Utah Jazz: Jordan thanks Bryon Russell

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Of the many influential people Michael Jordan thanked Friday for motivating him during his career, one was especially surprising.

At the end of his Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement speech, Air Jordan personally thanked Bryon Russell.

Yes, THAT Bryon Russell.

They met during Russell's rookie season in 1993-94. Jordan was out of basketball at the time, trying to become The Next Babe Ruth, and he greeted his Olympic buddies, Stockton and Malone, during Utah's visit to Chicago when the fateful encounter happened.

Russell introduced himself and, perhaps thinking M.J.'s hoops career was over for good, told Jordan he was sad that he never got the chance to play against him, guard him and shut him down.

(A camera shot on Stockton shaking his head while Jordan told this story was priceless at this point.)

When Jordan returned to hoops a year later, he made it a point to meet Russell with a message at the midcourt jump circle before a game.

Jordan asked the Jazz guard if he remembered his wish. He then added, "Well, now you get your chance."

The rest is history. Literally. A couple of years later, Jordan hit his most famous and final championship shot over a sprawling (pushed-off?) Russell in the 1998 NBA Finals.

Jordan has relished that ever since.

"Believe me," he added, "if I ever see him in shorts, I'm coming at him."

E-mail: jodydesnews.com