Detroit Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey had plenty of basketball influences growing up, but it was arguably the greatest player to ever suit up that inspired him the most.
Ivey revealed on Friday that Hall of Famer Michael Jordan was a player that he would watch often growing up. Born in 2002, Ivey didn’t have the opportunity to watch Jordan play in person, but that didn’t stop him from studying His Airness.
He explained prior to the NBA Rising Stars game — which is ironically sponsored by Jordan Brand this year — why Jordan was the player he watched the most growing up.
I would probably say M.J. Obviously, I wasn’t able to watch him live but I always watched his highlights growing up before every game. He kind of inspired the fire (in me) to take basketball seriously and keep playing every single day.
Ivey chose to wear the No. 23 because of Jordan, and did so last year in college at Purdue and, now, with the Pistons. He modeled some of his game after Jordan over the years and believes it can be compared to his in some aspects.
The 21-year-old also leaned on several others growing up for inspiration, including his mother, Niele. She played five seasons in the WNBA and started at Notre Dame, where she is now the head coach of the women’s team.
Ivey is averaging 15.2 points, 4.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds on 42% shooting from the field in 55 games. He leads the rookie class in assists and is third in scoring. He is one of seven first-year players to record at least one 30-point game this season.
More NBA All-Star!
Jeremy Sochan is trying hard to get Jabari Smith Jr. to dye his hair
NBA Rising Stars 2023: How to watch, rosters, format, TV info
Rockets’ Tari Eason named as an injury replacement in Rising Stars game
Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire
