From Amick's blog:
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/015794.html#more
HITTING THE REWIND BUTTON
The beauty of the blog is that there's always a place for more material, even stuff that it took a few days to get around to putting together.
Exhibit A: Kevin Martin's day with Michael Jordan in Portland.
The Kings shooting guard is the newest addition to
MJ's shoe brand. Having just signed his deal to wear the Jordan shoe and be promoted as part of the commercial team, Martin joined an All-Star cast in Portland on Sept. 24 to meet Jordan for the first time and be officially welcomed to the club.
Considering Jordan was Martin's idol growing up, the meeting was a lifelong dream realized for the fifth-year player. He was joined by Atlanta's Joe Johnson, Detroit's Rip Hamilton, New Orleans' Chris Paul, Denver's Carmelo Anthony and former teammate Mike Bibby for dinner and meetings regarding the business.
"It was just a pleasure meeting (Jordan)," Martin said. "Him putting you on his team makes you realize that (success) wasn't given to you. It makes you realize you're here because he wants you to help bring his brand to a higher level."
First impressions of MJ?
"He's a business guy," Martin said. "That's one thing you realize when you first meet him.
"All the stories you heard about how once the games came, he was all basketball. Well when it's business, he's all business. "There was just something about him."
The first MJ meeting was supposed to happen last year, as Kings assistant and former Jordan teammate Randy Brown had planned on arranging an introduction. The plan, which went unfulfilled because the hoops icon/Charlotte general manager was shooting a commercial, was for Jordan to sarcastically insult Martin's game when they first met as an all-in-fun prank. In the end, their meeting still included a touch of humor involving Brown.
"We were joking about Randy," Martin said. "(Jordan) said Randy just wanted (him) on the (Jordan) team because he wants some of the gear."