Gilbert Arenas praises Michael Jordan for single-handedly creating his legacy from scratch, despite not playing in star-studded teams.
Michael Jordan didn’t only create memories and records during his playing days but won six championships while at it. The Hall of Famer spent 15 seasons in the league across two teams, leaving his mark on the game. With that legacy well cemented, former NBA veteran Gilbert Arenas has spoken highly of him once again.
Speaking in a recent episode of his podcast, Arenas was full of praise for Jordan and his career. According to him, Michael Jordan is the only player who built his success on the court from nothing to something.
As stated by the former basketball star, nobody else in the era of Jordan can be compared to him. In the view of Gilbert Arenas, this is mainly because MJ didn’t have a star-studded team to carry him. Instead, Jordan was the one carrying his team to NBA titles. He further pointed out that legends like Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Tim Duncan already had teams that were great. Therefore, they never had to do much work themselves.
“The only person who built their legacy from trash to greatness is Michael Jordan.” pic.twitter.com/9b3jkAfq2A
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) August 29, 2024
The only person who built their legacy from trash to greatness is Michael Jordan... When you talk about Magic, we know where he got drafted in his team in the greatness of it. Same thing with Bird. Jordan is the only one who struggled his whole first five, six years and then built championships.Gilbert Arenas said
Jordan’s two stints in the NBA were with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, with all six rings coming during his time at the Bulls. However, even while at the Wizards, his impact was still felt. Every home game during the two years he spent there was sold out! So, it looks like Arenas may have a point there too.
Michael Jordan praised as reason behind black athletes getting massive deals
Widely regarded as one of the greatest ever players, Michael Jordan is also considered the GOAT of basketball. Recently, American comedian Aries Spears credited him as the reason why black NBA stars do get massive contracts.
Sharing his thoughts on Vlad TV, Spears asserted that Jordan’s influence played a crucial role for NBA players to earn mouth-watering deals.
It always kills me when people go, 'Man, Michael Jordan don't do sh*t for Black people.' Did he not make it possible for all these young Black men in the NBA to now get the endorsements that they get? He kicked open the door. Isiah Thomas, as much as he doesn't like Jordan, he said that.Aries Spears said
During his active days, the former NBA champion was the first black global athlete in the league. The 61-year-old was also adored by fans, with many of them coming to games just to see him play. According to Spears, all of this contributed to laying the groundwork for black athletes’ earning power nowadays.