“You don’t understand how big of a deal this is for the kids” - Michael Jordan made Will Perdue ‘beg’ for game-worn shoes for his basketball camp kids
The fervent fandom of Michael Jordan during the ‘80s and ‘90s can be understood by the fact that children did not desire trophies as a reward for their accomplishments; instead, they desired MJ’s game-worn shoes - perhaps bringing them a greater sense of satisfaction for their hard-fought efforts. The same was the case at Will Perdue’s summer basketball camps in Nashville and Florida. However, unfortunately for the 4-time NBA Champ, convincing His Airness for this simple favor wasn’t always a walk in the park.
Interestingly, Perdue once admitted how he even ‘begged’ his Chicago Bulls teammates on occasions to get his request fulfilled.
Perdue gave unique merits in his basketball camp
During his seven-year stint with the Bulls, Perdue was unable to establish himself as a regular starter, averaging a modest 4.4 points and 4.1 rebounds. However, he was fortunate enough to share the locker room with MJ and win three NBA championships alongside him. Moreover, in the process, the 7-foot center witnessed firsthand Mike’s ascent from one level to another, going from being the face of the NBA to arguably the greatest sports icon.
Perdue himself knew that Jordan-owned goodies meant the world to aspiring players. However, the task of getting those coveted shoes from His Airness was a challenging task in itself.
"Instead of giving out trophies, I would give out shoes, and to the MVPs, I gave out autographed, game-worn Michael Jordan shoes," Perdue told Awful Announcing. "Michael would always give you an autograph. Now, depending on what day it was, he may give you a hard time. But then he would test you: How many times are you willing to ask?"
Perdue knew the worth of Jordan’s game-worn sneakers
While the six-time Finals MVP couldn’t always fulfill his teammate’s requests and requested to be exempted from the hassle for obvious reasons, Perdue knew the importance and value of them.
"The first couple of years he would say, 'How about you just buy them? I'll bring you a pair. I'll autograph them,'" Will added. "I said, 'It's not the same. These are game-worn. You don't understand how big of a deal this is for the kids.' He knew, but he would literally make you beg."
Over the years, Perdue got to know from former campers that they would still cherish those souvenirs; so much so that they were only willing to pass them down to their own kids. Safe to say, Will’s efforts to get those sneakers didn't go in vain.
