Stories about the legendary Michael Jordan usually revolve around his six championships, his unmatched competitive drive and his iconic legacy. But beyond the spotlight, there's another side to him — one that continues to emerge through the people who witnessed it firsthand behind the scenes.
That perspective was recently shared by former New York Knicks ball boy David Snowden during an appearance on the " Mark Jackson Show."
Reflecting on Jordan's playing days, Snowden described how he treated arena staff, emphasizing that the Chicago Bulls legend made a lasting impression not only on fans but also on employees in every arena he visited.
Working as a ball boy in the NBA provides a rare behind-the-scenes view of the league. With access to locker rooms — especially for those assigned to visiting teams — they find themselves in close proximity to some of the sport's biggest stars, often forming personal connections along the way.
"Back then, as a visiting ball boy, we actually had to wear the sweatsuits of the visiting teams, so you got to meet just a ton of people. Dominique Wilkins from Atlanta, Isaiah Thomas and guys that I still know," Snowden shared .
According to Snowden, Jordan separated himself from his other iconic peers not just by his talent, but by the way he treated people with immense generosity.
"Michael Jordan, by far. I mean, he was always gracious, incredible. Every game, he took care of all the ball boys," Snowden revealed when asked who the best tipper was during his ball boy days.
In the 1990s, when Jordan led the Bulls to two three-peats, he was not only the face of the league but arguably the most famous athlete in the world. Yet despite that level of fame, there are accounts suggesting he often treated his security team and those around him with more kindness than he did his own teammates.
Snowden's story also echoes other moments when Jordan's generosity made headlines. Just last year, reports surfaced that the NBA icon left an $11,639 tip at a Greek restaurant during a Jordan Brand event.
Still, not everyone has shared that same perception. His former friend and rival, Charles Barkley, once criticized him for the opposite, claiming there was "nobody cheaper" than Jordan and his former Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen.
Barkley also once shared a story about how Jordan stopped him from donating to a homeless man . Even hockey legend Wayne Gretzky shared a similar story, recalling when Jordan tipped a $5 poker chip to a cocktail waitress during a private salon game in Las Vegas.
While tipping has long been part of life around the NBA, the culture surrounding it has always been complex.
Some legends, such as Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal , have openly embraced the idea of giving back through generous tips, often making a point to leave lasting impressions. Others, however, have stirred debate by questioning the expectations placed on athletes regarding tipping.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. pushed back on the notion that players earning multi-million-dollar contracts should automatically tip a standard percentage.
Ultimately, tipping is a personal choice. Whether it reflects a player's character is open to interpretation, but Snowden's story about Jordan suggests that even the game's greatest figures, despite mixed accounts from peers, are still capable of meaningful generosity.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
