Michael Jordan is one of the most, if not the most, recognizable athletes in the whole world. While his basketball career is the stuff of legend now, with many inspiring hoopers using it as a benchmark for greatness, his cultural influence is just as big.
There are countless stories about how MJ's magical aura takes over the whole stadium just when he steps foot through the doors. And the best part of it is that many of these aren't even exaggerated; it was just the reality of being the GOAT in the eyes of many.
However, all of this fame and recognition definitely came with downsides, and regular outings in public could become a nightmare. And reasonably so, just imagine hundreds of fans lining up for a photo, a touch or anything in between. It sure does take a toll on a person.
While Jordan built his career with the ball in his hands on the hardwood, there was one guy in particular who had front-row seats to his budding greatness. It was Sam Smith, the legendary author and beat writer for the Chicago Bulls . And since Smith became a full-time reporter for the Bulls during the second part of the 1980s, he saw the rise of His Airness through a unique lens.
He offered a perspective that few outside the inner circle could understand. When asked about the biggest misconception about the man, Smith didn't hesitate, "That he's not approachable. Obviously, someone in his position who is viewed as he is and at his status in life has to be cautious and careful. But he's always been much more normal and familiar than you'd believe," the renowned author revealed in an exclusive interview with Basketball Network.
That hardly comes as a surprise, considering that, as a global superstar, Jordan had to carefully manage attention and expectations. But according to Smith, even with all the fame and pressure, MJ remained grounded in ways that surprised many.
Being a six-time champ and a five-time MVP carries a huge burden; however, Jordan was well aware of his magnitude. And even though he tries to stay out of the public eye for the most part, limiting interactions on TV and social media, Jordan did once express how he wanted to be remembered, just as Smith put it: approachable.
After all, he is the reason many picked up a basketball in the first place. Back in 1996, MJ foreshadowed how he wanted to be remembered .
"I just want them to remember me, I guess. I think just a fun guy who enjoyed life and made a lot of different creative ideas work, and was a part of a lot of fun things and was always approachable. Never felt like he was isolated from normal people," the Bulls guard revealed at the time.
For many, Jordan's place in history is cemented forever, and for good reason. But for guys like Sam Smith, who had the pleasure of working with His Airness for years, they know the details that many consider invisible. And even though Mike indeed seems like a guy who keeps to himself most of the time, if we are to listen to Smith, he was always approachable.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
