“Michael Jordan is Bitcoin”-Does the NBA star become a BTC maximumist?

The most important thing shortly

• NBA star Tristan Thompson compares cryptocurrencies with basketball legends to make the topic understandable.
• He is deeply involved in the scene, produces his own crypto podcast and advises startups.
• For him it is clear: Education is the key to understand and use crypto sustainably.

From the NBA to the Defi Revolution: Tristan Thompson wants to make Bitcoin cool

What do Bitcoin and Michael Jordan have in common? A lot for NBA star Tristan Thompson. At Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, the basketball player spoke about his journey through the world of cryptocurrencies-and reveals why he explains the industry with sports analogies to finally make crypto understandable and exciting. Michael Jordan colleague Scottie Pippen is also an avowed Bitcoin fan.

Bitcoin is Michael Jordan: Why make sports comparisons crypto tangible

Tristan Thompson compares cryptocurrencies with basketball legends – an unusual but catchy method to explain digital assets. “Bitcoin is Michael Jordan, Ethereum is LeBron James,” says the NBA veteran, who most recently played at the Cleveland Cavaliers. For Thompson, both worlds – basketball and crypto – have something in common: discipline, learning and the ability to survive crises.

He doesn't just talk about coins, he lives her. Thompson started his own podcast – Courtside Crypto – in which he combines sport with cryptocurrencies. His mission: crypto should become cool, understandable and suitable for everyday use. Education is the foundation for him. Therefore, he avoids complicated technical terms and instead relies on clear pictures from the sports world.

NEW 🚨: #Bitcoin CEO says Michael Jordan is the next Michael to adopt #Bitcoin.

If true, big. 👀 pic.twitter.com/rs4vtxQtZZ

— Simply Bitcoin (@SimplyBitcoinTV) July 24, 2024

Learn instead of advertising: Thompson's path through the crypto jungle

While many celebrities were looking for quick winnings in the meme coin wave, Thompson wanted to go deeper. He took time and had sessions teaching in hours of so-called “crypto tutors”. It was clear to him that if you wanted to have a say, you have to understand first.

He clearly shares the criticism of celebrities who go into the scene without knowledge. After the FTX scandal, in which sports greats like Tom Brady also got under legal pressure, it was clear to him: Krypto is not a toy. “FTX shaked many up,” says Thompson. Those who hold out in difficult times are usually also well informed.

-> read ours too Bitcoin forecast

From the player to the entrepreneur: like Thompson in Bitcoin invested

Thompson not only wants to form, but also design. He is a brand ambassador for Sportsbet.io-a crypto-based sports betting platform-and for “Corn”, a Layer 2 solution for Ethereum. The latter tries to use Bitcoin in the world of Defi, i.e. the decentralized financial world.

His approach: take responsibility for your own money. Instead of relying on bankers and consultants, he is looking for control over his finances. “The old structures are like dinosaurs,” says Thompson. For him, it is about creating the transition from Web2 to Web3 – with knowledge, education and a portion of rebellion against the existing system.

Scottie Pippen: “I met Satoshi back in 1993”

Saylor: 🤨🤨🤨 pic.twitter.com/DAh7pgTVBU

— Documenting Saylor (@saylordocs) May 5, 2025

Between the conference and the cabin: How deep crypto in sport is enough

Thompson also does not let go of the topic in his basketball world. At the Bitcoin 2025 conference, he even got the order from the Cavaliers manager Koby Altman to bring his knowledge back to the team. The Cavs themselves are not unknowns in the crypto area: they already used it Avalanche-Technology For a fan app.

This makes it clear that crypto and sport have long been closer than many think. What is discussed at conferences ends up again in the everyday life of the teams about players like Thompson. A new generation of athletes is growing up – interested in digitally, economically thinking and willing to go your own way.

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Between Trump, Wallets and visions: the political dimension

Thompson's journey through the crypto world also led him to political spheres. At the conference he met Eric Trump and spoke to consultants like Ryan Fang, the founder of Tomo Wallet. The latter is also involved in a DEFI project supported by Trump supporters.

But Thompson stays out of political advertising. The learning effect counts for him. Everyone should have access to the technology – regardless of origin, party or market phase. His goal: shaking people, showing them how they can take responsibility for their digital money.

Bitcoin Dippin and guess who is buying? Scottie Pippen.

What else should I look into? pic.twitter.com/eCVL9TZqaq

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 8, 2025

From the sideline to the center: Education as a key to Bitcoin -Future

Thompson makes it clear that the entry into crypto must not be a quick shot. Far too many would have been blinded in the past of hype and marketing – often with catastrophic. That is why he repeatedly emphasizes the importance of education: Those who understand the technology, the risks and opportunities can make better decisions – both financially and socially.

For him, change is not only technological, but also culturally. The traditional financial world has to change, and crypto could be a tool to rethink economic participation. Thompson in particular wants to show young people that they can gain new freedom through personal responsibility and digital competence – both on the square and in life.

Bitcoin as a new field for real education

Tristan Thompson is more than just an NBA player with a crypto-faith. It is an example of how sports stars can immerse themselves in new worlds with depth and attitude. His path shows: With education, curiosity and clear language, a complex topic such as crypto can be brought to the streets.

If you listen to Thompson, you quickly notice: This is not about quick winnings or hype. It is about a new financial awareness – and not to lose control of your own money in a digital world. Crypto as an educational opportunity – that is his message.

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