LaMelo Ball was selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, a team owned by the legendary Michael Jordan at the time. With MJ's office just a few doors down the hall, many believed Ball was in for a great learning experience. After all, what player—especially a young one—wouldn't want to gain knowledge from one of the greatest in league history?
However, Melo's outspoken father, LaVar, had a different view. When asked if his son would seek such advice in the future, he confidently replied, "What the hell he (LaMelo) gonna talk to Mike for? Mike ain't played in 27 years!"
This comment unsurprisingly elicited various reactions, including one from Jordan's fellow Hall of Famer, George Gervin. In his autobiography, " Ice: Why I Was Born to Score ," the San Antonio Spurs legend admitted that he couldn't help but laugh upon hearing it. However, that laughter came not from humor but from sheer disbelief.
"You need to talk to someone who has the kind of success that Jordan has especially when it comes down to money…It would be really a good one for these young players to be able to talk with Jordan if they can. It's a privilege. Talk about something more than just basketball. Because another LaMelo can come just as quick as the first one in this game, buddy," remarked Gervin.
Raw talent vs. basketball royalty
First and foremost, it's crucial to recognize the stark differences in basketball success between LaMelo and Michael at that time.
'Melo' had just completed a rather unconventional route to becoming an NBA draft pick, which included stints in Australia and Lithuania without ever playing in the NCAA. Upon joining the Hornets , the young point guard was still a raw talent, clearly needing veteran guidance.
Meanwhile, the retired Jordan could reflect on an extraordinary career. Over 15 NBA seasons, he earned five MVP titles, six Finals MVPs, and six championship rings as the Chicago Bulls ' leader. These achievements solidified that 'His Airness' is among basketball's greatest—a sentiment Gervin would elaborate on further.
"That brotha there has put himself in a place where I don't think anyone else who's played the game—any game really—has ever been," he emphasized. "I got nothing but respect for Jordan."
Related: "Better than any of us thought" - Michael Jordan praised rookie LaMelo Ball following Hornets start
The wisdom of legends
"Respect the ones that came before you" is not a motto everyone embraces. Aside from LaVar, another example was recently provided by Timberwolves rising star Anthony Edwards, who controversially claimed that MJ was the only player from past generations who "really had skill."
In light of this perceived lack of respect, 'Iceman' clearly recognizes the negative effects it can bring. The former NBA and NCAA star believes his "responsibility" as an old-school great is "to guide and help people," using his 70 years of life experience. However, while George noted that "ultimately, it's up to them," it's still unfortunate when his efforts don't get acknowledged.
"I'm not even going to call it advice. Just talk to them. Sit down and talk to a brotha like me, someone that's going to care about you all. I don't want nothing from them. All I want to do is give them the wisdom I got," explained the Detroit native.
Gervin and Durant's powerful bond
One positive example that shows how beneficial the healthy exchange between older and newer NBA generations can be is evident when reflecting on the special bond between 'Ice' and current basketball star Kevin Durant .
Their journey started when a young KD was called by Gervin's nicknames while playing streetball. Curious about these monikers, the 6'11" forward researched the player associated with them—an effort that, in hindsight, greatly impacted his game.
"Basketball was a strong man's game. At my height you had to be able to bully somebody in the post," reminisced the 2014 MVP. "But George played with a finesse that made me feel comfortable playing the way I did. It was just reassurance for me."
The then-Oklahoma City Thunder star shared that many years later, in 2009, he had the chance to talk with the four-time scoring champ during an NBA mentoring program. They sat down in an Oklahoma steakhouse, and it turned into a moment that proved to be "something special" for Durantula.
"We just went through so many stories. We talked about the game of basketball and how we both saw it. I was young and I had no idea what to even talk to 'Ice' about. So I just sat back and listened," KD recounted. "It stayed with me 13, 14 years after the fact. It meant so much for me to meet Ice, especially at that point of my career. I tell people that story all of the time.
George served as both a sporting role model and a mentor, sharing his extensive basketball knowledge with his young protégé. It's likely that without the legendary 'Iceman's' influence, NBA fans might not have witnessed Durantula achieve the level of greatness he has maintained for so long.
It was only fitting that, as a tribute, the grateful Durant wrote a heartfelt foreword for Gervin's book, released in late October 2023. No matter how wide a generational gap may be, the story of these offensive powerhouses, full of mutual respect, shows how it can be bridged and how beneficial that can be.
Related: "Being in Sodom and Gomorrah is how I saw it" - George Gervin said joining Showtime Lakers would likely have ended his life
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