When Michael Jordan arrived in the Windy City after the Chicago Bulls drafted him in 1984, there was no one to meet him at the airport. While that could have been a nightmarish mistake, it actually turned out for the good because the oversight allowed Jordan to meet George Koehler.
At the time, Koehler ran a limousine business and, fortunately, recognized the former University of North Carolina star. He offered him a ride, and from then on became the Bulls legend's driver, personal assistant, and close friend.
Koehler may also have shared Jordan's dry wit, as he had a funny description of what it was like to work for him.
"I am not really the driver, I am kind of like the personal slave," Koehler said , via the Chicago Tribune in 1999.
The summer of 1984 changed Koehler's life forever. From driving clients around Chicago, he had become Jordan's chauffeur and, eventually, personal aide. His scope of responsibility was quite broad, although he described it as "doing all sorts of things for Michael." The reason was simple — Koehler said his friend just had some errands he couldn't do on his own, which is obviously understandable.
However, he was not just a member of Jordan's entourage. As he put it, "Fortunately, I am a friend, and as long as he wants me around, I will be around."
It's unclear exactly what has happened between them since the six-time NBA champion retired, moved to the capital during his Washington Wizards days, and then presumably spent much of his time in his hometown as a basketball executive and later as the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets.
What's certain is that Koehler has earned Jordan's trust over the years. The former quipped nearly two decades ago that he might appear on "Oprah" one day. However, he still hasn't appeared on a talk show or written a book, despite spending at least 14 years with the five-time NBA MVP.
Reading about Koehler's illustration of Jordan is a bit refreshing, especially after knowing how his relationships with some of his former Bulls teammates and friends have soured over time. For instance, Scottie Pippen's beef with him, especially after the airing of "The Last Dance," has already been well-documented . We have also heard Charles Barkley continue to talk about the breakdown of his relationship with Jordan.
Of course, others have defended the Bulls legend, most notably Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc and Charles Oakley.
Still, it just goes to show that going to war on the court for several seasons and the playoffs does not necessarily mean that a friendship with Michael would ensue.
On the other hand, Koehler's account showed that there's another side to Jordan. He, along with the likes of Tim Grover, has proven that it's possible to develop a lasting comradeship with the basketball icon, perhaps as long as it is built on mutual trust and loyalty.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
