Though some might believe Michael Jordan dawned a larger-than-life aura only after attaining success and wealth in the NBA, that notion isn’t true. In fact, the 6’6” shooting guard wholeheartedly gave back to each of his family members right after he signed his signing bonus with the Chicago Bulls in ‘84. Not only did the five-time MVP decide to buy seven cars altogether, but he insisted on paying the window-sticker price without any deals because he wanted to return the favor to a local car dealer, who had only been kind to his parents during their low days.
MJ bought seven cars together
Despite Mike knocking the NCAA Championship-winning shot in his freshman year, averaging a commendable 19.8 points per game for UNC Tar Heels in the next two seasons, and even winning the Olympic gold medal for Team USA in 1984, he hadn’t become a household name before joining the NBA.
So when James Jordan visited his friend Lewis Godwin, a local car dealer, to discuss potential options before his son turned pro, Michael unapologetically expressed his desire to buy not one but seven cars together.
"I want to buy seven cars. You see that big black Mercedes, the four-door? That's the one for me. I want my mother to have the little Mercedes next to it, and I want my dad to have a Mercedes, " Jordan recalled , as per Lewis Godwin's son. "I want my grandmother to have a big Pontiac Bonneville, and my brothers and sisters - Firebird Trans Ams, beautiful Pontiacs."
Astonished by the young adult’s ambitious request, Lewis was taken aback. While he had been aware of the Jordan family’s financial condition for years, he inquired about James's potential strategy for paying for such a hefty purchase.
While Jordan Sr., knowing that Mike was destined to be an all-time great in the NBA, boasted about his son’s lucrative $10 million joining bonus, the UNC stud also affirmed his intention of paying the full retail price, viewing it as a gesture of gratitude for Lewis’ consistent support of his family.
"I want you to get a large sale. I'm going to pay the window sticker price because you were a really good friend to my mother and daddy," Jordan added. "When nobody would loan them money to buy a car, you always made it happen."
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Michael had a typical MJ moment
Upon informing his superior about the impending substantial transaction and the identity of the purchaser, Lewis’ boss requested a private photograph with Michael. However, the six-time Finals MVP, in his trademark style, instantly declined while asserting that he would not adhere to the demands of anyone who disregarded his family’s presence.
Nevertheless, this incident only made Lewis realize the significance of consistently treating individuals with respect, as one can never predict when such kindness may be reciprocated in a meaningful manner.
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