Like many current players in the NBA, Klay Thompson grew up watching Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls as a child.
In the 1997-98 season, Thompson’s father and former player Mychal took his sons to a Bulls game to see Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. After the game, Thompson and his brother got the chance to meet the five-time Most Valuable Player.
Thompson recalled his memories from meeting Jordan in the tunnel after the game. The Golden State shooting guard said his experience with the six-time champ was “motivating.”
Via @NBA on Twitter:
I don’t remember much from that night. I think the year was 97 or 98. It was one of the last championships that team won together.
I do remember the hype and hysteria that came with the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and company. I remember my dad taking us back, waiting in the tunnel. We were just waiting — we wanted to see Scottie and Michael so bad. I don’t think I said a word. But just the fact I was able to be there and meet the legend himself was so motivating for me. I was able to tell all my friends when I went to school.
I’ll forever cherish that memory, and I can always tell my peers, my future kids, that I was able to meet Michael Jordan in his prime and see the Chicago Bulls and it was truly an honor and something I’ll never forget.
With the debut of ESPN’s “The Last Dance,” more stories about the Jordan era Bulls are bound to follow. Chapters three and four of the 10-part 30 for 30 documentary series covered Rodman, Phil Jackson and Jordan’s first championship. Thompson’s coach Steve Kerr made a brief appearance in the new installments of the documentary.
Episodes five and six of “The Last Dance” are slated to air on ESPN Sunday, May 3.