The 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona showcased the unmatched dominance of USA basketball as NBA players competed for the first time. Headlined by superstars like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Scottie Pippen, the Dream Team cruised to a gold medal. However, one glaring omission from the roster was Detroit Pistonsâ legendary point guard Isiah Thomasâa decision that has sparked debate for decades.
Pippen recently addressed the issue during an appearance on the PBD Podcast, offering insight into the dynamics behind Thomasâ exclusion. Former Bulls star explained that Thomasâ absence wasnât solely because of Michael Jordan, as widely speculated, but stemmed from his rocky relationships with multiple Dream Team members.
âI think it was a known fact that he wasnât on the team,â Pippen said. âI canât say why he wasnât on the team. I canât even point⊠or say that any individual put him off the teamâ.
Pippen elaborated, emphasizing the role personal dynamics played in shaping the roster. âBasketball is a game built on relationships, and that team was put together based on relationshipsâplayers they felt could get along, play together, and contribute the right way to win a gold medalâ.
Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler during the 1992 gold medal ceremony at Barcelona. (IMAGO / WEREK)
Despite Pistons head coach Chuck Daly leading the Dream Team, the roster choices made by higher authorities seemed to prioritize chemistry over individual merit.
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Thomas wasnât the only star left out
Pippen also addressed the exclusion of Dominique Wilkins, another notable NBA superstar of the era. âDominique Wilkins was left off that team, and I personally feel as bad as anyone,â Pippen shared. âTo see a guy who I idolized, who I looked up to, who I guarded numerous times, not be a part of that teamâ.
However, Pippen admitted he wouldnât have sacrificed his spot for Wilkins or anyone else. âBut I didnât want to give up my seat,â Pippen added. âWith all respect, I felt like he deserved to be on that team as wellânot just Isiahâ.
Michael Jordanâs take on the controversy
Many have speculated that Michael Jordan played a direct role in keeping Thomas off the team. However, Jordan denied those claims during his remarks in the documentary The Last Dance.
âBefore the â92 Olympics, Rod Thorn calls me and says, âWe would love for you to be on the Dream Team,'â Jordan said in the series. âI say, âWhoâs all playing?â He says, âWhat does that mean?â I say, âWhoâs all playing?â He says, âWell, the guy youâre thinking about isnât going to be playing'â.
Jordan continued, expressing respect for Thomasâ talent. âI respect Isiah Thomasâ 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 gameâ.
He eventually dismissed the idea that he actively excluded Thomas, but as much as Jordan himself makes it clear, many believe his thinking heavily influenced the decision. âIt was insinuated that I was asking about him, but I never threw his name in there,â he explained. âIf you want to attribute it to me, go ahead. But it wasnât meâ.
