Common -- I'm a Baller Athlete ... I Can Score On Michael Jordan

Fact: Common used to be the ball boy for the Chicago Bulls

Fact: Common used to challenge Michael Jordan to 1-on-1

Fact: Common says he turned into a pretty solid athlete ... who can actually HANG with Jordan when they get on the court together.

Not that we're calling BS, but Common is also the same guy who got crossed up by Justin Bieber at a celebrity All Star game back in 2011.

Just sayin' ...