Michael Jordan‘s deal with Nike changed the way contracts would be negotiated in years to come. MJ’s contributions to the sport are immeasurable but what he was able to accomplish working with Nike has surely been beneficial for everyone who came after him. His deal was worth $2.5 million for five years with Nike back in 1984.
Recently, one of MJ’s most fierce competitors Dominique Wilkins talked about the Nike deal that MJ landed. Wilkins, who was a Reebok athlete, also unveiled why Nike stands tallest in their race.
The NBA veteran said, “He came in at the right time when Nike was struggling, and they picked the best player at the time to take it to different heights.” Wilkins said that he still regrets not making the decision to go with Nike at the time because he believes that the culture that Nike has is better for athletes when compared to other brands. He said, “I gotta tell you, I wish I had made that journey with him. Being honest with you. I was with Reebok actually for 30 years…it was a great ride, it was. It really was a great ride but when you talk about company taking care of you life after basketball. Nike is been the best.”
Wilkins said that every athlete who has played under their brand has that sense of security that no other brand offers to their athletes.
Dominique Wilkins has Michael Jordan’s respect
Not many athletes can say that, but Wilkins surely has MJ’s respect and he earned it after years of competing against the Chicago Bulls legend. Their most intense competition was the 1988 Slam Dunk Competition. Although MJ won the trophy that year, fans debated the dub years later. However, MJ himself acknowledged that Wilkins was a better performer. “He said, ‘Yeah, yeah, you won.’ I just said, ‘How are you doing, Mike? Are you feeling good today?’ I forgot about it. That’s Michael and I and the respect we show each other”, Wilkins recalled his conversation with MJ.
The NBA veteran said that even though fans argue over who won in 1988, the two individuals never allowed that to be an issue between them. He said, “The thing is Michael and I have never talked about the dunk contest after that ever. Not once. It was an unspoken thing. We all knew what we brought. We didn’t have to talk about it. He only talked about it because we’re old men now. It’s just conversation”. The two have a lot of respect for one another, who knows where they would’ve taken Nike together?