“That’s The One I’m Waiting For”: Michael Jordan Licked His Lips In Anticipation Of Facing Larry Bird After Leading League in Steals and Scoring

Michael Jordan has been considered one of the greatest players of all time. He was a basketball savant and could outplay anyone on both sides of the court. He can score on the best of them and defend against them as well. But, in his early years, despite leading the league in both scoring and steals, there was one defensive assignment he was yet to be given. And that, was Boston Celtics legend, Larry Bird.

In 1988, Jordan was still the rising superstar of the NBA. He had yet to prove himself on the grandest stage of them all, the NBA Finals. But, he was still racking up individual accolades. He not only won the MVP but was also crowned Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win both in the same season.

A well-deserved award, considering just how much of a lockdown defender he was. But, despite guarding some of the greatest players of all time, Jordan was still waiting to be matched up against The Hick from French Lick.

Michael Jordan was keenly looking forward to the chance to guard Larry Bird

Many remember Michael Jordan for the dominance he had his Chicago Bulls showed throughout the 90s. They were a dynasty, that won six of the ten NBA Championships available in that decade. But, in the 80s, His Airness was just the best player in the league.

He was a phenom. A player who could hang with the top players in the league, and he did. Whether it was scoring or defending, he could do it all, and in 1988, he had an MVP and a DPOY to show for it.

In particular, his defensive ability was admirable and was acknowledged in an edition of Sports Illustrated that same year. One point, that was touched upon was the fact that he was the first player to lead the league in both scoring and steals. Doug Collins had a knack for putting Michael on the opponent’s best player. But, there was one player Jordan was waiting for that he hadn’t been assigned to yet. None other than Larry Bird.

Jordan: “There’ve been a lot of times that Doug has put me on somebody to stop him. I played Alex English, I played Magic Johnson. Doug still hasn’t let me on Larry [Bird], though. That’s the one I’m waiting for.”

Lofty words from the GOAT. But, all said and done, at the end of the day, Jordan doesn’t exactly have the best record against Larry Legend.

Jordan had a record of 11 wins to 17 losses against Larry Bird in his career

Michael Jordan may have wanted to defend Larry Bird. But, in hindsight, he’ll be glad he didn’t do it too often. After all, His Airness has a losing record against the Boston Celtics legend. 11 wins to 17 losses to be exact.

In fact, upon learning of Bird’s retirement, Jordan was pleased to hear the news. And, was quoted saying Kodak had given him a lot of bad memories.

There can be no denying, The Hick from French Lick was a force to be reckoned with. And, based on his record, MJ learned that the hard way.