Five Times Michael Jordan Was the GOAT of Comedy
Michael Jordan may be the GOAT of the NBA, but his comedy skills pale in comparison to the likes of Shaq and Charles Barkley. Still, Jordan has had a handful of sharp comedic moments in his career. So, in honor of his 62nd birthday, here are five times Jordan scored major points for laughs.
‘That’s My Mom’
This clip of Jordan on the 1998 ABC TV special Superstars & Their Moms would undoubtedly go viral if it were released today. The cute segment features Jordan and his mom as she schools him on how to make a basket. The best part? When his mom is swapped out with a glaringly obvious stunt double and makes a slam dunk.
‘Space Jam’
A universal coming-of-age touchstone for anyone who grew up in the 1990s is that moment you realize Space Jam is not a good movie. But while the animated film starring Jordan and Bugs Bunny isn’t nearly as sharp or funny as most classic Looney Tunes shorts, Jordan deserves credit for being a good sport throughout, even if his acting skills could use some extra practice. The movie even takes shots at Jordan’s short-lived baseball career, which he takes in stride.
Pantsing Penny Hardaway
At a 1996 All-Star game, Jordan pantsed teammate Penny Hardaway. Sure, it was juvenile, but comedy — not unlike basketball — is all about timing and this joke was executed perfectly. The clip really speaks for itself.
‘Daily Affirmation with Stuart Smalley’
In a recent interview, comedian and former senator Al Franken recalled the time Jordan guest-starred on SNL’s Stuart Smalley cable access show. During the dress rehearsal, Franken told Jordan not to laugh. “He did crack up a teeny bit, but it was exactly the right amount. I realized what a pro he is,” Franken explained. “I was very impressed with him.”
Trash-Talking
Like the pantsing incident, Jordan’s funniest moments usually happen without the aid of a writers’ room. In an interview, former teammate Horace Grant recalled that when it came to trash talk, nothing was off-limits for Jordan. “Your wife, your kids, your brother, your dog, you name it.”
Need actual evidence? Look at the time first-year Indiana Pacer Reggie Miller, who outscored Jordan in the first half of an exhibition game 10-to-4 and tried to rub it into Jordan’s face by saying, “Michael, who do you think you are? The ‘great’ Michael Jordan.’ That’s right, there’s a new kid in town!” By the end of the game, Jordan had outscored Miller 44-to-12. Jordan had a quick comeback for Miller: “You sure be careful you never talk to Black Jesus like that.”
