CLEVELAND — No doubt about it. The NBA saved the best for last in rolling out its 75th Anniversary team at halftime of Sunday night's All-Star game.
"A six-time NBA champion, and five-time league MVP: Michael Jordan," blared the PA system, marking the last introduction from the guard bracket.
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Jordan doesn't make many public appearances — and just Sunday morning, images circulated of him at the Daytona 500 in Florida — so him strutting out from the tunnel surprised many. Including the players.
"To see Mike out there surprised us all," DeMar DeRozan said. "He came out of nowhere. It was just great to see all those legends. The guys that I was able to play against in the past, and guys I still play against. It was an honor to be able to witness it and be here."
"For me, he’s the greatest of all time," added Zach LaVine. "For him to show up at All-Star weekend is a big moment for him, and a lot of the other guys that are in the top 75. It was NBA history to be here at the All-Star game. It meant a lot just to participate, be here and watch it."
It also incited a roar from the fans in attendance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse — decades-old rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers be damned.
After making his way to the center court stage, Jordan dapped up Dennis Rodman, who also represented the Bulls for the festivities (Scottie Pippen was one of multiple players on the team to submit a video from home). Jordan then exchanged pleasantries with Jerry West, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Dwyane Wade and others.
Even in an arena full of legends, the Bulls great stole the show once again.
