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Reading: In 1999 Isiah Thomas Said Michael Jordan Was The Greatest Player Of All-Time
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > In 1999 Isiah Thomas Said Michael Jordan Was The Greatest Player Of All-Time

In 1999 Isiah Thomas Said Michael Jordan Was The Greatest Player Of All-Time

Nico Martinez
May 2, 2020
2 Min Read
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If you’ve been online at all in the past 24 hours, you’ll know that the rivalry between MJ and Isiah Thomas is very real and very intense.

During their many battles in the 80s and 90s, it was often that the two exchanged blows both on and off the court. In fact, their disdain for each other seeped into the Olympics where Thomas was noticeably left off the team.

Needless to say, their relationship was not ideal — even if it wasn’t personal.

In a recent ranking of all the players he has faced, Thomas put MJ fourth. But many can’t help but feel his personal rivalry with Jordan played a big role in why he’s so low.

(via Yahoo! Sports)

Asked Isiah to rank the five best players he ever played against based on his own experience. His answer:

1. Kareem
2. Bird
3. Magic
4. Jordan 👀
5. Dr. J https://t.co/YDojum1dYD

— Bill Reiter (@sportsreiter) April 27, 2020

The thing is, that directly contradicts what he said in a 1999 interview with Sports Illustrated. Even he couldn’t deny MJ’s greatness, as he admitted to the world that Jordan should be recognized as the greatest player ever.

(via Sports Illustrated)

“From all the players I have seen and played against, he’s definitely the best player ever. A lot of people like to argue this guy was better or this guy was better. But every player you think of there was some weaknesses and deficiencies in their game. He has the complete package in all facets of his offensive game, and when you break him down defensively, he’s also the best defensive player in the game. … He should be remembered as the greatest of all time.”

In a 1993 interview, Magic Johnson even admitted Mike was the “best ever,” and in 1985, Bird went so far as to call Jordan “the finest athlete he’d ever witnessed.”

It seems almost every NBA legend has recognized MJ’s status as the GOAT, even Isiah Thomas too at one point. NO matter your opinion on MJ, that’s got to count for something.

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TAGGED:Michael Jordan
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ByNico Martinez
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Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
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