Artis Gilmore was one of the most celebrated big men both in the ABA and the NBA back in the '70s. He capped off his legendary career as an 11-time All-Star, one-time league MVP, one-time ABA champion, and five-time All-Defensive team member.
That said, "The A-Train" couldn't have asked to have it any other way. Indeed, Gilmore doesn't have any regrets in his career. However, he jokingly said during his Hall of Fame speech that there was one, though, and that's wishing Michael Jordan played during his time and influenced the '70s era to wear long in-game shorts.
"Now, people have asked me if I have any regrets about my career, you know I must admit I do have one. I wish Michael Jordan had played before me because if he had, in all my pictures, I wouldn't be wearing those short shorts we wore back in the day," Gilmore said .
Why MJ began wearing longer shorts during games
Indeed, Gilmore's joke makes sense as Jordan did not only transform the game with his skills but also had a significant impact on the fashion within the sport. In fact, Gilmore was right, as it was MJ who introduced the long shorts in the NBA.
Surely, some are unaware of the story behind Jordan's decision to wear longer shorts during games, but Nike shoe designer Peter Moore once revealed it in an interview. According to Moore, one of the lesser-known aspects of Jordan's personal style was his remarkable consciousness about his physique, particularly his legs.
Moore said the Chicago Bulls star was insecure about his "skinny legs" and wanted to have them covered during games. Hence, Jordan requested to make his pair of shorts longer, and the rest is history.
"Michael was always on me about the shorts," Moore once divulged. "'I want the shorts longer', he said, 'I got skinny legs.' That was his deal… He was unbelievably self-conscious about it."
Related: "Besides, he wasn't on the team" - Scottie Pippen was upset with Michael Jordan for including his infamous playoff drama in 'The Last Dance'
The short shorts have returned
Since Jordan rocked the long shorts in the NBA, it became a notable trend that went on for decades. However, many young players have noticeably begun sporting short shorts again these days.
The renewed interest in short shorts can be attributed to several factors. For one, it's a natural revival of fashion statement that gives players a more tailored look on the court. Apart from that, it's evident that short and fitted shorts allow athletic players such as Bronny James to move their legs with more precision and latitude.
Related: “He was just a dominant center” - Charles Oakley opens up on playing alongside Artis Gilmore
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