Former NBA player Penny Hardaway revealed the moment he earned Michael Jordan’s respect.
Jordan was undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players in league history, instilling great fear in his opponents.
He won six championships in the 90s and formed a brand that became famous all over the world.
On the way to NBA greatness, Jordan faced a tough enemy, one of them on Hardway.
The point guard was a special player, supporting the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals alongside Shaquille O’Neal in 1995.
Hardaway previously revealed his departure from O’Neill’s magic. He was devastated as the duo has a lot of potential and the championship can also win.
The four-time All-Star has opposed the Chicago Bulls Jordan several times, revealing the strategies he used, and ultimately earning the respect of a six-time champion.
Hardaway was one of the most elite point guards of the 90s and his skill set was unique.
His resume did not match Jordan, but Hardaway made sure it didn’t get in the way when they matched.
Speaking about the “Pivot Podcast,” Hardaway said:
“It was the ultimate respect for me, because Mike, he was the first team on defensively, that guy took him to the post. No one ever posted such an MJ.
“The ultimate respect was when Scotty then began to protect me, I was fine, I now got his respect.”
Penny Hardaway entered the league after Michael Jordan and faced him several times with his prime.
The Bulls Guard was one of the fierce competition, and Hardaway revealed that the only way to stand up to Jordan was to go to him first.
“You go to him first. Don’t give him the chance to go to you. And that was my mentality because I felt this was a goat. I get the opportunity to oppose him and compete with him. I have to destroy him.
“I already had the ultimate respect for him, but I was going to compete with him, and that’s what I did,” Hardaway said.
After being drafted third overall in 1993, Hardaway was one of the most consistent performers, but injuries hindered his career.
He left Magic in 1999 and played for several other teams, but Hardaway was unable to replicate his previous performance.
Hardaway was very grateful to Jordan as it made it clear that the Bulls Guard had got the best from him.
Speaking about Jordan, Hardaway said: “He’s the guy who locked you up, and if you’re not locked up, you’ll be destroyed. I’m a huge Michael Jordan fan. He’s the greatest basketball player of all time.”