Reluctant to Play in the Dream Team, Michael Jordan Agreed on One Condition After Magic Johnson’s Persuasion: “No Teams With Isiah Thomas”

Michael Jordan led the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics, to make history. However, it was Magic Johnson who played a pivotal role in securing MJ’s participation. Johnson, a member of the selection committee, vouched for Jordan’s inclusion, recognizing his exceptional talent. Nevertheless, he had one condition. Isiah Thomas, the Detroit Pistons star, should not be part of the team.

Jordan’s resentment towards Thomas stemmed from the infamous defensive strategy employed by the Pistons to contain him. And, it is in the book sharing the same name as said defensive strategy, Sam Smith’s The Jordan Rules, where His Airness’ resentment is further elaborated on.

Michael Jordan participated in the 1992 Olympics thanks to the coercion of Magic Johnson and the fact that Isiah Thomas was not involved

The 1992 US Olympic basketball team had some big names on the roster. The likes of Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, and many more made for a scary unit. But, the team was headlined by none other than Michael Jordan. Whose name and fame took precedence.

But, as many people know, His Airness initially refused to be a part of the team. Thankfully, some convincing from Magic Johnson and MJ’s commercial sponsors, plus the acceptance of a certain condition secured his participation. But, what was this condition that needed to be fulfilled?

Well, as is common knowledge, Jordan loathes Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas. The two had several battles back in their primes, and their competition was far from respectful. So, MJ made it clear, he would only participate if Zeke was not included in the squad, and the selection committee obliged.

In Sam Smith’s book, an excerpt reads:

“Jordan had not planned to play in the Olympics, but under pressure from fellow stars such as Magic Johnson and from his commercial sponsors, he eventually acquiesced. He was still unsure when approached by an emissary from the selection committee. Would he play? Jordan was asked. Jordan hesitated, but as is his custom, he joked, knowing Daly was coach and assuming that meant a spot for Thomas, ‘I don’t play on no teams with Isiah.'”

To this day, it is still considered one of the biggest snubs in sports history. But, was there really such bad blood between Zeke and MJ, that the latter completely refused to play with him?

Jordan’s hatred for Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons had a major impact on the NBA

Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan’s fierce battles left a lasting impression on NBA history and sparked a rivalry that is still felt today. The Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons’ clashes in the late 1980s and early 1990s influenced the league’s physicality and level of competition.

Jordan’s drive for greatness was fuelled by his ambition to defeat the “Jordan Rules” used by Thomas and the Pistons. Their confrontations paved the way for basketball’s development and had an impact on players in later generations.

Their rivalry has had an enduring influence on the history and heritage of the sport, serving as a reminder even now of the ferocious competition and unyielding will that define the NBA.