Michael Jordan on Russell Westbrook: 'That's me'

Sean Gentille

Michael Jordan on Russell Westbrook: 'That's me' image

Don't lose sight of it — Michael Jordan remains, above all else, a businessman.

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:

"Thirty years ago, that's me," he said of Westbrook. "The attitude, trying to prove myself, showing so much passion for the game of basketball. You see it in his play. You can tell he loves the game, he plays with energy and flair."

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."

Not coincidentally, Westbrook is the primary on-court endorser of the XXXI (which, unrelated, is pretty nice.)

MORE: MJ and cigars — a love affair

Three days ago, when asked at his basketball camp for his choice as star of "Space Jam 2," Jordan came up with Blake Griffin.

 

Michael Jordan picks who he would choose to star in Space Jam 2. (Submitted by @lashmiller)

A video posted by Sports Videos (@houseofhighlights) on

Not coincidentally, Griffin is another Jordan Brand endorser.

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.

Sean Gentille