Before NBA figures officially enter the Hall of Fame, they select individuals who have significantly influenced their careers to introduce them. This process was no different for Michael Jordan, who enjoyed this special occasion in 2009.
Over the years, MJ had met many influential people and formed valuable connections, making his choice quite challenging. Ultimately, it fell on David Thompson, which surprised many, including the ‘Skywalker’ himself.
‘I got a call from the Hall of Fame and they asked me if I was willing to be a presenter for someone. I said, ‘Yeah.’ I didn’t know who it was. … They said Michael Jordan. I was like, ‘Wow’…I was honored,” Thompson recounted, per ESPN.
North Carolina connection
When considering MJ and his key associates, his legendary head coaches like Phil Jackson and Dean Smith may come to mind. Former Chicago Bulls teammates such as Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, who won multiple championships with Jordan, are also notable.
Perhaps even Charles Barkley, with whom MJ was reportedly close for a time. However, providing some context makes MJ’s presenter decision clear and fitting.
In 1972, Thompson attended NC State in North Carolina, the same area where the Jordan family had moved to just a few years earlier. It was likely around that time a young Mike was first captivated by David’s performances with the Wolfpacks, naturally becoming a big fan.
“He told them that he was a big fan of mine, and I was the one that really inspired him. Being that there was so many North Carolina people he could’ve chose,” remarked D.T.
Fast forward to the 1975 NBA Draft, Thomas was selected first overall by the Denver Nuggets. He quickly became notorious for his exceptional athleticism, particularly his impressive 44-inch vertical leap, which remains a record-worthy feat even today’s standards. This led to numerous explosive and attention-grabbing highlight plays.
Paying respect
However, it wasn’t just the athleticism that defined ‘Skywalker,’ as MJ explained in 2020 when asked how D.T. would fare in today’s time.
“He would be a force to reckon with. His scoring abilities, his uniqueness, creativity…His scoring abilities, he would definitely be a treat. To be honest, a lot of my guys don’t remember David Thompson, but I do,” MJ remarked.
“Jordan before Jordan” is a label often associated with D.T. In terms of scoring, this comparison is not far off. Thompson’s career-high was 73 points, compared to Jordan’s 69. However, after averaging 25 points for seven seasons, David’s prime was affected by drug problems and injuries. Despite this, he was a 4-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
In his autobiography, Jordan paid tribute to the players he “evolved from” and included Thompson’s name alongside those of George Gervin, Walter Davis, and Elgin Baylor. As a gesture of paying back this gratitude, MJ gave legendary highflyer the honor of presenting him at the Hall of Fame event.