Former NBA star and Fox Sports analyst Jim Jackson once raised a compelling argument regarding the contrasting personas of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird that got his co-hosts divided. According to Jackson, while both legends are celebrated for their extraordinary talents and accomplishments, Bird lacked the off-court charisma that MJ possessed.
For Jim, " Larry Legend " is quite a character, too, but his presence does not translate into the same level of charm that Jordan naturally carries with him. Jimmy pointed out that it's because there are not many athletes who are "transformational" like His Airness.
"Here's my thing about transformational and people that got that certain aura. Listen, when you got Dominique [Wilkins], Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and they walk in the room, they in the room, you got an energy in there. Michael Jordan walk in it, the energy totally change," Jackson said in an episode of Speak For Yourself in 2018. "It's a total different thing when Michael Jordan comes in the room compared to anybody else. It's only a few that have that kind of aura."
"You can't put him [Bird] on the same level, transformative as Michael Jordan. No, bro!" he added.
Jim doesn't take away anything from Bird's legacy
Jackson’s argument highlights the notion that charisma extends beyond athletic prowess. Though being refuted by his co-hosts, Jim stressed that he wasn't talking about Jordan and Bird's abilities but rather their marketability, the reception they are receiving when they engage with their audience, and how they strike others.
That said, Jimmy clarified that he was in no way slighting "The Hick from French Lick" and his legacy. Instead, he just wanted to emphasize the difference between Bird and MJ through his lens.
"I said transformational. I didn't say play-wise," the 14-year NBA veteran concluded.
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MJ and Bird are different, but both great
Weighing in on Jackson's take, it appears that he made a good point, as Bird and Jordan conduct themselves in completely different ways.
The Celtics forward has always epitomized a no-nonsense attitude and work ethic, which earned him the respect of his teammates and fans alike. His style was more straightforward and let his performance speak for itself. Off the court, Bird is unapologetically lowkey. In fact, he didn't even have an issue with being a cheapskate.
In contrast, the Bulls legend redefined the concept of class in sports. With his electrifying style of play and competitive spirit, "His Airness" captured the hearts of millions of hoops fans across the globe. However, it was also his personal style outside of basketball that made him a cultural icon. Unlike Bird, MJ enjoys the fruits of his labor, as he was often seen cruising in his luxury cars, smoking the finest cigars, and donning fancy suits.
Despite their obvious differences, the two legendary athletes are almost the same in terms of their greatness and impact on the game.
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