“Michael Jordan Has to Earn It!”: Isiah Thomas Once Recalled How Kobe Bryant ‘ruined’ MJ’s Last All-Star Game in 2003

2003 was a big year for the NBA. After two prior retirements, Michael Jordan was finally about to hang up his boots, for real this time. This was also the same year when LeBron James was drafted in the NBA.

However, before getting to the summer, let’s back up a little bit. On February 9, 2003, His Airness stepped foot in Philips Arena in Atlanta for his 14th and final NBA All-Star appearance. While MJ was selected as an All-Star, he didn’t get enough votes to get selected as a starter.

However, considering it was MJ’s final ASG, that year’s top vote-getter, Vince Carter, gave up his starting spot for the 6x NBA Champion. Everyone was trying to give Jordan an incredible send-off after an illustrious career. However, one man had different plans. The man was none other than MJ’s close friend and mentee, Kobe Bryant.

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Kobe Bryant tried to ruin a night Isiah Thomas tried to make special for Michael Jordan

Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan did not get along. This was no secret in the NBA world. As luck would have it, for the 2003 ASG, the coach for the East was pick from the Indiana Pacers, who’s head coach was none other than Isiah Thomas.

Despite their differences back in the day, Thomas decided to keep aside their differences and make the night a memorable one for Mike. While drawing the final play of the first OT, IT drew a play for MJ, which resulted in a fadeaway jumper, and the East up two. The West called a timeout, and IT called them over and asked them to let MJ go out on top, considering it was his last All-Star game.

While others agreed, one young man did not. Kobe Bryant looked Thomas dead in his eye and said, “Oh, he gotta earn it!”

Kobe got fouled on a three-point attempt and made two free throws to send it to double overtime. The West outscored the East 17-7 in 2OT and rained on MJ’s parade.

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Kobe and MJ’s relation

As soon as Kobe entered the league, he wanted to be the best player. At that time, the best was Michael Jordan, someone who used to scare his teammates and opponents alike. However, that didn’t faze Kobe. He went to MJ and tried to learn everything from the GOAT.

Soon, their relationship turned into friendship, and then Kobe almost became MJ’s younger brother. Bryant learned a lot of his moves from Jordan. Using his own moves, the Mamba boasted a 5-3 winning record against the Bulls legend.

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