“He Was Frying Us” 44-year-old Michael Jordan was Schooling NBA Players Half his Age

Former Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan was notably tough on his players, demanding the best from them.

“He Was Frying Us” 44-year-old Michael Jordan was Schooling NBA Players Half his Age

44-year-old Michael Jordan used to defeat Charlotte Bobcat players 1v1 (Image via FirstSportz)

Of late, the topic of 1v1 basketball has become a hot topic. Fans are debating as to who among the NBA greats, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, etc., would be the undisputed kings of that format, as they argue on which great has the skill to defeat the other.

Some side with Kobe Bryant, considering he had skill and elite agility, which are important in 1v1 basketball. Fans know that Bryant is essentially a copy of Jordan, but his overall athleticism was a tad more fluid, making it important to beat an opponent in that format.

When it comes to James, the discussions are not so great. Fans have always taken a shot at his lack of a ‘bag’. They believe he is skilled in other areas, but when it comes to 1v1 basketball, he does not have what it takes to win against the other two.

That leaves the Chicago Bulls legend, who displayed never-before-seen athleticism and skill when he played. However, those skills did not diminish, as former Charlotte Bobcats star Raymond Felton revealed while on Paul George‘s podcast.

The one moment I’ma take from that was me, him, Jeff Mcinnis, Gerald Wallance, and Jason Richardson. We played one-on-one against MJ. And when I tell you that he was frying us, and was talking crazy to us too.

Raymond Felton on Podcast P

Going by the timeline of when all those players were a part of the Charlotte Bobcats, it points to the offseason before the 2007-08 season. That means, a 44-year-old Michael Jordan was defeating the likes of a then 22-year-old Felton and the others in 1v1 games.

Basketball peers knew how good 20-year-old Michael Jordan was

Those skills and his competitive drive helped Michael Jordan defeat players half his age. Those skills, though, were present from his time in college. 15-season NBA veteran Michael Cage saw those skills up front when he saw the then North Carolina star try out for Team USA.

There was this kid that everybody wanted to see over on court 3. He is so far above the rest of us. And I knew at that moment in 1982 at the tryouts and at the games in ‘83, this guy was going to be the truth. And he certainly was.

Michael Cage said to Dan Patrick

Cage noted that Jordan was among the many young college players trying out for the Pan Am games. Among them were Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and John Stockton. Despite the presence of those players, it was the young star from North Carolina who drew the most crowds.

Michael Jordan will not be paid rumored $40 million by NBC

After dominating basketball for more than two decades, a 62-year-old Michael Jordan prefers to play golf, go on vacations to exotic destinations with his family, and live a retired life. Flush with the $3 billion he received from the sale of the Charlotte Hornets, the GOAT of basketball seems content with life.

Michael Jordan will make his broadcasting debut with NBC next season
Michael Jordan will make his broadcasting debut with NBC next season (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

Recently, rumors suggested that NBC was going to pay the Chicago Bulls great $40 million to be a part of their NBA coverage that starts next season. This news was well received, and some analysts are excited for what the 6-time NBA Champion has to say.

However, Front Office Sports’ sources clarified to them that the $40 million figure is not accurate. No one knows the exact amount, but considering that Jordan will not be a regular contributor and just a part-timer, it is unfathomable for him to be paid that much.

It seems it will take time for these rumors to get some clarity. Stephen A. Smith expects Jordan to take NBA coverage to a whole new level with his unfiltered takes. This could play out well for a league that has recently struggled to draw audiences.

Also Read: