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Michael Jordan is the gold standard of modern basketball. He won six titles, owns the Charlotte Hornets and of course has a long and lucrative relationship with Nike.
This video is from last year and features Jordan talking about former Duke player and then-NBA rookie Zion Williamson.
The money quote here is “what you saw [of Williamson] was just a taste,” but Jordan also talks about Williamson’s passion for the game and how that’s something you can’t give or teach. You have to be born with it.
He also talks about showcasing Williamson’s personality and basketball skills. Nike is able to do things for a guy like Williamson that no other company can really do and of course it’s immensely flattering to be signed to the Jordan brand.
One thing jumps out at us here though: does MJ have a conflict of interest?
On the one hand, as a Nike exec he’s promoting an exciting young talent. On the other, he’s trying to be better than Williamson and his New Orleans Pelicans. Something about that doesn’t really seem right.