The longstanding feud between Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan remains to be one of the most well-known conflicts in NBA history. Allegations were made that Thomas was excluded from the 1992 Olympics Dream Team due to Jordan’s influence. In addition, Thomas took issue with Scottie Pippen expressing his opinion on his inclusion in the team. Thomas found Pippen’s words particularly hurtful considering the stature of the players involved.

Recently, a clip from Open Court featuring Pippen discussing Thomas’ exclusion from the Dream Team resurfaced. When asked if Jordan wanted Thomas on the team, Pippen replied, “I can’t speak for Michael, but you know, I didn’t want him on the team.

” Thomas, visibly disappointed, offered a sharp response to the steals leader of 1995.

Thomas found it acceptable for Jordan or Larry Bird to say they didn’t want him on the Dream Team, but Pippen’s opinion carried more weight due to his lack of credentials and star power. Thomas engaged in a humorous exchange with Ernie Johnson, where Johnson played the therapist and Thomas played the patient for 25 years, wondering how someone beneath the caliber of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan could have a say in his selection.

Despite Thomas’ impressive career, which included 12 NBA All-Star appearances and three All-NBA First Team selections, his exclusion from the Dream Team was shocking.

He played a significant role in defeating both the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs during the 1980s and even denied Jordan and Pippen three times in the playoffs.

The mystery surrounding Thomas’ absence from the Dream Team remains. In his 2020 docuseries ‘The Last Dance,’ Jordan addressed the narrative that he played a role in Thomas’ exclusion. While Jordan certainly harbored animosity towards Thomas, he recognized him as the second-best point guard behind Magic Johnson.