Seven years after the seven-time All-Star made bold claims to surpass Michael Jordan, he joins the Bulls legend to reveal his career highlights

Anyone who followed the NBA in the late 1990s and early 2000s knows NBA legend Grant Hill. He was the 1994 Rookie of the Year, a five-time NBA All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist. However, he is one of those Hall of Famers who never won an NBA championship.

In a renewed interview with “Bleacher Report,” the former NBA star recalled one of his career highlights with Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Grant Hill reveals unheard off-court moment with Michael Jordan

After being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1994, Grant Hill went up against Michael Jordan in his prime. The former Detroit Pistons star never hesitates to let his game do the talking every time he plays against the Bulls legend.

His tenacity and desire to win earned Jordan’s respect, which was no easy feat. When asked by Bleacher Report about his best moment off the court, the five-time All-Star revealed: “That’s the best part – the stuff off the field, being in the locker room with the players, being on the road, going to meals.“.

He further added: “I think it was probably my second year in the league, we played the Bulls, and after the game, Michael and I went to his restaurant to eat. I saw all these guys that I grew up watching and idolizing — Dr. J, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic. I was and still am very excited to have the opportunity to spend time with these great men.“.

Although Michael Jordan is considered one of the most competitive athletes of all time, he knew what it meant to build community. I understand this is more than just a basketball game. His treatment of young Grant Hill proved this. Michael Jordan and Grant Hill had some intense games back in the day. Both players have incredible offense and compete against each other. But just how good is Grant Hill?

When Grant Hill claimed he could surpass Michael Jordan

Many, including the 50-year-old NBA Hall of Famer, believe that if Hill hadn’t been injured, he might have been another Michael Jordan of the 1990s and 2000s. Speaking on Carlos Watson’s show, Grant Hill told the host: “Well, certainly in my opinion, yes, it is possible (to surpass MJ). I mean who knows. When I got to the NBA, I had success right away. Of course, because Jordan retired, a lot of things were thrown at me, so I felt empty.“.

The five-time All-Star further explained: “I got injured after the sixth season. This is really disappointing for obvious reasons. But it’s funny because it definitely took some work for me to get back into the game. I went through four years of injury and absence and the story has yet to be told.“.

The former NBA star suffered a serious ankle injury during his prime. It’s definitely a tough time for a player like him. Despite the injury, Hill reinvented himself and played 12 more seasons. He’s better than most, but he’s not quite at the elite level he was when he first came into the league.

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