Every book dedicated to Michael Jordan unveils captivating details about his life and career. Among these narratives, there is one particularly riveting story involving NBA Commissioner David Stern. With each of his triumphs, Jordan has built a unique legacy. Whether business or basketball, he has never stopped surprising people. At one point, he even managed to turn the NBA commissioner into his own personal car valet.
In the popular New York Times Bestselling book, ‘Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made,’ the author described the entire story.
David Stern call himself Michael Jordan’s personal car valet
According to Pulitzer winner, David Halberstam, the commissioner was one of the people who was extremely happy with Jordan. While MJ was busy achieving what many thought to be impossible, with each season he attracted more attention to the league. Following each series, Stern would reward the champions with a brand-new car as a prize to appreciate his skills. At one point, he thought that he had turned into the champion’s personal car valet.
Speaking of Jordan’s unparalleled obsession and drive to win, Halberstam wrote, “Again and again he was named the most valuable player in the league and in the playoff Finals, again and again he seemed able to lift a group of good but not always great teammates to a championship level.” He added, “At the conclusion of each series, the MVP was duly awarded a new car, presented by David Stern himself; in recent years, Stern had taken to calling himself Jordan’s car valet.”
While it might have seemed as if Stern was acting as Jordan’s exclusive car valet, he was more than happy every time the 6-time champion secured another title.
David Stern extolled Michael Jordan’s impact on the NBA
Back in the early ’90s, the Chicago Bulls legend was already a basketball phenomenon, with a string of accomplishments. When Stern presented the 14X NBA All-Star with his third MVP award, he showered him with the highest praise possible. Stern said, “Six straight scoring titles, three MVPs. You are simply the standard by which basketball excellence is measured!”
It was a fitting tribute to a player whose dedication, skill, and winning mentality had elevated the game to new heights. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.