The Bulls-Pistons rivalry started back in the mid-1970s and started to gain attention in the 80s. Both the teams were looking for superstars that could lead their franchises entering the 80s. The Detroit Pistons first got their superstar when they drafted Isiah Thomas from Indiana in 1981. A few years later, in 1984, the Chicago Bulls got their man when they drafted Michael Jordan.
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After this, the rivalry between the Pistons and the Bulls continued with Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan leading the teams from the fore. The Pistons initially dominated the Bulls as they went on to win two straight titles. But the Bulls finally beat the Pistons in 1991 and went on to win their first title. And then there was no stopping Jordan and the Bulls.
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There were allegations that suggested MJ was the reason Isiah Thomas was snubbed for the Dream Team even though Chuck Daly was the head coach. The feud between the two has grown ever since the release of The Last Dance. Isiah recently stated the beef will go on until Jordan apologizes publicly. Amidst all this, John Salley, who has played with both, debunked the myth of Jordan hating Isiah.
John Salley reveals Michael Jordan loved Isiah Thomas
John Salley, in a recent interview, revealed how Michael Jordan loved Isiah Thomas and added he still does despite their rivalry. When asked whether Jordan was the reason behind Isiah being snubbed for the Dream Team, Salley said, “No, he[Jordan] loved playing[with Isiah]. He loved Isiah, still does,”
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Before this, Salley also revealed how the actual beef between them started. He said one day Thomas found his nephew wearing a Bulls jersey. His nephew supported the Bulls since he was in Chicago. Salley stated this was how the beef between Isiah and MJ started.
Jordan and the Bulls finally overcame the Detroit Pistons for the first time as they beat them in the Eastern Conference Finals of 1991. The Bulls not just beat them, they humiliated the Pistons with a sweep. As game 4 was coming to a close, Isiah and the Pistons left the court without shaking hands with their opponents. MJ spoke about it in The Last Dance?and called Isiah an “as***e.”
Watch this story- ?Each time Bad boy Pistons bullied and beat up Michael Jordan and Chicago bulls on the court
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Recently, Isiah talked about it and called Jordan an “as***e” and stated the beef will not end until Jordan apologizes publicly. With Salley’s comments, it will be interesting to see how the feud between the two legends unfolds next.
What do you think about Salley’s claims? Do you think Michael Jordan loved Isiah Thomas? Let us know in the comments.