Considering many years have passed since Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas played in the NBA, one might think their feud has simmered down. The truth? Jordan still feels bitter toward Thomas, as he revealed during The Last Dance. But before we get to the drama, let's rehash what caused this epic fallout. For starters, a playoff rivalry existed between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons, with the latter winning three seasons in a row. When the Bulls finally beat the Pistons in 1991, the team walked off the court instead of shaking hands with the victors. During the documentary, Jordan quipped, "I hated them. That hate carries over even to this day."
There "was also the lingering issue that Thomas reportedly tried to 'freezeout' Jordan in the 1985 All-Star Game," NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt pointed out for USA TODAY.
But arguably the biggest point of contention in the athletes' relationship is whether Jordan purposely got Thomas excluded from the 1992 Olympics. "You want to attribute it to me, go ahead, and be my guest," Jordan said during The Last Dance about his involvement, per ABC News. "But it wasn't me."
The Chicago Bulls alum concluded, "I respect Isiah Thomas' talent. To me, the best point guard of all-time is Magic Johnson, and right behind him is Isiah Thomas. No matter how much I hate him, I respect his game."
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