Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. Donning the iconic 23, MJ was a machine for the Chicago Bulls. Coming into a league where centers and forwards were dominant, MJ had a point to prove that guards could also dominate the game.
Becoming an overnight superstar with his performances for the Bulls in his debut season, Jordan showed pundits and fans alike his alien-like talents on the basketball court. With 6 NBA titles, 5 NBA MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs, and 10 scoring titles later, it is pretty apparent why Jordan’s 15-year career was perhaps one of the best careers the league has ever seen.
When Michael Jordan Destroyed Isaiah ‘JR’ Rider And A Young Kevin Garnett
While there is no doubting how talented of a player Michael Jordan was, probably one of his biggest strengths was how he handled trash-talking. Although MJ was vicious at trash-talking his opponents, he didn’t allow his opponents to do so and would shut them up with his performances.
This was the case with former Timberwolves guard Jr Rider and Kevin Garnett. Rider opened up about an instance where Jordan shut him and KG with his performance.
“KG had never seen me play vs. MJ. I got 24, MJ got 18. KG says, ‘Keep going at his ass, he can’t guard you.’ I said, ‘Chill, MJ standing right here.’ KG says ‘Psshh, man I don’t care’… Going into 4Q, MJ got about 17 quick, looking at me and KG. He didn’t understand we don’t talk to MJ like that”
This just goes on to show how motivated Jordan was to get the best of his opponents and why trash-talking one of the greatest players of all time can cost you big time. As it’s known to everyone by now, never trash talk MJ, or else he will take it seriously.
