Who is Michael Jordan's favorite basketball player?

Michael Jordan's favorite player growing up was David "Skywalker" Thompson, an athletic dunker and scorer from the ABA/NBA, but Jordan also cited influences like Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Jerry West, and Walter Davis, with some sources suggesting Oscar Robertson as someone he considered the GOAT.

Who was Michael Jordan's favorite teammate?

All told, it's quite refreshing to discover that prior to forming a dynamic duo with Pippen, Jordan had Paxson as his most reliable and consistent teammate. That being said, it's only right that the Bulls honor Pax's legacy with the team.

Who was Michael Jordan's idol?

On November 17, 1984 The Rookie MJ Debuted His Original Air Jordan I On The Court & Would Face His Idol Julius “Dr J.” Erving & The 76ers…

Who was Michael Jordan influenced by?

Jordan has frequently cited David Thompson, Walter Davis, and Jerry West as influences.

Who is Michael Jordan's favorite athlete?

Michael Jordan's favorite player growing up was David “Skywalker” Thompson! 🏀🪽 Ray Cross That's right Ray!

Shaq HUMILIATES Kevin Durant For Mocking Michael Jordan!

Did Shaq ever dunk on MJ?

Yes, Shaquille O'Neal did dunk on Michael Jordan during the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, famously throwing down a powerful dunk over Jordan and Scottie Pippen as the Orlando Magic defeated the Bulls in that series, a moment caught on video and widely remembered as a significant event in their rivalry. 

Who was Michael Jordan's favorite player growing up?

Shot - Michael Jordan's favorite player growing up was David “Skywalker” Thompson! 🏀🪽 | Facebook.

Who is the most feared man in the NBA?

The "most feared" NBA player is subjective, but Michael Jordan is often cited historically for his dominance and intensity, while current players like Kevin Durant (for unstoppable scoring) and physically intimidating defenders like Draymond Green or historically James Johnson (for toughness) also earn the title, with players like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James consistently appearing on lists for their sheer impact and aura.
 

What did MJ say when Kobe died?

When Kobe Bryant died, Michael Jordan said, "When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died," describing him as a dear friend and little brother, and speaking at his memorial about how Kobe's drive and family focus inspired him, vowing to live with the memories of their connection.
 

Who was MJ's favorite teammate?

The phrase "he was Michael's Rock" typically refers to John Paxson, a teammate of Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls. In late 2025, Bulls insider and reporter Sam Smith described Paxson as "Michael's rock," noting that Paxson was arguably Jordan's favorite teammate to play with during the early championship years.

Who does Ja Morant think is the goat?

Ja Morant has expressed different opinions over time, but he's often leaned towards LeBron James as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) due to growing up watching him, while also acknowledging Michael Jordan's dominance, especially after watching The Last Dance documentary, and even claiming he'd beat MJ in a one-on-one. His perspective shifted after seeing Jordan's mindset in the documentary, but his formative years watching LeBron have kept him firmly in the LeBron camp for his generation's GOAT. 

Did Michael Jordan apologize to Scottie Pippen?

Yes, Michael Jordan apologized to Scottie Pippen for including the controversial 1994 playoff moment in The Last Dance documentary, acknowledging he would be upset too if it were him. According to Pippen's memoir, Jordan reached out after the documentary aired, and while Pippen wasn't thrilled with the portrayal, Jordan offered a direct apology for the specific scene where Pippen refused to play the final seconds of a crucial playoff game. 

Who's better, Kobe or Jordan?

While both are legendary, Michael Jordan is widely considered the better player due to his superior efficiency, defense, and accolades (6 MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs, 10 scoring titles) compared to Kobe Bryant (1 MVP, 2 Finals MVPs, 2 scoring titles), despite Kobe's incredible scoring ability, relentless mentality, and 5 championships, with Jordan generally edging Kobe in advanced metrics and overall impact, though Kobe's skill set closely mirrored Jordan's iconic style. 

Who was Michael Jordan's best friend in the NBA?

However, there were some players MJ shared a close bond with. One of those was former power forward Charles Oakley, who played with the Bulls from 1985-1988.

Are Larry Bird and Michael Jordan friends?

Larry is far better than any small guy who's ever played the game, and to be honest, I'm still not sure if he's a small guy or a wing-pivot." Despite being rivals on the court, Jordan and Bird's relationship was characterized by mutual respect and friendship.

Who did Shaq fear?

Shaq's biggest fear: The only player that terrorized him on the court: Michael Jordan was the only man who terrorized me on the court,” Shaq once admitted. “I went from idolizing him in high school to studying his every move in college, and suddenly, there he was, right in front of me.

Who is the nicest NBA player?

Steve Nash - Hill is in good company with his fellow Phoenix Suns teammate and NBA veteran Steve Nash. The South African-born athlete, called one of the "nicest and most unselfish guys in the league" by Charles Barkley, is equally giving off the court.

Why can't you wear 69 in the NBA?

The NBA hasn't officially banned the number 69, but it's unofficially prohibited because of its "sexually suggestive connotations," preventing players from wearing it due to league image concerns, famously stopping Dennis Rodman from wearing it in 2000 when he switched to #70 instead for the Mavericks, even though jerseys were made. 

Who did Kobe say was the hardest to guard?

Kobe Bryant named Tracy McGrady as the hardest player he ever guarded due to his unique combination of size (6'8"-6'9"), athleticism, and unpredictable skills, though he also frequently mentioned Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson as incredibly difficult matchups, along with players like Gilbert Arenas, Kevin Durant, and Brandon Roy, highlighting how different players presented distinct challenges. 

Who is Michael Jordan's favorite teammate?

Jordan's best teammate was Pippen, who was a 5th pick. MJ taught Pip, played the big brother role, and helped Pip become the best Robin ever.

Who is Michael Jordan's idol?

Michael Jordan and his idol Julius Erving before their first ever matchup in 1984. This photo is so goated! 🐐 #fblifestyle.

Who was Michael Jordan's toughest opponent?

Michael Jordan's hardest opponents included the Detroit Pistons ("Bad Boy" era), particularly Joe Dumars, who embodied their tough defense, and smaller, quicker guards like Muggsy Bogues, Allen Iverson, and Damon Stoudamire, who presented unique defensive challenges; while in the Finals, the 1997 & 1998 Utah Jazz (led by Malone & Stockton) and the 1993 Phoenix Suns (led by Charles Barkley) were formidable teams. 

Who never missed a dunk in the NBA?

Gheorghe Muresan has never missed a dunk in his NBA career. He was 51-for-51, which is the most dunks without a miss since the 1996-97 season (when NBA started tracking shot location).

Is LeBron or MJ more clutch?

The debate over who is more clutch, LeBron James or Michael Jordan, is ongoing, with Jordan often seen as the iconic, cold-blooded scorer taking the final shot, while LeBron is statistically highly efficient, sometimes making the right play (pass or shot) and holding records for playoff game-winners, though differing stats suggest Jordan might have an edge in overall clutch scoring volume, making it a matter of preference between Jordan's iconic shot-making and LeBron's overall efficiency and playmaking.