Michael Jordan refused to play with Isiah Thomas on the '92 Dream Team, old audio confirms

Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas' feud, which started in 90s, has seemingly continued all way till 2020. Since release of Jordan's Last Dance, ir feud has been openly discussed, including Thomas' absence from 1992 Dream Team. While Jordan claimed that he played part in Thomas being left out of team, a new audiotape released reveals that Jordan did t want Thomas to be a part of  "Dream Team". 

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New audio reveals Michael Jordan did t want Isiah Thomas to play on Dream Team

In Last Dance, Jordan denied being reason behind Thomas being left out of Dream Team in 1992. Along with Jordan, Scottie Pippen was also reported to t want Thomas on board. Some reports also hinted at racism as a reason for Thomas being excluded despite being one on league's best point guards.

In his podcast, Jack McCallum played an interview from 2011 where Jordan said he did t want Thomas on team. Jordan is heard saying that he told selection committee member Rod Thorn that he would t play if Thomas was on  team. Thorn n assured six-time NBA champion by saying that USA Basketball Team's coach Chuck Daly also did t want Thomas, which is why he was t a part of team. McCallum's book " Dream Team" spoke about ir rivalry, and how Jordan's hate for him was a key factor in Pistons guard being denied a spot on team. In his podcast, McCallum added that in 1991, one was going to pick Thomas over Jordan. 

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In Last Dance, Jordan stated that he still harbours hate for Bad Boys Detroit Pistons from when y refused to shake hands after Chicago Bulls won 1991 Eastern Conference Finals. When asked about Thomas' Dream Team exclusion, Jordan denied any involvement. He revealed that he respected Thomas' talent and that though he hates him, he respected his game. He stated that while people insinuated that he wanted Thomas out of team, he never 'threw his name in re'. Thomas also commented on situation, stating that he knew he deserved to be on team with everyone else. 

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While Last Dance gained immense popularity, it also drew criticism, particularly from Jordan's teammates. Scottie Pippen is reportedly 'beyond livid' with his portrayal in series. Horace Grant, on or hand, called out Jordan during an interview and called Jordan a "snitch" while referring to Last Dance as "so-called" documentary. 

Isiah Thomas on 1992 Dream Team

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(Im source: NBA official site)