Hall of Famer Michael Jordan made a surprise appearance during the Legends Brunch held on Saturday in Charlotte, the city where the All-Star festivities are also taking place.
The six-time NBA champion and current owner of the Charlotte Hornets told NBA.com's Steve Aschburner that he was convinced by colleague and former NBA player Sam Perkins to make an appearance in the event.
“Sam Perkins nagged me for about two months to be here. I’m glad I chose to do this. It’s great to see the energy that you [fans] provide to us, and to see the former players and the opportunity that you provided to me.”
Coincidentally, it was also Jordan's birthday, and he joked about looking younger compared to the other retired NBA players who showed up in the Legends Brunch.
“I see a lot of old friends, a lot of old adversaries, some teammates. You guys know today is my 56th birthday — I look young compared to a lot of you guys out there.”
The Legends Brunch is an annual event that happens during the All-Star weekend, organized by National Basketball Retired Players Association. More than 200 retired NBA players were in attendance.
MJ said that one of the reasons why he attended the Legends Brunch was to congratulate former Hornets players who were given recognition during the event. Dell Curry, father of NBA players Steph and Seth was given the Hometown Hero of the Year award. Muggsy Bogues received the Community Ambassador Award, Alonzo Mourning was given the Global Ambassador Award and Glen Rice was named Hornets Legend of the Year.
“I’m here just to congratulate the four guys who have done an unbelievable job for the city of Charlotte. I played against all four of those guys and they were true, true competitors. But the thing I love most about them — I’ve had the chance to spend time with them — is what great people they are, and what they have done for the city.
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