Michael Jordan had the entire world on its heels with the release of “The Last Dance” in April. Though the program may be over now, it gave folks a new appreciation for his talent, personality, and career.
That is, everyone except for Tim Duncan. He likely wasn’t impressed by the documentary because, well, Michael doesn’t really impress him. He said this in a 1998 interview with Dan Patrick:
Patrick: That’s it. You met Jordan?
Duncan: But Jordan’s Jordan. I’ve always respected him but I’ve never been a fan of his.
Patrick: Why aren’t you a fan of Jordan’s?
‘Duncan: Because everybody else is.
Patrick: Oh, so you don’t like Michael Jordan because everybody else does.
Duncan: No, I don’t like Michael Jordan because I don’t like Michael Jordan. You got me wrong there. I respect Michael Jordan.
Patrick: You respect him. You just don’t like him?
Duncan: I’m just somebody that isn’t that impressed by him. There really isn’t anybody in the world I’m impressed with.
Tim Duncan has never been one to fall in line with social norms. Unlike other NBA superstars of his time, Tim was quiet, reserved, and resisted the dramatics that typically came with NBA superstardom.
He just did his thing on the court and went home.
But to find out he isn’t particularly impressed with MJ is a bit shocking, even if it does fit his MO. It seems like not everyone is mesmerized by His Airness after all.