Michael Jordan hasn’t suited up for an NBA game since 2003 — but don’t think for a second that retirement dulled his competitive fire.
Just ask Stephen Jackson, who shared a wild story about the time a 47-year-old MJ laced them up during a Charlotte Bobcats practice in 2010, joined the second unit, and torched the starters — all to make a point.
The Practice That Changed Everything
Jackson had just landed in Charlotte. The vibe early on was rocky, and after a blowout loss, Jordan — then team owner — stormed into the locker room and unloaded on the team.
“He came in the locker room after the game just going off on us like we need to get our s*** together,” Jackson recalled.
Jackson fired back with a comment, but Jordan stayed quiet — plotting his next move.
The following day at practice, MJ was back at it — this time louder, more intense, and throwing his legendary resume in everyone’s face.
Then came the moment.
“Take my shoes off.”
Nearly every player was wearing Jordans. But the message wasn’t about shoes — it was about respect, pride, and performance. And it was mostly aimed at Jackson and Gerald Wallace, the team’s leaders.
MJ Joins the Scrubs… and Wins
Jordan didn’t stop at words. He jumped in practice, joined the second team, and subbed himself into Gerald Wallace’s matchup.
“Our second team was scrubs,” Jackson admitted. “But he gave them confidence through the roof.”
Even dressed in whatever he’d arrived in, MJ scored a few buckets, ran the floor, talked nonstop trash, and then…
“Grabbed the ball and dunked on the way out.”
Final result? The second unit beat the starters — with MJ leading the way.
“True story.”
A GOAT’s Impact Beyond Stats
That day flipped a switch.
“We went on a run,” Jackson said. “I had one of the best years of my career, we made the playoffs, and we finished number one in defense.”
Jackson credits that moment — that message — with turning the team’s mentality around.
“He knew how to get to us. We turned up after that.”
And that’s why, years later, Jackson doesn’t hesitate:
“That’s why he’s the GOAT. That’s why I’m wearing his shoes.”
