Michael Jordan denies role in Isiah Thomas Dream Team snub, but gets jabs in

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The original Dream Team that crushed opponents on its way to the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics created headlines with its play and international impact with its legacy.

But the power of that team wasn’t limited to on the court, or even by the ensuing influx of international players who made their way to the NBA. In the annals of history, it serves as a central point to one of the more iconic beefs in NBA history, as well.

That feud is the enduring one between Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan, which didn't end when the Bulls finally broke through the Bad Boy-era Pistons in 1991.

“The Last Dance” explores Thomas’ well documented exclusion from the Dream Team, for which Pistons coach Chuck Daly served as coach.

“I don’t know what went into that process,” Thomas said in a present-day interview. “I met the criteria to be selected. But I wasn’t.”

It’s long been rumored that Jordan’s contentious history with Thomas has been behind the snub. Jordan addresses the storyline in Episode 5 of the documentary.

“I respect Isiah Thomas’ talent. To me, the best point guard of all time is Magic Johnson and right behind him is Isiah Thomas. No matter how much I hate him, I respect his game,” Jordan said. “Now it was insinuated that I was asking about him. But I never threw his name in there.

“Based on the environment and camaraderie that happened on that team, it was the best harmony. Would Isiah have made a different feeling on that team? Yes. You want to attribute it to me? Go ahead, be my guest. But it wasn’t me.”

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