B.J. Armstrong on Michael Jordan's scathing Hall of Fame speech: "What he was trying to do was give you a glimpse of what made him great"

Michael Jordan‘s lengthy speech during his enshrinement to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 was equally fascinating and petty. As gracious as he was in accepting the honor of being inducted, Jordan also took the opportunity to settle some old scores and air out some grievances.

Whether it was his high school teammate, Leroy Smith, the man who grabbed the last spot on the varsity team at Laney, essentially bumping Jordan down to JV, or his former North Carolina teammate Buzz Peterson, all the way to his Utah Jazz foil Bryon Russell, MJ took time to acknowledge (and zing) them for the crucial roles they played in making him the fierce and relentless competitor that he was during his reign as the NBA’s apex predator.

Jordan’s speech, though, was divisive. While many praised him for his candor and honesty, some criticized him for turning such a prestigious moment into one long roast. His former Chicago Bulls teammate, B.J. Armstrong, though, explained that for the uninitiated, that speech was quintessential Jordan.

A competitive fire that refused to dim

Air Jordan’s induction into the Hall of Fame occurred in 2009. At that time, six years had passed since he last set foot on an NBA court. However, it was clear to everyone inside that building and to the millions watching at home, his competitive fire was still as bright and fierce as ever.

In his speech, Jordan reflected on his journey to greatness. He talked about how he was constantly underestimated and doubted, but how that only fueled him to work harder and prove his doubters wrong. Having played five seasons alongside the GOAT and winning three NBA championships, Armstrong was already well aware of these truths. After his speech, everyone else understood them too.

“For all of us that knew him, and know him, that was him. That’s who he was,” B.J. emphasized. “What I mean by that was Michael is a very, very competitive person. With him, I always respected that the light was always on. He never turned it off as a player. He always had something to play for. He always had a motivation. He always had a reason for what he was doing.”

To others, the speech may have come off as vindictive. However, B.J. argued that it was Mike just pulling the curtain back on his life to give everyone a peek into the methods to his madness.

“He was never reckless with it. That’s who he was. I think what he was trying to do was give you a glimpse of what made him great,” Armstrong added.

An unwavering focus to be the best in every moment

To outsiders, being teammates with Mike may have seemed like a dream. But to those who actually lived through it, it was anything but. With every breath he took, he was utterly dedicated to becoming the best. Any opponent who dared to challenge him, or any teammate lacking the same relentless determination, inevitably faced the consequences.

“He just wanted to always be the best in that particular moment, right then, right there, right now. Those moments were moments for him to show you that it was you versus him. He tried to give you that in the speech. I understood what he was trying to do,” Armstrong shared.

“Even in his speech, he was trying to give you key moments that brought him to that point. Whether it be in high school when he got cut, or in college when coach Smith didn’t put him on the cover [of a Sports Illustrated issue with other UNC players on the cover], or whatever happened in the NBA, he was always present in the moment,” he added.

Jordan wasn’t born with an extreme competitive drive. He certainly didn’t pop out of his mother’s womb with the ability to win at all costs. It’s something he cultivated over time, through trying times caused by doubt and disappointments. And it was these moments that he tried to convey during his Hall of Fame speech, even if some didn’t really see it that way.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

B.J. Armstrong on Michael Jordan’s scathing Hall of Fame speech: “What he was trying to do was give you a glimpse of what made him great”

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