Michael Jordan is widely considered as one of the most competitive sports athletes of all time. His competitive nature was a byproduct of his incredible work ethic and his belief that he is the best basketball player in the world. During his prime, he would make up scenarios in his mind against his opposition players. He would do this so that he could perform at his 100%, both mentally and physically.

However, Jordan would make many enemies in the NBA through this process. Caught in the crossfire of Michael Jordan?s kind of ?hatred? for Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson once had to pay the price.

Jordan and Magic?s strained relationship because of Isiah Thomas

Michael Jordan was in the limelight in the NBA from his debut season in 1984. His performance in his rookie year made him win the ?Rookie of the Year’ award. Furthermore, he made his first NBA All-Star selection in 1985 with the likes of NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas.

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However, Jordan scored only a total of seven points in the game. Jordan later mentioned in an interview that he believes he was ?freezed-out? (not passed the ball to) by other players in his team. He was also under the strong impression that Isiah Thomas was the main reason behind this.

However, no one can confirm whether Jordan didn?t get passed the ball in the All-Star game on purpose or not. But Jordan had a doubt, and that was enough for the 6x NBA champion. That began his ?hatred? for Isiah Thomas combined with the Detroit Pistons? playing style (aggressive and injury-prone) made him paint Isiah Thomas as a villain.

Due to his feelings for Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan also gave the ?cold shoulder? to Magic Johnson, who was I.T’s friend. As mentioned in the ?Jordan Rules? by Sam Smith, ??It also was the genesis of Jordan, early feud with Magic Johnson, and Jordan?s refusal to attend Magic’s summer, all-star games, which, in the 1980s was the big deal of the off-season. Jordan always had a team excuse. But he truly disliked Magic because of the connection with Isiah.?.

Isiah Thomas? response to Michael Jordan?s statements

Isaiah Thomas did not hold back in his response to Michael Jordan’s ruthless hate towards him, even after so many years. On October 22 2022, the 61-year-old NBA veteran shared, ?When I was watching the last dance, I?m sitting there, and I?m watching it with my family, and I?m thinking everything is good.?. He further says, ?and then this guy comes on television, and says that he hates me, and then he calls me an a**hole. And then I proceed to watch a whole documentary about him being an a**hole.?.

Isiah Thomas finally clarifies his stance, ? I am like wait a minute, time out. Until I get a public apology, this beef is going to go on for a long, long time, cause ?I am from the west side of Chicago?.? Thomas was the leader of the ?Bad Boys? Detroit Pistons squad of the 80?s and the 90?s. Despite their off-court contribution to social awareness against racism and hate, the Detroit squad was an absolute ‘menace’ on the court.?

They played basketball with a lot of aggression and speed, making it an extremely physical game. Popular opinion says that Isiah Thomas and his team got a lot more ?hate? than they deserved. But as they say, for one to be a ?hero?, the other has to be painted as a ?villain?.

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What are your thoughts on Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas’ decades-old beef? Let us know in the comments below!