I see what you are saying, he is acknowledged and recognized as one of the greats, but most probably never even think of him when talking about the shoes. Michael Jordan doesn't much factor in when rappers are talking about Jordans, his person is very separate from the fashion and status the shoes have come to represent.
Hell I spent $200-$300 4-5 years ago and bought a pair of the Spike Lee Jordans http://images.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ai... - I bought them purely for the fashion.
-I never like replying on a subject too much like this; this topic isn't that important, guess I must be bored :-/