Jordan famously explained to a friend his refusal to support a Black candidate for the U.S. Senate against North Carolina incumbent Jesse Helms – who advocated for segregation and later filibustered against establishment of the Martin Luther King Day holiday – with the phrase, “ Republicans buy shoes, too .” He later claimed it was meant as a joke.

Since James and Jordan are different players with somewhat different skill sets and mindsets, perhaps it could've worked. During an episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, James said his game would've fit alongside Jordan's game,