Michael Jordan’s net worth sits just south of four billion dollars. With that in mind, it’s safe to say the NBA icon has cashed quite a few checks in his lifetime.
While that is certainly true, there is one check Jordan never cashed — one issued by legendary college coach, the late Dean Smith.
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Smith remembered
To this day, Smith, who passed away in 2015, is remembered as one of college basketball’s all-time greats. He finished with a .776 winning percentage — the 13th highest in men’s college basketball history — accumulated 879 wins, two national championships with UNC and led the Tar Heels to 11 Final Fours over 36 seasons.
However, the accolades only tell one side of the Hall of Famer’s story. Equally important was the man he was off the court. Jordan, who played under Smith from 1981 to 1984, spoke wholeheartedly about that side of him after the latter’s passing.
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“He (Smith) was my mentor, my teacher, my second father,” he remarked, per NBA.com. “Coach was always there for me whenever I needed him and I loved him for it.”
Whether it was Jordan, Vince Carter, James Worthy or any other legend who came up under Smith’s wing, they’ll all tell you the same — they loved the man, and they wouldn’t be where they are without the guidance of the eight-time ACC Coach of the Year. Guidance that, according to MJ, extended well beyond the hardwood.
“In teaching me the game of basketball, he taught me about life,” said the Chicago Bulls legend.
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A final act of class
Sometimes actions speak louder than words. That couldn’t be more evident than in the gesture after Smith passed away at 83.
In his will, the 1993 Naismith College Coach of the Year made a remarkable move: every player who had suited up under him over his storied career received a $200 check, accompanied by a note reading, “Enjoy a dinner out, compliments of Coach Dean Smith.”
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The gesture took many by surprise. Serge Zwikker, a Tar Heel from 1993 to 1997, remarked, “At first I didn’t know what it was, but when it hit me, it put a tear in my eye.”
Buzz Peterson, Jordan’s former UNC teammate, recalled the moment with equal awe.
“I saw the check and was like, ‘What?’ Then I read the letter and said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. This is unbelievable that he would do this for us,'” he said.
As for Michael, according to a social media post from his son Marcus, he never cashed the check. Instead, the six-time NBA champion had it framed. It’s now on display for everyone who enters his office and serves as a daily reminder to him of a man who shaped him forever.
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Ultimately, it’s a story that perfectly illustrates how deeply Smith cared for his companions — even after he was gone.
While some head coaches treat players as little more than tools to boost their own careers on the sideline, Dean — a class act and truly exceptional person — took a wholly different path. It’s a remarkable approach, one that speaks volumes about his character.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.