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“Good luck in the finals man”: Michael Jordan Showed Utmost Respect to ‘Toughest Defender’ and NBA Vice President Joe Dumars

Nithin Joseph
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“Good luck in the finals man”: Michael Jordan Showed Utmost Respect to 'Toughest Defender' and NBA Vice President Joe Dumars

May 1989; Detroit, MI, USA: FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Joe Dumars (4) during the 1988-89 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at The Palace. The Pistons defeated the Bulls 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA is one of the hardest businesses to succeed in. But, one man who has made it to the top is none other than Michael Jordan.

His Airness became one of the greats through skill, hard work, and of course his mentality. A mentality that was focused on being the best, and at times showed no consideration for those he faced.

There are numerous examples of the same. Many NBA superstars have stories of either trash-talking MJ are being talked trash to by him. However, that was never the case with Detroit Pistons legend Joe Dumars.

Also Read: “He didn’t even bring a change of clothes”: When Kevin McHale was Absolutely Certain of ‘Demolishing’ Micheal Jordan

Joe Dumars claims he and Michael Jordan had a respectful relationship and never talked trash to each other

In the late 1980s, the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons were heated rivals. To the point where there was zero respect for the other, which almost bordered on hatred.

However, despite all this, Bulls star Michael Jordan and Pistons star Joe Dumars maintained a respectful rivalry. Dumars, who is now Vice President of the NBA revealed in an interview that he and Jordan, win or lose, were always respectful to one another.

“He and I matched up against each other for 14 straight years. In those 14 years, never once did he try to trash-talk me, and never once did I try to trash-talk him. It was toe to toe, nose to nose for 14 straight years and we never said a negative word to each other on the court. I respected him. (During) Those years that we beat him, he’d walk over every single time, shake my hand and go, “Good luck in the finals man!”, and I could see he was devastated (by)/with the loss. They beat us and I stopped as we were walking out and went up to him and wished him good luck in the finals. It was just mutual respect.”

Dumars has often been called the “toughest defender he played against” by Michael himself.

It’s always great to hear that the animosity seen on the court isn’t always real. Although, the same can’t be said for some of Joe Dumars’ other teammates.

MJ hated Dumars’ running mate Isiah Thomas to the point he did not want to play with him

While Joe and Michael may have had a respectful rivalry, the same cannot be said for Isiah Thomas. MJ loathed Zeke and refused to play if he was on the 1992 US Olympic Basketball team.

Even to this day, Jordan has little to no respect for Thomas. Something that is unlikely to change anytime soon. But for Dumars, MJ has honor.

Also Read: “Michael Jordan, I’m Going to Steal One”: When 6ft 6” Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson Denied MJ’s Claims of Building the Best Team in History

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin Joseph

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Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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