The best writers are the best readers, so for the case of continuous improvement, it’d be wise to up my game in that category. Don’t get me wrong, I read quite a lot of news, columns and longer-form feature stories online (after all I do have a degree in journalism), but I’m talking sittin’ back with a paperback.
I actually normally buy hardcover copies, but that sounded cooler! *sigh* Yeah, I need a good book.
In case you weren’t aware, August is normally a rough time in the NBA-coverage department. Fortunately, this year we have some Team USA content to keep us on life support, but the general lack of basketball news can really test our patience for the upcoming season. And that’s why getting gems like the most recent Bulls Talk podcast can be relieving. During the podcast, we get a couple of great stories about Michael Jordan, and they’re worth giving a listen. Kevin Anderson starts telling guests Sean Highkin and Michael Walton about some friendly wagering between Jordan and his teammates.
The United Center has continued to run an infamous Dunkin’ Donuts race on the scoreboard during games, and Jordan would join in on the fun. Here’s the catch, Jordan would find out the winner beforehand to ensure a victory. If Michael Jordan asks for the winner of a Dunkin’ Donut’s race … you give that man the winner. As Highkin points out, this sounds very on-brand for a competitive MJ. Although, to keep up the facade, Jordan would purposely throw a race every here and there to keep his teammates off his toes. Considering Jordan’s past with gambling, all of this makes a lot of sense, but now I’m curious what else he bet on? When he went to Dunkin’ Donuts back in the day did he put $20 down on how many Munchkins were sitting in the basket?
The fun stories don’t stop there. Anderson went on to brings up a recent interview Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson had with the voice of NBA Jam, Tim Kitrow. The game was a smash hit, but it gained all of its classic success without the ability to play with the games greatest player. Michael Jordan was not part of the licensing agreement with the NBAPA due to his partnership with Nike; therefore, the game didn’t have the right to use his name. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t get his hands on one.
Jordan and fellow NBA star Gary Payton both weren’t allowed in the game but wanted a copy, so the creators put together a special edition for each, according to Kitrow: “The artists put together the visuals and we sent them each individual a large NBA Jam package. Gary Payton bought three and I’ve spoken to him recently he’s got three of them out in Oakland. There’s only four to five cabinets in the world that exist. I’d love to ask Michael Jordan if he still has his, but Gary Payton super excited already said his sons grew up playing it and he loves it.” You have to image Jordan is just constantly on fire in this game. Each player is already ridiculous, so I can’t imagine what playing with the GOAT would be like!
I saw this come up on my timeline, and I just had to share it. It doesn’t matter what team you cheer for, we all had fun with Linsanity. Thanks for not crushing the Bulls during your crazy run! Happy Birthday to the man … and someone sign him already.
Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.
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NEWSLETTER
… and someone sign him already.
