One of the fiercest rivalries in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history unfolded in the late 1980s and early 1990s between Isiah Thomas‘ Detroit Pistons and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. A defining moment of this rivalry occurred when the Bulls swept the Pistons in 1991, and Thomas’ team famously walked off the court without shaking hands with their opponents seven seconds before the final buzzer sounded.



The Pistons were vilified for their actions after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> publicly criticized them for poor sportsmanship and disrespect, particularly for not shaking hands before leaving the court. But in a recent interview on Come and Talk 2 Me, Thomas cleared the air about what happened that day and the tradition of post-game handshakes that followed.



“Up until 1991, when the Detroit Pistons got swept by the Chicago Bulls, nobody expected a handshake,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Thomas</a> explained. “After 1991, and they said Isiah didn’t shake Michael Jordan’s hand, and Michael Jordan was like, ‘Oh, Isiah didn’t shake my hand,’ and they were crying about not getting their hand shook, that’s when everybody started—after 1991—shaking hands.”



Thomas continued to elaborate on the long-standing post-game ritual, stating, “When y’all would lose in the playoffs, the losing team, after everybody left the floor, they would come into the locker room and shake your hand and say good luck. It wasn’t a passing of the torch and everybody watching. That was such BS that they laid on me”.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">32 years ago today, the Pistons walk off the court before the game is over after losing to the Bulls in the conference finals. <a href="https://t.co/YL3cdfcEVB">pic.twitter.com/YL3cdfcEVB</a>— TodayInSports (@TodayInSportsCo) <a href="https://twitter.com/TodayInSportsCo/status/1662442454824493057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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With his comments on Jordan and the Bulls, Thomas seemed to suggest that the friendly post-game handshake tradition emerged only after the 1991 sweep, fundamentally changing the dynamic between fierce competitors. This shift has not gone unnoticed, as other NBA legends have also weighed in on the decline of rivalries in the modern game.


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<h2>Magic Johnson echoes Thomas’ thoughts</h2>



In an appearance on Fox Sports’ Spark Podcast, Magic Johnson shared his own thoughts on the current state of NBA rivalries and the lack of competitiveness in post-game behavior, including the All-Star Game.



“Everybody is shaking each other’s hand, everybody likes each other, they won’t go at each other really hard,” Johnson explained. “That’s what happened to the All-Star Game. We hated the East. I’m coming to bust you, Michael, Isiah, Dr. J. You can’t have one over me—I’m coming to get that. Now it’s 200-200, what is that?”



<h2>Johnson on the decline of NBA rivalries</h2>



Johnson also discussed the loss of intensity in rivalries, particularly between the Lakers and Celtics, a rivalry that defined the NBA during the 1980s. “They don’t hate each other,” Magic said.



“I hated Larry and every Celtic. I really don’t like you, but you’re my little brother.” He added, “Now I love you because you’re out of that green and white. That’s what it was. The Celtics and Lakers hated each other. It made for great TV, and people tuned in.”

Isiah Thomas criticizes Michael Jordan's Bulls for post-game handshake tradition

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Pistons legend Isiah Thomas blames Michael Jordan's Bulls for post-game handshake tradition - Bolavip US

Pistons legend Isiah Thomas blames Michael Jordan's Bulls for post-game handshake tradition

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The Golden State Warriors planted the seeds of their most successful era by selecting Stephen Curry in the 2009 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Draft. The Akron, Ohio-born point guard played a central role in the Warriors’ championship dynasty, capturing four titles between 2015 and 2022. His groundbreaking style of play redefined modern basketball, solidifying his place as a future Hall of Famer. Now league legend Isiah Thomas offered Curry advice on how he should approach the honor when the time comes.



Thomas recently appeared on Come And Talk 2 Me, where he spoke with former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson. During the conversation, Isaiah highlighted the significant role Jackson played in Curry’s development, crediting him for instilling confidence in the star point guard during his formative years.



“Mark Jackson put that battery in Steph Curry’s back and gave him mad confidence. When Steph goes into the Hall of Fame, I hope he remembers you as the person that gave him the type of confidence he plays with today,” Thomas stated.



“Everybody gets credit for Steph and Klay (Thompson). But I’ll say this: If Mark Jackson don’t let Steph shoot from the hashmark, don’t let Klay take bad shots, and don’t pump them up and say ‘these are the greatest shooters ever,’ there would be no Steph, there would be no Klay,” said the Detroit Pistons legend.



Thomas went on to praise Jackson even further, acknowledging him as the coach who sparked a fundamental shift in the way the NBA game is played today. “Now they all lie and say, ‘Well, if I had Stephen Curry, I’d let him shoot from half court too. That’s a damn lie,” Isiah declared. “You only had the nerve and the courage to do it and not take him out of the game. Now the total game has changed … everybody try to shoot from the hashmark. But Mark Jackson allowed that to happen.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241222_BUS_297954_Mark-Jackson-Curry-1024x576_d79daa9a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (30) talks with coach MARK JACKSON during a Western Conference playoff game." class="wp-image-297955" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/21203707/Mark-Jackson-Curry.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (30) talks with coach Mark Jackson during a Western Conference playoff game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Jackson’s influence on Curry</h2>



Thomas’ observations are supported by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Curry</a>’s statistical growth under Jackson’s guidance. Starting in 2011, when Jackson became the Warriors’ head coach, Steph’s performance skyrocketed. During their three seasons together, Curry posted career highs in minutes per game (38.2) and three-point shooting efficiency (.455).



After Jackson’s departure in 2014, Steve Kerr took over as head coach, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Warriors</a> entered their golden era. In Kerr’s first season, the team captured the 2014-15 NBA championship, with Curry leading the way to three additional titles and numerous Finals appearances.


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<h2>Isiah Thomas: A legendary voice</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> is no stranger to Hall of Fame-caliber success. Widely considered one of the greatest point guards of all time, Thomas led the Detroit Pistons for 13 seasons, earning two NBA championships and countless accolades, including the 1990 NBA Finals MVP award and 12 All-Star selections. His No. 11 jersey was retired by the Pistons in honor of his storied career.



However, Thomas’ legacy is not without controversy. His intense rivalry with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the late 1980s and early 1990s gave rise to the infamous “Bad Boys” Pistons, a team known for their aggressive style of play. This tension allegedly led to Thomas’ exclusion from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics with the original Dream Team.



Despite the controversies, Thomas’ insights into the game carry significant weight. His praise for Mark Jackson serves as a reminder of the coach’s pivotal role in Curry’s career and the Warriors’ transformation into one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.

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Controversial NBA legend Isiah Thomas advises Warriors' Stephen Curry on his Hall of Fame induction - Bolavip US

A few weeks ago, Minnesota Timberwolves guard <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-edwards">Anthony Edwards</a> made headlines with a surprising statement about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> and the NBA’s past generation, sparking backlash from both former and current players. Now, a Hall of Famer has reignited the discussion by taking a jab at Edwards’ comments.



In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Edwards was asked to compare past and present NBA eras. He didn’t hold back, stating, “I didn’t watch it back in the day, so I can’t speak on it. They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don’t think anybody had skill back then. Michael Jordan was the only one that really had skill.”



Edwards’ remarks went viral almost instantly, with criticism pouring in from across the league. Detroit Pistons legend and Hall of Famer <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a> was the latest to weigh in.



Thomas responded to a clip on X (formerly Twitter) that featured highlights of several bounce-pass lobs—a signature move of his. He captioned it with a playful jab: “Well, it’s safe to say no one was doing this,” referencing Edwards’ insinuation that the older generation lacked skill.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Well its safe to say no one was doing this 😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/8f5vBbfwLc">https://t.co/8f5vBbfwLc</a>— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsiahThomas/status/1832177611671216395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Paul George reacts to Edwards’ remarks</h2>



On an episode of his podcast Podcast P, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-george">Paul George</a> addressed Edwards’ comments alongside his father, Paul George Sr. George didn’t hold back in his critique.


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“I thought it was kind of disrespectful to the game,” George said. “It was a very immature comment. Obviously, Anthony Edwards is super talented and has a bright future ahead. But the game has grown so much—you have to respect those who paved the way.”



<h2>Magic Johnson fires back at Edwards</h2>



Edwards’ claim that Michael Jordan was the only “skilled” player from previous generations caught the attention of NBA legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/magic-johnson">Magic Johnson</a>, who didn’t mince words in his response.


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“I just never respond to a guy who has never won a championship,” Johnson said when asked about Edwards’ remarks. “There’s really nothing to say. He didn’t win a college championship. I don’t even know if he won a high school championship.”

NBA News: Hall of Famer weighs in Anthony Edwards' comments about Michael Jordan's generation

NBA News: Hall of Famer weighs in Anthony Edwards' comments about Michael Jordan's generation - Bolavip US

Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen revealed in his book Unguarded that he and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> would not have participated in the “Dream Team” if Isiah Thomas had been selected.



The rivalry between Pippen, Jordan, and Thomas, the leader of the Detroit Pistons‘ “Bad Boys,” has been well-known for decades. In his book, Pippen explains that the chemistry between the players would have been terrible if Thomas had been part of the Olympic team.



“Much has been written over the years about why Isiah didn’t make the team,” Pippen wrote. “What is true, without a doubt, is that a number of guys wouldn’t have participated if he had been selected, Michael and me included.”



“Looking at his numbers, it would be difficult to argue that Isiah wasn’t deserving,” Pippen added. “But putting a basketball team together is about more than numbers. It’s about chemistry, and with Isiah… the chemistry would have been horrible.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240904_BUS_229111_Isiah-Thomas-1024x576_7e86e7a6.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-229141" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Isiah-Thomas-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Isiah-Thomas-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Isiah-Thomas-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Isiah-Thomas-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Isiah-Thomas.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>NBA legends Isiah Thomas and Dominique Wilkins attend the AT&amp;T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2022 NBA All Star Weekend at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The attempt at reconciliation between Pippen and Thomas</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen">Scottie Pippen</a> also revealed that Thomas tried to contact him in 2020 to attempt to reconcile. However, Pippen rejected the idea, recalling their troubled relationship in the past.



“In the spring of 2020, while the doc was airing, Isiah was interested in the two of us declaring a truce,” Pippen wrote. “He reached out to B.J. Armstrong, who called me: ‘Would you be willing to talk to him?’ B.J. asked. Dude, are you kidding me? When I came into the league, he was never nice to me. Why would I want to meet with him now? Isiah is no fool. He knows better than anyone how poorly he came across in The Last Dance, and with good reason. I wasn’t about to make it easier for him.”



<h2>The Bulls-Pistons rivalry</h2>



The rivalry between the Bulls and Pistons was intense during the 1990s. The Pistons, led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/isiah-thomas">Isiah Thomas</a>, eliminated the Bulls in the Conference Finals in 1988, 1989, and 1990. However, the Bulls got their revenge by sweeping the Pistons in 1991.



During the 1991 series, before Game 4, Thomas and the Pistons left the court without shaking hands with the Bulls, a gesture widely regarded as unsportsmanlike.


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<h2>The legacy of the “Dream Team”</h2>



The “Dream Team” won the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, defeating Croatia in the final. All players on the team, except Christian Laettner, are members of the Basketball Hall of Fame.



Jordan and Pippen went on to win six championships together with the Bulls, while Thomas won two with the Pistons. The rivalry between these players remains a hot topic in basketball discussions.



Scottie Pippen’s revelation about the possibility that he and Michael Jordan would have skipped the “Dream Team” if Isiah Thomas had been selected has stirred controversy. The rivalry between these players has been fierce over the years and continues to spark debate in the basketball world.

Scottie Pippen reveals big reason he and Michael Jordan would've quit the Dream Team

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Scottie Pippen reveals big reason he and Michael Jordan would've quit the Dream Team - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Charles-Barkley-explains-why-LeBron-James-will-never-be-the-GOAT-over-Michael-Jordan-20230403-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-icon-isiah-thomas-denies-any-parallels-to-stephen-curry-and-notes-which-former-star-he-does-match-20220615-0049.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Isiah Thomas</a> don’t get along. They’ve always hated each other’s guts, and their beef might as well be one of the reasons why Zeke isn’t mentioned often when talking about the greatest players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-most-unbreakable-records-in-nba-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA history.</a>
Needless to say, that’s not fair to Thomas, one of the greatest two-way guards this game has ever seen and a relentless winner who dominated the league for years. However, his petty attitude and constant need for validation have driven some fans away.
But Thomas insists that he’s not the bad guy in this story. In his recent appearance in Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s All The Smoke, he once again claimed to be mistreated by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Charles-Barkleys-comments-on-LeBron-James-wont-please-Michael-Jordan-20230328-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan.</a>
<h2>Isiah Thomas Claims Michael Jordan Asked Him To Be On The Last Dance</h2>
“When you see that meme, you see me dressed in a three-piece suit,” Thomas started. “There’s another thing I gotta say about Mike. His producer and Mike, they called me, ‘We need you in a video, can’t tell my story without you; you’re so important’. Now I am thinking we are all cool. I dressed up, I’m sitting in a three-piece suit, I brought my partner with me, he was in the interview.”
“We actually did it at NBA TV,” Thomas continues. “Sat there for two hours, and said a lot of good stuff. Last Dance comes out and, that’s it? I am dressed to the nines, I didn’t come here in a sweatsuit today, I am giving you respect. I will show up the right way because I got respect for you. I showed up the right way for that dude and I showed up and did the interview. And that’s what you do to me? I like the meme, I’m not gonna front on that, at least I was dressed nice.”
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Thomas wasn’t actually portrayed as a bad guy in the documentary; he’s just Jordan’s nemesis. But hey, it doesn’t seem like he’s ever going to let go of these grudges, it doesn’t matter how much time goes by.

Isiah Thomas tells shocking story about Michael Jordan

Isiah Thomas tells shocking story about Michael Jordan - Bolavip US

There are teams like the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-kyrie-irving-throws-ben-simmons-under-the-bus-20221020-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Brooklyn </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-kyrie-irving-throws-ben-simmons-under-the-bus-20221020-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nets</a> that have a lot of pressure behind them. Especially when one of the players is <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-kevin-garnett-takes-a-huge-shot-at-kevin-durant-20221013-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-kevin-garnett-takes-a-huge-shot-at-kevin-durant-20221013-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Durant</a>. Not only becausehe is expected to dominate every single nighthe’s on the courtin the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/legendary-lakers-fan-gets-fan-gets-real-on-LeBron-James-and-the-franchise-situation-20221027-0051.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022-2023 NBA season</a>, but because he’s getting older. That’swhen some of the big players start to go down the fall of greatness.
For example, Isiah Thomas, the two-time NBA Champion,got there when he was 28 years old. Not so old, but old enough to be good in the league. As well as his ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons, who were led by him. However, after that he couldn’t clinched any more championships.
So, now he is on live NBA TV talking about Kevin Durant’s performance during this first week of the 2022-2023 NBA Season, and goes offwith an unexpected statement. As a 34-year-old NBA player, Durant has proved himself every night, especially in the most tough during the playoffs, but Thomas had another point of view.
<h2>NBA News: Isiah Thomas makes bold statement about Kevin Durant</h2>
The Brooklyn Nets haveplayedonly four games in the 2022-2023 NBA Season, so far.its too early for anyone to start making statements aboutany NBA player, especially when that player is Kevin Durant. Even so, when the one making that bold statement is the former NBA Champion with the Detroit PistonsIsiah Thomas.
In fact, what Thomas said isone of the most random statements right now,especially when the stats are taking into account. Durantis currently the points per game leader in the Nets franchise, with 32 points per game. However, the bad recordis what concerns the most to thetwo-time NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons.
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“He used to get 30 and that meant he dominated the game. Now his 30 is just 30.” <a href="https://twitter.com/IsiahThomas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsiahThomas</a> speaks on the impact of Kevin Durant’s plus-minus this season<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CenterCourt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CenterCourt</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/madebygoogle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@madebygoogle</a> <a href="https://t.co/n0QSz9gSum">pic.twitter.com/n0QSz9gSum</a>
 — NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1585774210684751879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2022</a> </blockquote></div>
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<div> “He used to get 30 (points) and that meant he dominated the game. Now his 30 is just 30.”Thomas said on NBA TV when they were showing a chart with Durant in thelowest plus-minus stats in the league. However, Durant is also one of the only two Nets players that have scored more than100 points in the first four games of the season. The rest are at least 51 points or lower. </div>
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NBA News: Legend Isiah Thomas makes bold statement about Kevin Durant

NBA News: Legend Isiah Thomas makes bold statement about Kevin Durant - Bolavip US

Not many people can brag about beating <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/kevin-durant-addressed-the-michael-jordan-vs.-lebron-james-debate-20220310-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan</a> in the playoffs, but <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/isiah-thomas-explains-why-lebron-james-is-the-goat-over-michael-jordan-20201009-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Isiah Thomas</a> certainly earned that right. The Detroit Pistons often bullied the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/dennis-rodman-takes-a-big-shot-at-scottie-pippen-over-alleged-beef-with-michael-jordan-20220127-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Bulls</a> out of contention during MJ’s early days in the league.
Jordan eventually got his revenge and once he got past ‘The Bad Boys’, he became unstoppable. He went on to win six NBA championships and earned the GOAT distinction by most people.
Thomas, on the other hand, was often left behind by history, even despite being one of the greatest point guards of all time. For conspiracy theorists, it all has to do with the fact that he never liked Jordan and made sure to let everybody know about it.
<h2>Michael Jordan Explained Why He Doesn’t Get Along With Isiah Thomas</h2>
Back in 1992, the word was already out that Thomas hated Jordan’s guts. That’s why MJ sat down with Playboy Magazine to discuss how it all started, stating that Thomas talked behind his back and was actually jealous of him:
(Transcript via Playboy Magazine)
“PB: There are some differences you haven’t ironed out. What’s the story with you and Isiah Thomas and the alleged Jordan freeze-out at the 1985 N.B.A. All-Star game? Do you think they were really denying you the ball?
Jordan: If you go back and look at the film, you can see that Isiah was actually doing that. Once it started getting around that he was freezing me out, that’s when the ill feelings started to grow between us.
PB: There were some problems even before the game, weren’t there?
Jordan: That was my first All-Star game. I stayed in my room most of the time because I didn’t know what to do. None of my teammates were there. I didn’t want to be out in a situation that I wasn’t comfortable with. The one time I did go out, I got on an elevator with Isiah Thomas to go downstairs for a league meeting. That was the first time I met him. And I said, ‘Hello, how ya doin’?’ That’s all I said. I was really intimidated because I didn’t know him and I didn’t want to get on his nerves. I didn’t want to seem like a rookie. You know, to just be so stupid. So I was quiet. I stayed in the corner. When I went down in the room for the meeting, I still didn’t say anything. After the weekend was over, it got back to me that I was arrogant and cocky and I wouldn’t even speak to Isiah on the elevator, that I gave him the cold shoulder. And I’m saying Isiah Thomas initiated it all.
PB: How did that make you feel?
Jordan: I was really disappointed and upset because I never wanted to step on anybody’s toes. When I came into the league, I considered myself the lowest on the totem pole. I’m a rookie, now let me work my way up. When I started with the Bulls, they wanted me to be a vocal leader, but I told coach Kevin Loughery that I didn’t feel comfortable doing that. We had all these guys with six or seven years in the league and I was in my first year. How could I tell these guys this and that? The best way I could do it was just to go out and play hard. And that’s the way I’ve always treated it. They took that as disrespect and misinterpreted that whole weekend.
PB: The next game after the All-Star break was at home against Detroit. How did you react?
Jordan: Normally, I would smile and enjoy myself, but I was serious the whole game. It was a grudge game from my standpoint. And the next day, the headlines read ‘Jordan Gets His Revenge, Scores 49.’ That’s all Isiah needed to see. It was a competition from that point. I always tried to respect him and be kind, but I always would hear talk that he was saying things about me behind my back. I just said, Well, I’m gonna stop trying to be nice. Screw it. Just play basketball. We don’t have to be best of friends.
PB: Was that experience ultimately good for you?
Jordan: Well, it taught me about the jealousy that you deal with on this level. But at the same time, this is a business. I’m going to take advantage of all the opportunities. If they were in my shoes, they would do the exact same thing.”

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To this day, Isiah Thomas continues to hold grudges towards Jordan and takes subtle shots at him whenever he has the chance. That’s just the relentless competitive nature that most players lived by back in the day.

Michael Jordan reveals why he and Isiah Thomas hate each other

Michael Jordan reveals why he and Isiah Thomas hate each other - Bolavip US

For years, people have debated whether <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan</a> is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/The-15-Greatest-NBA-Players-of-All-Time-20200329-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greatest player</a> in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> history. Some claim that his presence and dominance will never be matched, some believe that today’s competition is tougher.
Whatever is the case, no one can deny that Jordan was a god among men when he was in his prime. He may sure that no one else ate while he was at the top of the world, and never took the foot off the gas when he was winning.
Even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/detroit-pistons-t100376" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit Pistons</a> legend Isiah Thomas, who was never a fan of Jordan’s, recently admitted that the Chicago Bulls star was so imposing and dominant that he made other players feel like high school kids.
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<h2>Isiah Thomas Says Michael Jordan Treated Other Players Like High School Kids</h2>
“We used to go back and talk after. You be playing, and you actually think ‘we’ve done a good job’. And then you look at up at the scoreboard and the dude got like 39 or 40. Like damn, I thought we was doing alright. And then you get on the bus and you’re talking. And I remember saying this to you, I was like ‘I feel like sometimes he treatin’ us like we in high school’. Because he was that much bigger and much more athletic than we were,” Thomas said.
 
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<h2>Thomas Says LeBron James Is The GOAT, Not Michael Jordan</h2>
Even so, Thomas will never admit or believe that Jordan is the greatest to ever do it. Not so long ago, he told Shannon Sharpe that LeBron James is the most unique and best player in league history:
“We have never seen a player like this in the NBA,” Thomas said. “He (LeBron) breaks a record every single night just to remind you you’ve never seen anything like this before. When it’s all said and done, it’s going to be hard for people to look back and say ‘He (LeBron) wasn’t the best.&apos;”
 
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Regardless of who you think the GOAT is, there’s no need to compare players. They all ruled the league during their time and would most likely be as good in every era.

Isiah Thomas explains just how physically dominant Michael Jordan was

Isiah Thomas explains just how physically dominant Michael Jordan was - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/philadelphia-76ers-t102083" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> want to move on from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/ben-simmons-takes-another-massive-shot-at-the-sixers-20211112-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ben Simmons</a>. Ben Simmons wants to leave the Philadelphia 76ers. Wash, rinse, repeat, and that’s been the news cycle in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> for the past three months or so.
Simmons has done everything in his power to leave the team. His attitude towards his teammates, the organization, and the fans, has left a lot to be desired. But truth be told, the team also failed him when he most needed their support.
That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/detroit%C2%A0pistons-t100376" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Detroit Pistons</a> legend Isiah Thomas is actually siding with Simmons in this conflict. He thinks the team dogged him instead of protecting him and blamed them for this stand-off.
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<h2>Isiah Thomas Calls Out The Sixers Over Ben Simmons’ Drama</h2>
“Oh, they dogged him,” Thomas said on Gilbert Arenas’ ‘No Chill Gil’ Podcast. “Well, here’s what happened. Yeah, he had a bad moment. He has some bad moments in the playoffs, right? What your team, your coach, and your organization is supposed to do in your bad moments, they are supposed to protect you. They ain’t supposed to air your dirty laundry out. Your teammates ain’t supposed to be like, ‘Oh man, he didn’t’ nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah.”
“They’re supposed to protect you,” Thomas added. “Now the fans and everybody else, when Shaq was going 4-for-18 from the foul line, I didn’t hear Phil Jackson dogging Shaq. I didn’t hear the inside that Lakers organization. Now, they may have been saying ‘Hey, big fella, we need to work on the free throws’, but they weren’t publicly dissing him.”

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Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid should’ve never called Simmons out in public. Also, Simmons should’ve embraced criticism from day one, put his ego aside, and work on the few flaws in his game. Now, this story won’t go away any time soon.

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Isiah Thomas blames the Sixers for Ben Simmons' struggles

Isiah Thomas blames the Sixers for Ben Simmons' struggles - Bolavip US

It’s been a while since we last saw Isaiah Thomas take the floor in the <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a>. Following his successful tenure with the <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/boston-celtics-t101837" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Celtics</a>, he’s been on and off rotations and even out of the league due to multiple injuries.
Thomas was never the same player again after hurting his back in the playoffs. He bounced around the league for a couple of years but now, it seems like he’s finally at full strength and ready to make a comeback.
“Physically I never thought I’d feel this way again. That’s why every time I’m working out or hoopin I just be smiling. God is so good!!!” Thomas tweeted.
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<h2>NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Want To Sign Isaiah Thomas</h2>
And apparently, after watching him dominate with Team USA a couple of weeks ago, it seems like the <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/los-angeles-lakers-t101482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and Milwaukee Bucks could try and make a run at him, according toJon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

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“Hearing the Lakers and the Bucks are among the teams to watch if/when IT gets another shot in the league,”Krawczynski said.
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="201" data-size="w:598,h:203" data-width="595" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210318_BUS_169369_ghg.png_945092735_0933c9af.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption> via Jon Krawczynski </figcaption></figure>
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The Bucks just traded away backup point guard DJ Augustin to the Houston Rockets so they have an obvious need for another playmaker, while the Lakers could use him as an offensive spark off the bench.
The catch is that Thomas and LeBron James never really got along during their brief time together in Cleveland. Then again, IT has been looking for a chance to make a comeback to the league so it’s not like he’s going to pass on the Lakers just for that.

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It’s also worth noting that Isaiah Thomas played for the Lakers in the past, precisely after the Cavaliers traded him. So this is definitely a story that’s worth following closely over the next couple of days.

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The Lakers could add a former All-Star to their roster

The Lakers could add a former All-Star to their roster - Bolavip US

Even before he ever set foot on an <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> hardwood, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/lebron-james-t92259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James </a>was already drawing comparisons to <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/michael-jordan-t85627" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan</a>, with some people claiming that he’d become a better player than the Bulls’ legend, while others doubting that he’d ever get even close.
Fast-forward to 2020 and that debate is still ongoing. LeBron’s critics – and even some of his fans – believe that, even though he’s one of the greatest of all time, he’s still got a ways to go before sitting on Michael Jordan’s table.
Others think that James is a far superior player and that his résumé speaks for itself, claiming that this is a better, more competitive era thus making The King a better player than the 6-time NBA Champion.

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<h2>Isiah Thomas Says LeBron James Is The Greatest Of All Time</h2>
One of the latter seems to be Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas, who’s well-known for being one of the greatest two-way point guards of all time and also Michael Jordan’s biggest rival throughout the years.
 
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Thomas took it to Twitter to reignite his never-ending feud with the Bulls’ legend by saying that he had already seen enough and that there was no doubt that James was the greatest of all time on and off the court:

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The best and most “complete” player I have seen in my lifetime is <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingJames</a> on and off the floor. He passed the eye test and the numbers confirm what my eyes have seen in every statistical category. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Goat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Goat</a> let it be known! <a href="https://t.co/wb2iuLoQ4M">pic.twitter.com/wb2iuLoQ4M</a>
 — Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsiahThomas/status/1314214909610127362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a> </blockquote></div>
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“The best and most “complete” player I have seen in my lifetime is@KingJameson and off the floor. He passed the eye test and the numbers confirm what my eyes have seen in every statistical category. #Goat let it be known!” Thomas tweeted.
 
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Thomas and Jordan have traded jabs for decades and that’s not likely to change any time soon. Isiah had recently said that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the<a href="https://us.bolavip.com/nba/The-15-Greatest-NBA-Players-of-All-Time-20200329-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> best player of all time</a> but that LeBron had a shot at taking that distinction away from him. A couple of weeks later, it seems like LeBron is already his favorite.
 
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Everybody’s entitled to their own opinions and both have a strong case for being the greatest to ever do it. We’re not going to engage inthat debate, as there’s just no point in comparing eras, let’s just enjoy greatness.

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Isiah Thomas explains why LeBron James is the GOAT over Michael Jordan

Isiah Thomas explains why LeBron James is the GOAT over Michael Jordan - Bolavip US

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