Michael Jordan fell during practice in Charlotte and talked trash about his team

In the world of sports, the name “Michael Jordan” immediately conjures up a few images.

Some will remember his jaw-dropping skills, whether it was a walk-in-the-air dunk, a clutch game-winner or his massive trophies. Others will associate Jordan with the fire within him. He is always hungry to win and push himself to reach the top of the mountain. Trash talk, good or bad, is just part of the game.

Jordan was everything, and that reality didn’t change after he retired. Just ask Gerald Henderson.

Ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season, The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov published an article sharing memories of MJ’s time as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets. In the article, Henderson shared an unforgettable memory of when he attended a training session to teach the team a lesson.

Jordan educates his team and talks some trash

While Jordan was a serial winner during his time on the NBA hardwood, things were a little different after he hung up his sneakers. Charlotte struggled, especially early on with the Bobcats, which didn’t always satisfy Jordan.

Take, for example, a tough stretch during the 2009-10 season.

“We got kicked out for about a week,” Henderson recalled. “I showed up to the training room the next morning. I was a rookie, so I had to get my stuff out of the way and he was already there stretching and putting on his training gear.

“I said, ‘What are you going to do, man?’ He said, ‘I’m going to go out there and kick all of your asses. “How long has he been talking nonsense there.”

MJ didn’t just join in on the practice, though. He donned a second-team uniform and faced off against the starters in a scrimmage. Despite the huge toll Father Time has taken, the legendary star still puts in the work.

“He looks like Michael Jordan in his prime, but without the speed and jumping ability,” Henderson said. “But that’s just Jordan’s job. Keep talking.”

It seems that a lot of the discussion is focused on Stephen Jackson. According to Henderson, the swingman felt he should have been an All-Star the year before and revealed that feeling to the media. And, during the scrimmage, Jackson felt he was fouled but didn’t receive the call. He also expressed dissatisfaction with this.

Then Jordan started killing.

“Jordan came down and hit the game-winning shot,” Henderson said. “The game was over and Jake was saying, ‘That’s a foul.'” Jordan said: “This MFer has never been an All-Star, but he wants to get all the All-Star opportunities.” We were like, ‘Oh, Hold. Damn, that’s a little cruel. ‘”

Jordan also showed a friendly side in Charlotte

Given the story and his air’s presence in pop culture – the miniseries last danceFor example, showing the challenges of running with the Bulls — it’s easy to think Jordan was one-sidedly mean to those around him. However, The Athletic’s article suggests otherwise.

While Henderson’s story does focus on some trash talk, other memories show Jordan’s softer side.

“When I first went there, he was always there. He would come to practice,” Ramon Sessions recalled. “After the coach talks, he’ll come in and talk basketball to us. He’ll try to joke around and, you know, play one-on-one, two-on-two, different things with the team. So it’s always good to have him around, man. “

Others remember how Jordan was quick to send personal text messages, whether it was about basketball or news of the loss of a loved one.

And then there’s the equipment. Even outside of Jordan Brand apparel, Mike is clearly willing to share the wealth.

“He sent us boxes of, like, his old clothes and stuff,” Cody Martin recalled. “He’s just a cool guy … but he’s also just a regular guy. He does what everyone else does. He probably does it a little more extravagantly than we do.”

Is there any pressure that comes with playing for Jordan’s team? Sure, but those who can handle the heat will reap the rewards of working with a living legend.