The NBA’s top 75 players in 2021 gathered for a historic event, bringing together legends from across generations. It was a star-studded event where the NBA legends mingled, shared stories, and revisited old rivalries. Amidst the celebrations and photo sessions, an unforgettable moment of competitive banter unfolded that added a sense of humor to the event. This resulted in Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony getting to witness the “greatest trash talk” between the two legends. So, what was it all about?

According to Wade, the room was filled with players from the legends to the active. As the players assembled for a group photograph, they naturally sorted themselves by height, leading to some spirited interactions. However, the intensity in the room took a different turn when Michael Jordan stepped in. Jordan entered the room like he owned it, commanding attention and respect. As per Wade on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Jordan was “sizing every N***a up from the tunnel” and there was a moment when Jordan locked eyes with Magic Johnson, and the two immediately started trash-talking each other.

In a video that went viral where Jordan could be heard telling Johnson, “Put your sneaks on, let’s go right now,” challenging him to a 1 vs.1, but sadly that never happened. The sports rivalry that existed between Magic Johnson and Michael Johnson is a crucial chapter of the NBA legacy. The two stars faced each other 13 times in NBA’s seasonal games with Jordan displaying a dominant front, winning seven. 

Coming back to the playful moment of rivalry between the two, it reminds us of another such story. Magic Johnson once shared a memorable incident from their time together on the 1992 Dream Team, where he learned the effects of trash-talking Michael Jordan.

The One where Magic Johnson trash-talked Michael Jordan

During his appearance on the Late-Night Show with Jimmy Kimmel, Johnson recalled the moment he chose to trash-talk in his whole 13-year NBA career. This incident took place during the 1992 Olympics when Coach Chuck Daly divided the USA team into East vs West teams. The West team, led by Johnson, took a 12-2 lead, prompting Johnson to jab at Jordan, “Hey man, if you don’t turn into Air Jordan, we’re going to blow you out today.” Well, Jordan didn’t let that go.

Jordan responded by breaking the huddle and hitting consecutive threes, each shot accompanied by a fierce stare at Magic. “It was the greatest shot I’ve seen,” Johnson admitted to Kimmel, acknowledging the sheer brilliance of Jordan’s play. Jordan, being the greatest trash-talker, visited Johnson and Larry Bird later that night and said, “I just want you to know, there’s a new sheriff in town.”

While NBA’s top 75 Meet celebrated the greatness of past and present star hoopers, Dwyane Wade’s story of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson’s playful trash talk showcases their enduring competitive spirit.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.