Michael Jordan, like most highly successful athletes, was filled to the brim with confidence. At his peak, he was a man feared by every major NBA franchise in America. The kind of experience and skill set he brought to the game distinguished him from the confident. And Michael was aware of this.
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Even in 1992, when the Dream Team traveled to Barcelona for the Olympics, Michael Jordan knew who he was. Being surrounded by the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley had no effect on ‘His Airness.’
In his own head, Michael was invincible. But for Magic and Charles Barkley, it was difficult to swallow this arrogance. They knew Michael was easily the best player in the world. But to acknowledge that meant letting go of your own legacy.
So, when Johnson asked the Dream Team who was the best ever NBA squad, Michael’s comments left a sour taste in his and 6ft 6″ Barkley’s mouth.
Michael Jordan stunned Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson
When the Dream Team was in Barcelona, the squad took refuge in Hotel Ambassador’s game room. Apart from the practices and matches, the team spent most of their time in this room.
It was in this room where Larry Bird bravely started the debate over the best team in NBA history. The debate elicited a response from Michael Jordan which irritated both Barkley and Johnson.
The incident was detailed in Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s book ‘When the game was ours.’
“You haven’t even seen the best NBA team of all time yet,” Jordan announced. “I’m just getting started. I’m going to win more championships than all of you guys. Tell you what. Let’s have this conversation after I’m done playing.” “You aren’t winning five championships,” Magic protested. “Michael, I’m going to steal at least one of them from you,” Barkley shot back. The flurry of protests continued, with five of the greatest players in NBA history sparring over their own place in basketball history. Magic was indignant at the suggestion that the best team could be anyone other than his 1987 Lakers, the team he had determined was the finest of his title years.”
MJ took Magic’s comment personally
Magic clearly mentioned that Michael Jordan would never win 5 championships in his career. In 1992, this was definitely a possibility. Even with MJ’s greatness, winning over 5 championships was almost impossible. However, if anyone could make it possible, it was Jordan.
Perhaps Magic’s comment that fateful night in 1992 pushed MJ. After all, not only did he win 5 championships, he went one level ahead and won 6 of them. Way to top a rival’s challenge.
