“DON’T GET MAD, JUST GET EVEN” - MICHAEL JORDAN’S AGENT GAVE A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO HIM AFTER HIS INFAMOUS ‘FREEZE OUT’ ALL-STAR GAME
Michael Jordan's entry into the NBA was accompanied by unprecedented hype that no other rookie player had ever witnessed. His on-court prowess was unique, but the launch of his 'Air Jordan brand demonstrated how an athlete could become a global cultural icon. The disdain among his peers increased when His Airness wore Nike sweatpants and a banner pair of his Air Jordan 1s to promote his brand while other players adhered to the team-issued attire.
Some players orchestrated a 'freezeout' in the All-Star Game in an attempt to calm young Mike's mindset and high head. George Gervin closely guarded Jordan throughout his time on the court, limiting him to nine field attempts and nine points. Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas were deemed the culprits behind this affair. While neither of them ever admitted to playing any part in such a conspiracy, MJ's inner circle remained convinced of their participation.
Moreover, Jordan's agent, David Falk, gave him a simple idea for getting back at the guys who did him dirty.
Falk's straightforward advice to Mike
While appearing on The Ringer's Icons Club podcast, Falk discussed the widespread belief that veteran players' jealousy motivated their attempt to humble Mike in the All-Star Game.
Jordan, on his part, recognized that his rapid ascent to becoming the league's commercial face had indeed caused friction with his peers. However, from an early stage in his career, the five-time MVP understood the importance of cultivating his personal brand alongside his on-court achievements. This is why they remained unapologetic about what others thought about him.
"Look, I thought with the way I came into the league and what David Falk and ProServ and all the guys were teaching me, was how to be a business person playing the game of basketball," Jordan said. "I didn't think it was a certain protocol in terms of how you had to either interact with these people or meet them, greet them, praise them. Either way, I didn't know that."
Furthermore, as Falk sat at Jordan's home, Mike could not stop replaying the events of the All-Star Game in his mind, so Falk offered him a straightforward solution.
"I finally told him, 'Let me give you some advice that my wife, Rhonda, always gives me - Don't get mad, just get even,'" Falk said.
MJ took Falk's advice to heart
Taking his agent's advice to his heart, Jordan exacted revenge on Thomas' Detroit Pistons on February 12, '85. Despite five Piston players scoring in double digits, Mike single-handedly dropped 49 points on 61.3% shooting from the field, along with 15 rebounds, to steer the Bulls to a 139-126 victory.
On the other hand, Mike's response to Magic took a different approach. He distanced himself from the LA Lakers' point guard, declining to cultivate a friendship. This incident demonstrated that, even in the early stages of his career, incurring Jordan's displeasure could have lasting consequences.
2024-06-30T21:48:34Z dg43tfdfdgfd
