Two weeks ago, Complex’s Russ Bengtson was in Las Vegas for the launch of the Jordan XXXI. There, Jordan had some high praise for Russell Westbrook:
Not coincidentally, Westbrook is the primary on-court endorser of the XXXI (which, unrelated, is pretty nice.)
This certainly wasn’t the first time Westbrook had been compared to a young Jordan, but for Michael himself to do it, well, that was different. “That’s crazy,” he told us during his interview. “I really don’t know what to say. To have the best player who ever played the game to say that about you as a player and as a person is something that is going to keep me striving.”
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Three days ago, when asked at his basketball camp for his choice as star of “Space Jam 2,” Jordan came up with Blake Griffin.
Not coincidentally, Griffin is another Jordan Brand endorser.
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This shouldn’t surprise anyone; it all serves Jordan’s business interests — of course, it helps to compare Westbrook to himself; of course, it’d be good to have Griffin star in the sequel.
It also speaks toward something else, though; he’s psychotically competitive, and thus allergic to pumping LeBron James’ tires when he isn’t forced. LeBron is the only choice for “Space Jam 2.” LeBron James is the only guy in the league right now who deserves the “that’s me” treatment.
But LeBron isn’t a Jordan Brand guy, and he’s openly gunning for MJ’s crown. Can’t blame the man for trying to thwart him where he can. Good luck.
