Michael Jordan: Prince Inspired Me ... He Was a Genius

Michael Jordan is paying tribute to Prince ... telling TMZ Sports the music legend's songs "inspired me throughout my career and remind me of so many moments from my life."

Jordan is a big Prince fan -- so we reached out to His Royal Airness for his thoughts about Prince's passing. Here's what he said in a statement given to us by his rep Estee Portnoy:

"Like so many people I am shocked at the news that Prince has died. In a world of creative performers, Prince was a genius."

"His impact not just on music, but on culture, truly can’t be measured His songs inspired me throughout my career and remind me of so many moments from my life."