7 Stories That Prove Michael Jordan Was Not Human

7 Stories That Prove Michael Jordan Was Not Human

Michael Jordan is a name synonymous with greatness. His legacy in basketball goes beyond just the titles, the points, and the accolades—he is often regarded as the greatest player to ever step foot on a basketball court. And while we all recognize his talent, there are moments that prove Michael Jordan wasn’t just great—he was something otherworldly. Here are seven stories that prove Michael Jordan was not human, and perhaps, basketball was the arena where he showcased the closest thing to superhuman abilities.

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1. The Jordan Effect: Bending the Rules with Mind Games

We all know that Michael Jordan worked relentlessly on the court to perfect his game, but what many didn’t realize is that he also used some pretty unconventional tactics to gain an edge over his competitors—one of which was referee manipulation. In fact, sports writer Andy Andrews referred to this phenomenon as “The Jordan Effect.”

Jordan’s mastery wasn’t just in his ability to score; it was also in how he controlled the entire environment of the game. He understood that the human mind plays a major role in how games are officiated, so he made sure he worked his magic behind the scenes. According to Andrews, MJ made sure to know the referees on a personal level, engaging them in conversations before the game. He would ask about their families, crack jokes about his own basketball failures, and create a sense of camaraderie.

By the time the game started, these refs weren’t just neutral figures—Jordan had made sure they felt like friends. And when it came to crucial moments in the game, MJ would get the benefit of the doubt. His competitors? They had to work much harder to earn the same respect.

It was a subtle art of bending minds and making his presence known not only on the court but in the minds of those who had the power to influence the outcome. No regular player could ever think of doing that.

2. MJ’s Relentless Competitiveness: Beating a 19-Year-Old at 50

Michael Jordan wasn’t the type to back down from any challenge. Not even as he approached his 50th birthday. One of the most fascinating moments came in 2013 when a 19-year-old Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (MKG), a rising star in the NBA, challenged MJ to a one-on-one game. Jordan, always willing to embrace a challenge, agreed without hesitation.

Despite the fact that MJ was now pushing 50, Kidd-Gilchrist, who was younger, faster, and arguably more athletic, stood no chance. MJ, who had been retired for years, beat the young star effortlessly. MKG later admitted, “I lost. I lost to a 50-year-old guy. That’s my boss though. He’s the best player to play the game.”

Imagine that—a 50-year-old Jordan completely dominating a young, fresh, and athletic NBA player. No human should be able to do that, yet Jordan did it as if it was just another day at the office.

3. LaBradford Smith: The Ultimate Revenge Story

Michael Jordan’s legendary ability to turn any perceived slight into fuel for his fire is perhaps best illustrated by the infamous story of LaBradford Smith. Now, Smith’s name may not ring any bells for most, but back in 1993, he made the mistake of getting under MJ’s skin during a game.

On March 19, 1993, Smith had the game of his life, scoring 37 points against Jordan’s Bulls. The whispers that followed the game were that Smith had walked up to MJ and said, “Good game, Mike.” That small gesture triggered something in Jordan. He was furious, not just because of the performance, but because of Smith’s perceived disrespect.

The very next day, MJ and the Bulls faced the Bullets again. Jordan wasn’t just going to let it go. He dropped 37 points in the first half alone and finished with 36 points, sending the message that Smith’s one-time outburst had awakened something lethal inside of him. Smith, on the other hand, was left with only 15 points in the rematch. Later, Jordan admitted in an interview that Smith never actually said anything to him, and that he had completely fabricated the story to give himself extra motivation for the game.

Jordan didn’t just defeat Smith; he mentally manipulated him into becoming the villain in his personal story of revenge.

4. Byron Russell: The Ultimate Grudge Match

If anyone ever doubted Jordan’s ability to hold a grudge, all they need to do is look at his interactions with Byron Russell of the Utah Jazz. The infamous moment when Russell made the mistake of telling MJ, “You knew I could guard you. You had to quit,” would haunt him for years.

Jordan, who was playing baseball at the time, kept that moment in the back of his mind. When he returned to basketball and the Jazz came to town, he sought revenge. The stage was set for one of the most iconic game-winners in NBA history—the 1998 NBA Finals Game 6.

Jordan hit a jumper over Russell to clinch the championship, and just like that, the grudge was settled. But what made it even more surreal was the fact that Jordan had kept the memory alive for years, waiting for the right moment to cross Russell off his mental list. That wasn’t just human; that was obsessive, focused, and calculated—a mindset only the greatest could have.

5. Golfing with Jeremy Ronick: How MJ Bet on Himself

One of the most jaw-dropping stories about Jordan didn’t even happen on the basketball court—it took place on the golf course. Michael Jordan was friends with Jeremy Ronick, a former NHL star, and they would often play golf together. Before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, MJ played 36 holes of golf and had a few beers, but when it came time to take on the Cavs, he was as focused as ever.

Ronick joked about betting on the Cavs for the game, but Jordan responded by saying, “I’ll tell you what, I’ll bet you we win by 20 and I score more than 40.” Jordan, having just played a full round of golf and enjoyed several drinks, then went out and scored 52 points while the Bulls won by 26. The fact that he could back up such a ridiculous bet after a day of relaxation proves that MJ’s competitive drive never faltered, no matter the circumstances.

6. The Shooting Challenge: A 53-Year-Old Never Misses a Shot

In 2016, Chris Paul, a major endorser of the Jordan Brand, issued a challenge to MJ at a summer basketball camp. He dared Jordan to play a game of “around the world” with the stipulation that if MJ missed three shots, all the kids at the camp would get free Air Jordans.

At 53 years old, Jordan accepted. And guess what? He never missed a single shot. The kids went home empty-handed, not because MJ was trying to show off, but because he simply refused to lose. That’s a mindset that is so rare, it almost feels like something only an extraordinary human—or perhaps an extraterrestrial—could possess.

7. Michael Jordan Turns Down an MLB Spot: No Handouts Allowed

After briefly pursuing a career in baseball, Michael Jordan was offered a spot on the Oakland A’s Major League Baseball roster. Sandy Alderson, a major league executive, personally offered MJ a spot on the 25-man team. Yet, Jordan turned it down. Why? Because he didn’t want to just be handed a spot; he wanted to earn it.

While most people would have jumped at the chance to play at the major league level, MJ’s mentality was that of a true competitor. He wasn’t just going to take the easy route. His decision not to accept the offer speaks volumes about his character and his relentless pursuit of greatness.

Conclusion: Michael Jordan’s Immortal Legacy

The stories above highlight just a few of the many ways Michael Jordan defied the limits of what it means to be human. His mind games, his obsessive focus on revenge, his superhuman physical abilities, and his relentless drive to win—these stories are part of what make MJ more than just a basketball player. They make him an icon, a living legend who transcended sports to become something much greater. Michael Jordan wasn’t just the best basketball player in history; he was a force of nature, a man who bent reality itself in his pursuit of greatness.

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