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[Saba Sports News] Michael Jordan, known for his competitive spirit, had a unique way of interacting with his employees, as shared by former NBA player Damon Stoudemire on his appearance on Broken Play. Stoudemire recalled an amusing episode while flying with Jordan and some of his team members.
“Mike was relentlessly teasing those guys,” Stoudemire recounted. “He was playing cards with his employees and beating them, then jokingly saying, ‘It’s cool, I don’t have to pay you this week.’ That’s how he was.”
Jordan’s fondness for card games and gambling is well-documented, so this behavior isn’t entirely unexpected. Stoudemire, who entered the NBA as the Toronto Raptors’ seventh pick in 1995, mentioned that Jordan invited him to join the game. However, being a rookie and not yet financially secure, Stoudemire wisely declined, knowing Jordan’s reputation for being a fierce competitor.
Another story highlighting Jordan’s competitive nature involves $1 blackjack games with his Chicago Bulls teammates. Despite being a high roller, Jordan was keen to join these lower-stake games, not for the money, but for the sheer pleasure of winning. When questioned by teammate John Paxson about his interest in these small games, Jordan famously retorted, “So I can say I have your money in my pocket.”
This characteristic of Jordan – his intense desire to win in any competition, regardless of the stakes – underlines his legendary competitiveness. It wasn’t just about the money for him; the real thrill lay in asserting his dominance and proving he was the best in every aspect, whether on the basketball court or in a casual game with teammates and employees.