Jong-un was after Michael Jordan as pal

BASKETBALL star Dennis Rodman has been gushing about BFF Kim Jong-un – but admits he was not the tyrant’s first choice.

The dictator did ask Rodman’s ex-teammate Michael Jordan to visit him in North Korea. Then he invited Chicago Bulls hero Scottie Pippen, who knocked him back.

Dennis, who became chums with Jong-un five years ago, told the Megyn Kelly Today show: “Michael said no. He asked Scottie Pippen. He said, ‘No, I’ll pass that one.’ He asked me. I said, ‘OK, I’ll go.’

Celebrity Big Brother star Dennis, 57, who is also mates with Donald Trump, has returned several times to hang out. He has defended Jong-un, saying the pair bonded over a love of basketball and music.