Matt Varga Perhaps it was naive to think that Michael Jordan would ever volunteer for a studio show, but some of us (read: this writer) had grand ideas regarding the GOAT’s involvement with the NBA’s return to NBC. At the risk of doubling down on that gullibility, maybe we’ll see further development in his role under the peacock, but to date, his presence has been felt through a cut-up interview series, “Insights To Excellence.” For the first time, MJ took a step into our corner of the world with his most recent appearance, speaking on how he approached building out Jordan Brand and how it differs from the marketing efforts of current athletes.
In a segment focused on “why his performance on the court allowed him to build his brand,” host Mike Tirico and Michael Jordan eventually landed on the topic of off-the-court marketing, prompting this response from Jordan:
“It’s hard to be hungry when you have. Simple as that. If you don’t have, you are willing to do whatever to have. My mental approach was: go in, do my job, be the best basketball player I can be, and all the chips and everything outside of that, I had people that was [sic] handling that. But on the basketball court? I’m handling that. It’s like a prerequisite, you know? Everybody has to have a logo… I’m pretty sure I’m part of the reason why everybody tries to get a logo. But the thing is, that brand [was]established based on what I did on the basketball court… I didn’t put the brand before I put the work.”
Tirico then interjected to assert that the landscape today’s athletes face is a drastically different one than what Jordan and those of his era faced, potentially a driver behind the heavy marketing that centers athletes from the moment they enter their respective league. Jordan continues,
“I like to think that if I was playing today… my game is going to validate whatever I try to participate away from the game. It’s really tough for the kids today. Most of them do a great job of navigating what you are talking about. That’s as long as you understand that [your sport] is always going to be what you’re remembered for.”
All things considered, the most pointed portion of MJ’s words is that leading quote: “it’s hard to be hungry when you have,” speculating that perhaps those who may lack motivation in their passion may have their drive detracted by the wide array of benefits they’ve already secured. For a player as infamously competitive as he is, his taking issue with someone who lacked that same spirit isn’t much of a shock. Yet, overall, MJ’s words are rather understanding, particularly as he closes by championing his younger counterparts’ ability to avoid those same modern trappings.
To play devil’s advocate, Michael Jordan did enter the league with a sneaker deal already secured. On the other hand, though the Jumpman would eventually become the defining mark in this overall conversation, it wouldn’t land on his feet until the Air Jordan 3, worn in a year in which Mike took home his first MVP award. Further, the dawn of “Brand Jordan” as its own sub-label wouldn’t come until 1997, at a moment when his synonymity with winning and overall legend were squarely established.
Where you can take some issue with the thesis is when it comes to the Jumpman’s current roster. Of the imprint’s current signees, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and Zion Williamson have not only logos but signature shoes; Paolo Banchero has additionally debuted his own brand on PE footwear. Simply to relate a fact, we will note that only one, the Boston Celtic, has claimed either a championship or an MVP award, no doubt milestones that Jordan himself heralds.
Where you fall in this overall argument is up to you — check out all of Mike’s musings on the subject via the embedded video below. The portion referenced throughout this piece begins around the 2:30 mark.
See more Sneaker News in your Google results,
ADD TO PREFERRED SOURCES
Love Sneaker News? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results. It only takes a click.
