Michael Jordan once put together his ultimate starting five: “I would build a versatile, multitalented team”

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For 13 years, Michael Jordan was the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a role that allowed him — albeit with certain limitations — to shape an NBA team according to his vision.

While his tenure in Charlotte certainly didn’t meet his ambitions, it doesn’t mean that “His Airness” lacks the know-how to build a great roster. In fact, the basketball legend proved this in a 2005 interview. Sitting down with Cigar Aficionado, MJ was asked to name his ultimate dream team, and he clearly gave the task some serious thought.

“His Airness” makes his picks

When it came to selecting the perfect team, the now 62-year-old needed the least time to think when choosing his point guard.

“That’s easy,” Jordan said, quickly naming Magic Johnson. “Because of his height, you’d have a tough time defending him. It’s a beautiful thing to see a 6-foot 9-inch guy rebound the ball and start the break.”

Many consider Magic, a five-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, to be the greatest playmaker in NBA history — and it seems Jordan is one of them.

Moving on to the shooting guard position, it was no surprise that “His Airness” picked himself. After all, the legendary swingman always had total confidence in his skills.

Choosing the small forward was, as the five-time MVP stated, the “toughest part” of the process. The reason? There were numerous outstanding players MJ considered, such as Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins and Elgin Baylor.

Additionally, the NBA icon explained that the decision was made even more difficult, given that he played alongside “one of the greatest small forwards” in history — Scottie Pippen.

In the end, however, Jordan chose his former teammate, not just because of their shared history with the Chicago Bulls but also because of Pippen’s exceptional skills.

“He (Pippen) is as versatile as it comes. He handles the ball. He’s a good defensive rebounder. I would be hard-pressed to pick someone else,” stated Mike.

MJ’s ultimate lineup

A dream team requires two outstanding frontcourt players, so MJ had to make two final choices — decisions that were far from easy.

When it came to selecting a power forward, he considered several options: his fellow North Carolina alum James Worthy, his longtime friend Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and Charles Oakley. In the end, though, none of them made the cut.

“In terms again of versatility, it has to be Larry Bird,” said the 1985 ROY. “The things he could provide to you all around: his demeanor, his work ethic and his versatility once again.”

Versatility also influenced Jordan’s final pick. Several legendary big men crossed his mind — Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, Wilt Chamberlain — but ultimately, the New York native chose Hakeem Olajuwon for what he described as a “very simple” reason.

“He (Olajuwon) is so versatile… It’s not just his scoring, not just his rebounding, or not just his blocked shots. People don’t realize he was in the top seven in steals. He always made great decisions on the court,” concluded “His Airness.”

That final pick completed MJ’s dream team, which, based on how great each member was, would be almost impossible to beat.