Endorsements
Just look at the commercials for Michael Jordan and they are memorable. I wanna be like Mike! Those Jordan commercials with Larry Bird playing horse for McDonalds. He made people want to wear Hanes and he made people want to drink Gatorade.
Look at Michael’s value in endorsements in 2013. He made more money in 2013 than any athlete, active or retired, except for boxer Floyd Mayweather (ibtimes.com). He made over $100 million in endorsements in 2013 while Kobe Bryant made an estimated $50 million.
Shouldn’t the active player have the advantage over a player that has been out of basketball for over a decade? Michael Jordan is timeless.
Next: Slam Dunk Chmpionships: Mike 2 - Kobe 1