Michael Jordan is often cited as the greatest-ever basketball player, but even a talent like him had humble beginnings. In Wilmington, North Carolina, Jordan grew up playing in a smaller community where he met Meadowlark Lemon .
The older Lemon was an icon in his city because he was part of the popular exhibition basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters . Meadowlark was a prominent member with the moniker "Clown Prince of Basketball." He was most known for his half-court hook shots and other comedic routines.
Since he was an older figure who played basketball in Wilmington, Lemon claims Jordan looked up to him when the future GOAT was a young kid.
"If he's (Wilt Chamberlain) not the best, he's very close. I would choose my other homeboy, Michael Jordan. He grew up on one side of town and I grew up on the other side," Lemon said to HoopsHype in 2014. "We went to the same Boys Club and we were both influenced greatly by the director there that we called "Poppa-Jack". When Michael was a kid, he said he wanted to be like me."
Lemon felt honored by the NBA players
Since he was part of the Globetrotters, he was a talented player within the entertainment space. Most people would appreciate their talent, but they were not perceived as elite as the athletes in the NBA.
They were mostly treated like the professional wrestlers of the basketball world because they were doing the same things, but there was a pre-planned narrative. However, that should not make people stop appreciating their skills because they are talented enough to become attractions with the Globetrotters.
Although he did not receive legitimate praise from multiple sources, being praised by NBA players, felt validating for Lemon, especially when Wilt called him the greatest-ever player .
"I'm always honored when NBA players and a lot of the players that have gone into the Basketball Hall Of Fame tell me that they wanted to be like me when they were growing up," Lemon continued in his conversation with HoopsHype. "Even though I didn't play basketball with most of them, they know the history of the game and thank me and the Harlem Globetrotters."
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Jordan appreciated the positive impact
Lemon was not lying when he discussed MJ and his interactions. Mike was inspired to pursue his basketball dreams after watching the Globetrotters as a youngster. When discussing their hometown legend, Jordan made sure to show his appreciation for Meadowlark when the Globetrotters star died in 2015.
"My fellow Wilmington, N.C. native Meadowlark Lemon is a true national treasure. I watched him play for the Harlem Globetrotters when I was growing up and his skill with the basketball and dedication to the game were an inspiration not only to me but to kids all around the world," Jordan said about Lemon via NJ.com.
Jordan's great love for the Globetrotters shows that they were not just an entertaining spectacle. They were a big part of basketball culture, especially since they inspired MJ to follow his dream.
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