Influencers have become the heart of the business world. Wherever we are, it’s hard not to notice the wild wave of new trends that the influencers bring into the world. However, if we rewind the time back to the 90s, a trace of a similar phenomenon can be noticed in the sports realm. It had the same power and craze compared to the modern day influencers. While discussing the impact of sports on people, a former Golden State Warriors player attributed the pioneering role to Michael Jordan.
From attitude to fashion, sports stars have always had a noticeable impact on people. With their classic move to stylish drips, people love to follow the sports stars. One of them, and probably the first, was Jordan. Not just the basketball community, but the entire world is aware of MJ. His flashy slam dunks and the way he soared and glided across the court have inspired many, even after all these years.
Andre Iguodala draws parallels with sports and influencers
Jordan’s epic deal with Nike changed the entire scenario of sports endorsements. Today, his Air Jordans are not only one of the most successful shoe lines, but also an elite fashion trend in itself. In his recent conversation in the ‘Point Forward’ podcast, the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, Andre Iguodala, discussed the global phenomena.
Speaking of this classic example, Iguodala said, “Guys show up to the arena now like this is how you’re supposed to dress like people are following our every move we saw like Michael Jordan started it all.” He added, “In terms of like that influence, now it’s just so widespread influencers came from athletes and sports.”
While he claims the entire influencer trend to have started from the sports world, Iguodala isn’t wrong about his opinion on the Chicago Bulls legend. Even ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith holds a similar opinion.
Stephen A. Smith hailed Michael Jordan as the most influential NBA player of all time
Just a few months ago, Stephen A. Smith shared his Top Five list of the most influential players in the NBA. Yes, it’s the same list from which he omitted the Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Smith added, “We’re talking about the man primarily responsible for the sport going global. If it not were not for Michael Jeffrey Jordan the sport, it’s global impact, iconic global brand it is.”
While Magic Johnson rests on the second position, His Airness took up the 1st place. Smith commented that without Jordan, NBA as a sport wouldn’t have evolved to such a level and had become so overly successful globally. Over the years, the legend has turned himself into a brand. His impressive marketability and business skills have only elevated his worth. Today, Jordan is one of the most successful businessman venturing into different fields.
