Metta Sandiford-Artest, formerly known as Ron Artest, joined the Chicago Bulls as the 16th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. His arrival came during an intriguing period when the legendary Michael Jordan had retired from professional play for two years. Despite his retirement, Jordan never fully stepped away from the court, often engaging in intense pickup games with both college and professional players.
Artest, eager to prove himself, found himself on the same court as Jordan, playing in these highly competitive games. The experience of playing against one of the greatest players of all time was unforgettable, but it came with an unexpected twist. In a fierce effort to prevent Jordan from receiving a pass, Artest accidentally hit him in the ribs, causing an injury. Artest, known for his tough and aggressive playing style, felt immediate remorse for hurting his idol.
Recalling the incident, Artest shared, “I was in Chicago ’cause I got drafted, and back then the open runs were at Hoops. Maybe the fifth or sixth game, I played against Michael. He was posting me up, and I tried to deny him the ball. In doing so, I accidentally hit him in the ribs and broke them.”
The aftermath of the incident weighed heavily on Artest. He couldn’t stop thinking about the injury he had inflicted on Jordan. “I lived in downtown Chicago, and I couldn’t get out of bed for two days, thinking about Mike,” he admitted. The anxiety of potentially having harmed a basketball legend was overwhelming.
However, Jordan, who had endured much rougher treatment during his playing days, soon put Artest’s mind at ease. Jordan called to reassure him, saying, “Yo, it’s all right, man. Don’t worry about it. It happens, it happens.” This gesture highlighted Jordan’s resilience and understanding of the physical nature of the game.
Interestingly, LeBron James later corroborated Artest’s story. He recounted that there was indeed a gym called Hoops where Jordan played pickup games with various NBA players. Although James never got the chance to play directly against Jordan, he observed Jordan’s enduring prowess on the court, which left a significant impression on him.
This incident is a testament to the high level of competition and the respect between players, even off the official NBA courts. Artest’s story not only underscores the physical demands of basketball but also highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that define the sport’s greatest players.
