NBA star Kemba Walker recently opened up about his experiences gambling with basketball legend Michael Jordan, revealing that the six-time NBA champion’s competitiveness on the court extends to the gambling table.
In an interview with ESPN, Walker shared that he had the opportunity to play cards with Jordan during a road trip with the Charlotte Hornets. “He’s just so intense, even when it comes to friendly gambling,” Walker said. “He’s always trying to outsmart you and come out on top.”
Walker, who now plays for the Boston Celtics, recounted one particular game of poker with Jordan that got “a little too intense for my liking.” The two players were going back and forth, raising the stakes with each hand. “I was trying to keep up, but MJ was relentless,” Walker said. “He was so focused and determined to win.”
Despite the competitive nature of the game, Walker expressed his admiration for Jordan’s drive and passion for the game. “It was definitely an eye-opening experience to see how MJ approaches everything with such intensity,” Walker said. “It’s no wonder he was able to achieve so much success in his career.”
Jordan, who is now the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, has been known for his competitive spirit both on and off the court. His gambling habits have made headlines in the past, with reports of high-stakes games and hefty bets. However, Jordan has always maintained that his gambling is just another way for him to compete and stay sharp.
As for Walker, he may have lost a few hands to Jordan that day, but he gained a newfound respect for the basketball icon. “Playing against MJ was a great learning experience for me,” Walker said. “It showed me that even in something as simple as a game of cards, you have to give it your all and never back down.”
While Walker may not have come out on top in his friendly game with Jordan, he walked away with a valuable lesson in competition and determination. And who knows, maybe one day he’ll have the chance to challenge Jordan to a rematch and see if he can come out victorious.