Michael Jordan’s second son, Marcus, has seen every episode of ‘‘The Last Dance’’ but the last one, which airs at 9 p.m. Sunday on ESPN.
He explained that director Jason Hehir would send him episodes to get some confirmation that the story felt authentic and that he was doing his father’s legacy justice.
Marcus has been a student of his father’s legacy, and much of what he has learned was used in creating his boutique street-wear store, Trophy Room, in Orlando Florida.
He joined the Sun-Times in the Chat Room this week.
What inspired Trophy Room?
Marcus Jordan:Trophy Room is inspired by the trophy room that was in our house growing up. It was centrally located and was a spot where everyone wanted to hang out. Anytime we won an award, my dad would put our trophies in there among his. So it really just inspired us as kids to go out and do our own thing and earn our own accolades. So with the store, we really just tried to re-create that environment of being a place that people want to be and want to come and shop.
What was the most emotional aspect of the documentary for you?
MJ:For me, it was Episode 8 and how they covered my grandfather and all of the stories that went behind it and that 1996 championship that was won on Father’s Day. If you go back into the archives, you’ll see there are pictures of me and my brother in the locker room with them. That moment was the most emotional episode for me.
Did your father bring his competitive edge home?
MJ:For us, we’re all naturally competitive. We all got that gene. At times when we would play basketball, there would definitely be some competitive moments in the gym, talking trash or whatever the case may be.
Was there anything you saw in ‘‘The Last Dance’’ that shocked you?
MJ:No. If anything, it just made me more aware of what was going on in the front office. I didn’t particularly know the dynamics that were at play with Phil [Jackson] and Jerry [Krause], my dad and Jerry [Krause] and pretty much everybody.
You’ve described yourself as a ‘‘Twitter warrior.’’ Is there ever a time where your parents check you on your tweets?
MJ: Anytime I’m going to get advice from my parents on tweets, it’s going to be retroactive, after I post the tweet. There’s a lot of thought that goes into my tweets. A lot of them look like they’re off-the-cuff, but I promise I’m just that good. No, I’m kidding. A lot of it is just in fun.
Does your father have a ghost account he uses to check social media?
MJ:Absolutely not. He can give two [bleeps] about what’s happening on Twitter. He’s retired; he’s living his life. He’s playing 36 holes of golf pretty much every day.
Can you confirm any connection between Jerry Krause and Mr. Swackhammer, the villain in ‘‘Space Jam’’?
MJ:I have no idea. That is a great question that I’ll have to bring up at one of our family dinners. I think that’s a conspiracy theory to this day. I can’t confirm, nor can I deny.
What are your thoughts on the new ‘‘Space Jam’’ starring LeBron James?
MJ: I’m interested to see it. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the OG, the original. But I’m not going to put any carts before the horses with this ‘‘Space Jam 2.’’ I think it should be pretty good, but we’ll see.
What has been your favorite part about people’s reactions to ‘‘The Last Dance’’?
MJ:In my opinion, it should end all debates as to who is the greatest of all time. I don’t think what my dad did for the game of basketball could be repeated. So I think case closed. I think that’s the best part about the documentary for me, and then the banter that’s happening after each episode.
