Story by
Chris Paul reveals how Michael Jordan spoils his Jordan Brand athletes: "He'll always look out"
- Story by
- Chris Paul reveals how Michael Jordan spoils his Jordan Brand athletes: "He'll always look out"
NBA players today enjoy a level of access to sneakers that most fans can only imagine. From early releases to player-exclusive colorways, the league has become a runway for some of the rarest shoes in the world. And when it comes to prestige, few names carry more weight than the Jordan brand.
Since Michael Jordan first laced up the Air Jordan 1 in 1985, the brand has remained at the center of sneaker culture. They have been responsible for many sneakerheads' coveted shoes, especially from the Air Jordan sneaker line. This is why fans and sneakerheads alike envy players signed to the Jordan brand.
Advertisement
Those under the banner have exclusive access to the rarest and most desired shoes of all time. One of these players is Chris Paul , who recently spoke on the "7PM in Brooklyn " podcast with fellow legend and Jordan brand athlete Carmelo Anthony to share how their exclusive access stems from their relationship with His Airness himself.
"You know what the hardest part right when you want like some crazy exclusive Js? Calling MJ. You gotta make that phone call," CP3 said .
MJ spoils his Jordan-brand athletes
It's important to note that MJ doesn't just sign any athlete or give away sneakers to anyone . The Jordan brand has become one of the most prestigious and successful in the world due to the excellence His Airness achieved during his career. He continued to build the brand's success by signing premier athletes such as CP3 and Melo.
Advertisement
Getting recognition and being signed by Jordan is a rarity in itself. Still, once you do get signed, the rewards are as good as everyone thinks they are. Paul shared an instance where Jordan's generosity comes with a personal flair.
"My 30th birthday — the birthstone for May for Taurus is emerald. I got some Emerald 11s," shared Paul. "MJ a real one. Depending on the occasion and all that stuff like that, he'll always look out."
The custom Emerald Jordan 11s were created specifically for Paul in 2015. The pair is considered a true one-of-one, making it one of the rarest versions of an already iconic sneaker. For sneakerheads, rare Jordan 11 colorways are already difficult to obtain, which is why the gesture represents just how generous and rewarding MJ can be to his Jordan brand athletes.
Advertisement
Related: Doc Rivers might've just ended the GOAT debate in favor of Michael Jordan
CP3 used to play in retro Jordans
Paul, alongside Melo, is considered by many to be the athlete who ushered the Jordan brand into the modern era. MJ and the brand's belief in him was evident from the very start when they signed him even before he was drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005.
Ever since then, Paul has always rocked Jordans, even on the court. But in his early years, he surprisingly wore retro Jordans until one game, when he realized that retro pairs are meant to be worn casually, not played in.
Advertisement
"When I first came in, I used to play in anything. I played in the 5s, I had some New Orleans Hornets colorway 5s, and I'll never forget I was playing in Seattle. And I jumped in the air to make a pass, and I rolled on somebody's foot," Paul recalled. "I had on the 5s, rolled my ankle. Missed 18 games. I ain't playing in no retros ever again."
Despite the incident, Paul has always revered Jordans just like any other sneakerhead — a testament to how MJ has built a long-lasting sneaker legacy that equals his greatness as a player.
Related: Chris Paul lauds San Antonio Spurs as the best organization he has played for
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
