“76ers’ Kelly Oubre Explains Why Michael Jordan Once Smacked Him During His Hornets Days”

During his time with the Charlotte Hornets, Kelly Oubre Jr. had a memorable encounter with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who owns the team. In a recent interview, Oubre opened up about an incident where Jordan smacked him, offering insights into the unique moment and the reasoning behind it.

According to Oubre, the smack wasn’t malicious, but rather a lesson in toughness and accountability. Jordan, known for his intense competitive nature, wanted to instill that same drive in his players. Oubre mentioned that during a practice, he wasn’t living up to the high expectations that Jordan had for him. In typical Jordan fashion, he called Oubre out on the spot. “He smacked me on the back of my head and told me to stop being soft,” Oubre recalled. “At first, I didn’t know how to react, but I quickly realized it was MJ pushing me to be better.”

Jordan’s influence on the Hornets organization goes beyond his role as owner. He is known to occasionally join team practices and offer words of wisdom—or in Oubre’s case, a wake-up call. Oubre explained that while the moment was shocking, it helped him understand the mindset required to thrive in the NBA.

Now with the Philadelphia 76ers, Oubre reflects on that moment with gratitude, saying it’s a reminder of how much Jordan cares about his players’ success. “He’s just trying to bring the best out of you, even if it means giving you a little tough love,” Oubre added.

The incident highlights how Jordan’s competitive edge extends beyond his playing days, still influencing younger generations of players.