Kwame Brown, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft by the Washington Wizards, spent his 12-year career (2001-2013) with more trouble than glory in the seven NBA teams he played for (Lakers, Grizzlies, Pistons, Bobcats, Warriors and Sixers in addition to the Wizards).
The 2.11m centre was never more than an eternal promise, but he had the chance to share the court and locker room with Michael Jordan, the greatest player of all time, for two seasons (2001-2003), when the legend was heading towards the final stretch of his career.
Brown has offered a fascinating insight into Michael Jordan‘s legendary work ethic and unwavering commitment to basketball. Although he doesn’t personally idolise the greatest player in history, who signed him to his Wizards as a personal gamble and ended up humiliating him more than a few times, Brown can’t help but acknowledge the legend’s extraordinary dedication in his final two years before retiring for good.
Impressed by his work ethic
During an episode of the ‘Swish Cultures’ podcast, Brown shared the mixed feelings he still harbours years later when talking about the legend.
“No, I’m not an MJ fan. Listen, I got no reason to be an MJ fan. That motherf****r slapped me in the back of my head one day. But I’m just, I got no reason to – no reason at all. I just saw the work and the dedication. This old n**** was getting up at 39 years old. He never cheated the game, whether he went out, whatever he did. The Breakfast Club was real,” said Brown.
“I joined the Breakfast Club because I couldn’t believe it. I’m like, ain’t no way this old, after being up standing there all night gambling, no way is he going to be here at 6:00. That dude was already in the weight room lifting at 5:45. I’m like, he’s a machine. I couldn’t believe it. Every morning, he’s like that. No matter what he does, he never cheated the game.”
The late-night ‘Breakfast Club’
This so-called club was made up of players who would sign up for late-night games and on many days, with little sleep, would go out to train. Brown says he was amazed by Jordan’s discipline and dedication, especially considering his age, when he saw how his reputation for staying up late to gamble or socialise was real, but it didn’t stop him from sticking to his work ethic. Jordan’s famous ‘Breakfast Club’ workout routine included early morning weightlifting sessions, and left an indelible mark on Brown.
