“Hey Rip Hamilton, My Sneakers Are For All-Stars”: Michael Jordan Was Not an Easy Teammate to Deal With, Not Even at 41

Nithin Joseph | 30/12/2022
“Hey Rip Hamilton, My Sneakers Are For All-Stars”: Michael Jordan Was Not an Easy Teammate to Deal With, Not Even at 41

Michael Jordan is without a doubt the greatest player in NBA history. The Hall of Famer has achieved everything a basketball player could hope to achieve, both in the league and internationally.

One of the main reasons for his success apart from his skill and hard work was his mentality. The man was focused on one thing and one thing only, winning, and that sometimes translated into a bad personality.

Even when he was past his prime, at the age of 41 in Washington, MJ was a hard person to deal with. Just ask his former teammate, Rip Hamilton, who regularly got roasted by His Airness.

Also Read: “Now you remember me?”: Michael Jordan Was Spiteful at Senegalese Basketball Player After the Latter’s Arrogance 

Michael Jordan gave his young teammate Rip Hamilton a hard time when he asked for a Jordan deal

In 2001, Rip Hamilton was an up-and-coming superstar on the Washington Wizards. A team that also happened to recruit the GOAT, Michael Jordan to their cause that season.

MJ was a huge influence on the franchise. His experience and legendary status were greatly appreciated, especially by the youngsters on the team. However, there were times when he could be a bit hard to deal with. Like when he unnecessarily ripped into Rip Hamilton for asking for a sneaker deal.

The Man In The Mask recalled in an episode of The Jump six years ago.

“There was also another side. The talking trash Michael Jordan. At times, me and a couple of the young guys would come up to him and say, ‘Hey Mike, what do you think about putting us in the brand Jordan collection?,’ and he’d look and me and say, ‘Hey Rip! My sneakers are for All-Stars!'”

A massive burn by MJ. One that was the result of his occasionally thorny personality. Something that has caused problems with others before.

MJ once goaded his own teammate Steve Kerr into picking a fight with him

There have been plenty of times when Jordan’s prickly personality has put him in a pickle. Take, for example, when MJ provoked Steve Kerr into a fight and inevitably getting him kicked out of practice in 1995.

Safe to say while there were many people in awe of Michael Jordan, there were a fair few who could not stand him as well. GOAT or not.

Also Read: “He Had Everything on Michael Jordan in His VCR”: 21-year-old Kobe Bryant Would Study MJ Clips in Restaurants Says John Salley

Post Edited By: Akash Murty
Michael Jordan rip hamilton

About the author

Nithin Joseph

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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