On the Jordan brand:
It seemed a natural thing to do because of the success of Air Jordans. I wanted to invest in something that will keep me in touch with the game and the fans whenever I leave. But I didn’t want to do the ordinary, like coach or report from the sidelines. I want to leave my mark without actually having to be anywhere near the court.
On his involvement with his products:
It’s not rare for my Nike [design team] to come out to my house and just kick it with me for a while. Then they look at my cars and go into my closet just to get a better definition of who I am, so they can transfer that to the product. It’s rewarding but hectic.
On criticism of Air Jordans’ high price ($150):
That bothered me. I had a lot of parents call me about it, and the kids themselves would approach me with ““Why are your shoes so much?’’ But I also understood what they were saying. Now they have a variety of Jordan shoes with different prices. [Jordan has said that this year he will begin donating a percentage of Air Jordan proceeds to youth charities.]
On retirement:
That’s a decision I’ll make as the season moves along. I am not ready to make it yet. But believe me, when I see that it’s time to walk away, I will. That will not be a problem.
On how he envisions life as a retiree:
Being gone from the NBA for 18 months [when he played baseball] gave me a good idea of what kind of time you have on your hands. I learned how to fill that time with other things.
On the Bulls’ prospects this season:
I can’t think of anyone that’s going to give us real problems. We’re a tough ball club still capable of winning a few more titles, and we will.
On published comments by the New Jersey Nets’ Jayson Williams that labeled Jordan ““confrontational’’ and suggested that his nice-guy image was a fraud:
[He laughs derisively.] I’m a tough competitor, no doubt about that, but I wouldn’t say I am confrontational at all. You really have to get me steamed for a confrontation, and that hasn’t happened yet. I think that comes from the slow pace of growing up in the South. My grandparents used to always say: ““Think before you act, and be in control at all times.’’ I always remember that.
On his adolescent insecurities:
I used to take cooking class when I was younger. I took it because girls weren’t interested in me or whatever it was, and I thought, I may be alone for the rest of my life. You know how kids worry and think. I was really lanky, really tall, so I stood out. That can present problems when you’re a kid. But [he says with a laugh] I don’t cook anymore.
On media intrusions into his privacy, and Princess Diana’s death:
The media has been intense with me, but nothing that severe. Over the last few years it’s actually subsided. One reason I think it has is because I stopped isolating myself from people so much. I’m out at games or doing camps or just hanging out. I’m out there with the people as much as I can be. I know Princess Diana did that as well, but she was royalty–I’m not.
On differences between the public and private Jordans:
There isn’t a big difference, but there are some things I must keep to myself so you guys [the press] won’t know too much. As I begin to be less and less in the spotlight, it will be easier for me to let a little bit more of my personality come through. I’ll be a little more outgoing and playful.
On his musical tastes:
There’s nothing wrong with rap, but I don’t listen to it. I like mellow, soothing music that I can relax to and think about things. I like Erykah Badu or jazz or Rachelle Farrell or anything calming.
On veteran NBA players’ complaints about the attitudes of younger players:
I think there’ll be a difference [now], because it was talked about so much last season. Hopefully, this season people will just respect the game and the players that paved the way. That’s not too much to ask.
On controversial rookie-of-the-year Allen Iverson:
Allen grew up a lot differently than I did and has gone through things I never have, so it’s hard for me to judge. And I don’t. He’s had some tough situations, but he has a great future ahead of him. People should just give him a chance to grow up.
On escalating salary demands by young players, like Kevin Garnett’s for $22 mil- lion a year:
I am always pro-player when it comes to money. Is [Garnett] entitled to that? I think they’re paying him for his potential. If he lives up to it, great. If he doesn’t, well, I still support him, because they wouldn’t give it to him if they couldn’t [afford] it.
On his relationship with Tiger Woods:
Tiger calls me for advice, and I give it to him. It’s been a whirlwind situation for him, and he’s had to deal with a lot. I definitely understand that. I tell him that ““though it doesn’t seem like it [now], you will get used to it.’’ I tell him not to be the next Michael Jordan, but be Tiger Woods. He understands. He’s pretty amazing, and I really admire him.
