Metta World Peace CRACKED Michael Jordan's RIBS in a pickup game | Club 520 Podcast

TL;DR

Metta World Peace accidentally cracked Michael Jordan’s ribs with his right elbow while denying him the ball during a pickup game. Jordan still caught the ball on the next possession, hit a game-winner from the free-throw line, and later reassured the distressed 19-year-old that it would be all right. Read on for the full story and Metta’s reflections on Ali Mo and the Pacers.

Transcript

some players didn't have the street side but they didn't have the guidance you get a guy like Ali Mo you probably heard of Ali hell yeah the black rest in peace ER know all about elitec God bro well legit legit I played against Ali plenty of time 68 you know throwing behind the back passes full court on Target on time at 68 like he he was he was in... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Former NBA player worked with street ball players to improve their game and potential for NBA success.
• 😉 Indiana Pacers team during the speaker's tenure was filled with talent and believed they could win a championship.
• 🎮 Playing against Michael Jordan in a pickup game left a memorable impact on the speaker.
• 👾 Evolution of the speaker's offensive game through dedication to training and guidance from mentors like Larry Bird.
• 💨 Appreciation for two-way players and professionalism in basketball.
• 💦 Importance of work ethic and resilience in pursuing success in the NBA.
• 🔇 The speaker's defensive skills and transition to becoming a more prolific scorer in the league.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Metta World Peace crack Michael Jordan’s ribs in a pickup game?

At age 19, Metta tried to deny Jordan the ball because Jordan kept scoring whenever he caught it. While moving Jordan’s arm out of the way during a post-up, Metta accidentally struck his ribs with his right elbow and cracked them.

Q: What did Michael Jordan do after his ribs were injured?

Jordan continued playing after the contact. On the next possession, he received the ball, came down to the free-throw line, made the game-winner, and walked off the court.

Q: How did Metta World Peace react when the media reported Michael Jordan’s injury?

Metta said the media reported that he had punched Jordan and broken his ribs. Because he idolized Jordan, he became depressed, stayed home, and did not go to practice even though he was training during the summer.

Q: What did Michael Jordan say to Metta World Peace after the injury?

Jordan called Metta after learning how distressed he was. He reassured him by saying it was all right, that such things happen, and that the young player would be fine.

Q: Why was Metta World Peace trying so hard to stop Michael Jordan from receiving the ball?

Metta said Jordan’s problem for defenders was simple: when he got the ball, he scored. After Jordan repeatedly scored on him, Metta decided he could not let Jordan touch the ball and defended the post-up aggressively.

Q: Why did Metta World Peace bring Ali Mo to Indiana?

Metta considered Ali Mo an incredible 6-foot-8 street-ball player who could deliver full-court, behind-the-back passes on target and on time. He brought Ali to Indiana because Ali was going through a lot and wanted to train, telling him he had to work hard if he wanted to play in the league.

Q: Why did Metta World Peace believe the Indiana Pacers could win a championship?

Metta felt the Pacers were the best team in the league and had everything needed to contend. He emphasized that the roster had many two-way players and that practices in Indiana were intense.

Q: Why did Metta World Peace think Jermaine O’Neal deserved MVP recognition?

Metta believed Jermaine O’Neal should have won MVP because he was the best player on a Pacers team that won 61 games. He also said Jermaine could have won Defensive Player of the Year and praised his professionalism and resilience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Former NBA player reminisces about playing with talented street ballers and mentoring Ali Mo.

• Shares insights about playing with intense Pacers team and belief in winning a championship.

• Recounts legendary pickup game with MJ, discussing defense, scoring evolution, and MJ's resilience.