Michael Jordan was a winner. During his 13-year NBA career, he won 6 titles and 5 MVP awards. Many consider him to be the greatest of all time and he was also known for being ruthless. Even to his teammates. He didn’t mince his words at any time and he was brutal to everyone. Even the great Magic Johnson could not escape from Jordan.
Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 and he retired from the game. He made his comeback in 1996 after recovering significantly and training to get back in shape. But he wasn’t the same Magic anymore. He had a great return game against the Warriors and everyone was excited. But then they played the defending champions, the Chicago Bulls.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
They showed him why they were the champs. Jordan also gave a harsh reality check to Magic.
Michael Jordan asked Magic Johnson to retire again
Magic was on the Jimmy Kimmel show to talk about his new show. He then remembered how he made his comeback to the NBA. Kimmel asked about his second game against the Bulls.
Magic answered, “They really showed me the difference between a championship team and a playoff team. They were a championship team, we were just a regular team, and they played me so hard. They were physical, they pushed me around…”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Michael, after that game, he pulled me aside — I don’t think I’ve ever told anybody this. He met me in between the locker rooms, and he said, Earvin, you have to remember now, you’re not with , you’re not with James Worthy. All the guys you used to play with, showtime, are not on that Laker team anymore. So remember, maybe you should think about retiring.”
Jordan showed Magic who the boss was, and he gave him a brutal reality check. Even though Magic was his friend, Jordan showed no mercy to him. That is what made Jordan so successful. He had the confidence to talk trash to anyone, and he had the talent to back it up. And he would give you the hard truth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Who is Magic Johnson’s wife?
Let it be a teammate, an opponent, or even Magic Johnson, no one was spared by Jordan.