legendary R&B singer Mary J. Blige.
The visual largely speaks for itself:
— ✨🗿✨ (@nyia_22) December 31, 2022
NBA fans were exuberant to see this side of the normally reserved Jordan.
Their reactions were quite telling:
That’s the only way to go
— Kenjah King (@KenjahKing) December 31, 2022
Lmao man listen https://t.co/PAWtZC0UhJ
— Courtney James (@TstarkTheBeast) December 31, 2022
A menace
— Darren (@djohn90) December 30, 2022
When you see your crush at homecoming
— Snappin Necks and Cashing Checks (@TheChiropracti3) December 31, 2022
Mary was on that same wave, cause she usually swats hands away, but Mike was an exception, that night! pic.twitter.com/ZYTyntw8qy
— Fianeé (@MsFianee) December 31, 2022
Jordan was definitely on one that night. Between his unforgettable photo with Vanessa Bryant and the way he straight up snubbed Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns, it was one thing after another that evening.
In a lot of ways it just re-enforced that for all the talk about whether Jordan is or isn’t still the greatest of all time, most people still treat him like he is.
Bryce’s most recent IG story 👀👀https://t.co/u4cQsZiFrD
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 11, 2023
LeBron James gets a lot of respect from his peers, but not this level of respect.
When Jordan enters the room, the eyes fall on him unlike any other player, past or present.
Nobody is immune from Jordan’s charm offensive.
The “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” was no exception that day.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.