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 Pistonsā legendary point guard Isiah Thomasāa 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 Thomasā exclusion. Former Bulls star explained that Thomasā absence wasnāt solely because of Michael Jordan, as widely speculated, but stemmed from his rocky relationships with multiple Dream Team members.
āI think it was a known fact that he wasnāt on the team,ā Pippen said. āI canāt say why he wasnāt on the team. I canāt even pointā¦ or say that any individual put him off the teamā.
Pippen elaborated, emphasizing the role personal dynamics played in shaping the roster. āBasketball is a game built on relationships, and that team was put together based on relationshipsāplayers they felt could get along, play together, and contribute the right way to win a gold medalā.
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 wasnāt the only star left out
Pippen also addressed the exclusion of Dominique Wilkins, another notable NBA superstar of the era. āDominique Wilkins was left off that team, and I personally feel as bad as anyone,ā Pippen shared. āTo see a guy who I idolized, who I looked up to, who I guarded numerous times, not be a part of that teamā.
However, Pippen admitted he wouldnāt have sacrificed his spot for Wilkins or anyone else. āBut I didnāt want to give up my seat,ā Pippen added. āWith all respect, I felt like he deserved to be on that team as wellānot just Isiahā.
Michael Jordanās 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.
āBefore the ā92 Olympics, Rod Thorn calls me and says, āWe would love for you to be on the Dream Team,'ā Jordan said in the series. āI say, āWhoās all playing?ā He says, āWhat does that mean?ā I say, āWhoās all playing?ā He says, āWell, the guy youāre thinking about isnāt going to be playing'ā.
Jordan continued, expressing respect for Thomasā talent. āI respect Isiah Thomasā 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 gameā.
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. āIt was insinuated that I was asking about him, but I never threw his name in there,ā he explained. āIf you want to attribute it to me, go ahead. But it wasnāt meā.
