Everyone would agree that Michael Jordan was the most talented basketball player of all time. However, it was also known that he was great when it came to be carrying a grudge. Getting to the top of the field and staying there took an impressive amount of personal motivation and in the case of Michael Jordan, one of the things that had fueled his desire to get there is his personal beef and disagreements. To give honor to His Airness, we compiled a list of all the biggest beef Michael Jordan had in the course of his career, and he still carried some of those grudges until today. Some kinds of beef were straightforward while the others were not quite so. A few of them were perceived slights which drove the basketball player insane. Reading through this list would help the readers to understand more about Michael Jordan. This beef had molded him into the legend that he was today.
Here Are The Biggest Beefs Of Michael Jordan
The 1985 NBA All-Stars
The old guard of the NBA did not like the idea of the hotshot rookie joining the All-Stars game. There was a rumor that Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, and George Gervin worked together and teamed up against Michael Jordan. The veterans had agreed that they would let each other rack up points while they locked Jordan down whenever he had the ball. This plan had been proven effective because Jordan only scored seven points on nine shots. For the next round that the Bulls played with Pistons, Michael Jordan had turned the tables around and had scored 49 points – 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. This was what ignited the rivalry with Thomas and the Pistons.
The 1985 NBA All-Stars
Isaiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons
For four years in a row, the Bulls and Pistons faced off in the playoffs with the Pistons winning the first three. Once the Bulls finally won the fourth, Thomas and his team left without doing the custom of shaking hands. Because of this rude gesture and the results of the prior games, Jordan wasn’t sure whether he would play for the 1992 Dream Team if Thomas was there. Jordan’s urging caused Thomas to be taken off the squad. It seemed like it wasn’t just Jordan who wanted him out of the team. In one of his interviews, Scottie Pippen said, “I despised how he played the game. No, I didn’t want him on the Dream Team.”
Isaiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons
Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls
And it wasn’t just the rivals who received the ire of Michael Jordan. Toni Kukoc was drafted by the Bulls in 1990 but was still a player in Europe for the 1992 Olympics. MJ got tired of hearing his general manager Jerry Krause went on and on about Kukoc. So, when the Dream Team faced off against Kukoc’s Croatia, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen made the situation miserable for their future teammate. Karl Malone mentioned in an interview, “They were damn near pulling straws to see who guarded him. Kukoc had no idea. Poor Kukoc ended the night with 4 points on 11 shots. Jordan and Pippen shut him down just to prove a point.”
Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls
His Other Chicago Bulls Teammates
Michael Jordan also experienced a few fights with his own teammates. he insulted many of his teammates through the years with unforgettable and hurtful comments or plays. With all these instances, it seemed like MJ was not much of a team player. Read on to see who, what and how he did it…
His Other Chicago Bulls Teammates
Bill Cartwright, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Bill Cartwright was brought in from a rival team, this stemmed JJordan’s dislike. The player released was a friend and one individual Michael actually enjoyed playing with. Jordan went so far as bullying his new teammate and called him “Medical Bill” once Bulls traded Charles Oakley for Bill Cartwright. He gave the new guy bad passes on purpose. Michale wanted to make it seem as if he had bad hands and threw impossible passes.
Bill Cartwright, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Steve Kerr, Chicago Bulls Teammate
In one practice, he punched Steve Kerr in the face. The disagreement between the two is discussed in his new docu-series where Kerr spoke back to Michael as he did not agree with something said. Kerr says that he thinks by standing up to him he actually earned some respect. Michael said he lost his temper but it was other frustrations that led him to d t, he apologized to Kerr after practice.
Steve Kerr, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Will Perdue, Chicago Bulls Teammate
MJ also punched Will Perdue – Cartwright’s backup.
Will Perdue, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Stacey King, Chicago Bulls Teammate
He insulted Stacey King and called him a “powerless forward” and a “big, fat guy” who didn’t know how to rebound. This was a major blow for someone who idolized Michael Jordan and discusses how before making it to the Bulls he used to rub a poster of Michael for luck before games. This was when king played for Oklahoma.king said he felt like he would be able to rub the real Michael Jordan for luck… he was wrong.
Stacey King, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Horace Grant, Chicago Bulls Teammate
He even told Horace Grant that he was too dumb to remember plays, that’s not all he would tell staff not to feed Horace if he played badly. It was an incentive to motivate him but one Horace did not like. Horace understands Michael was simply trying to motivate him but taking his food away is a bit harsh. Especially when Horace was a first overall pick.
Horace Grant, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Rodney McCray, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Michael almost ruined the career of Rodney McCray by always telling the guy that he was a loser. McCray joined the Bulls in 1992, he was 31-years old. It was reported that he would be up in Rodney’s face screaming and bashing him down. Rodney could not even put up a jumper after that- he took a beating.
Rodney McCray, Chicago Bulls Teammate
Patrick Ewing, New York Knicks
Patrick Ewing and the Knicks faced off with Jordan’s Bulls in the playoffs five times. No matter how much they practiced and prepared, the Knicks could not beat the Bulls whenever MJ was in the lineup. Up until this day, the loss from Jordan still affected Patrick Ewing. In one of his most recent interviews, he mentioned that he did not want to watch the documentary of ESPN about Michael Jordan and the Bulls. He said, “I had to live through all of the battles that we had to go through, and now you all have a documentary that you have to keep rubbing it in my face.” The two NBA superstars had become personal close friends but still clashed during their epic battles on the court.
Patrick Ewing, New York Knicks
Xavier McDaniel, New York Knicks
Jordan was known to be tough on his teammates, but he still had their backs. He could stick up for them whenever he deemed necessary. In-Game 4 of the 1992 playoff series, Xavier McDaniel from New York Knicks roughed up Scottie Pippen. Jordan acted on Game 5 and when Xavier targeted Scottie again, Jordan had his teammate’s back. He clashed with McDaniel during a television timeout. Michael Jordan and the Bulls came out on top of that series.
Xavier McDaniel, New York Knicks
Clyde Drexler, Portland Trail Blazers
Even though it was not Clyde Drexler’s fault for finishing second to Jordan in the 1992 MVP voting, Michael Jordan was on a personal mission to destroy Clyde Drexler just because he came in second and even took 12 first-place votes. Clyde Drexler just had a good year. But when the two guards matched up for the 1992 Finals, MJ was in it for the kill. According to Drexler’s teammate, Danny Ange, it felt like watching “an assassin who comes to kill you, then cut your heart out.”
Clyde Drexler, Portland Trail Blazers
Charles Barkley, Phoenix Suns
It might be considered a sad and unfortunate story when friends turn to enemies. There was a rumor that floated around were Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan played 48 holes of golf the night before the Game 4 of the 1993 NBA Finals to exhaust Barkley. Barkley denied this rumor, however, there might be some truth to it because the Bulls took a 3-1 series lead. These frenemies had fallen out and Charles Barkley even criticized MJ’s ownership failures with the Charlotte Hornets.
Charles Barkley, Phoenix Suns
Danny Ainge, Phoenix Suns
Michael Jordan and Danny Ainge used to be close friends up until the 1993 NBA Finals. Danny guarded Michael and Ainge took an elbow to the face. MJ thought that Ainge was turning it into a big deal. Danny grabbed the ball from MJ’s hands while Jordan stuck a finger in Ange’s face. Both players were given technical fouls while Ainge was even given a personal foul. As per Ainge, Jordan said, “Quit fooling me.” To which Ainge replied with, “Yes, your highness.” Michael Jordan had the last laugh, however, because the Bulls won in 6.
Danny Ainge, Phoenix Suns
John Starks, New York Knicks
For the years 1991-1996, The New York Knicks were the main Eastern Conference rivals of the Bulls. The two teams knew a lot about each other. John Starks had his highs and lows as he fought with MJ and the Bulls, however, he always came in prepared. The 1993 Eastern Conference Finals was one of the most contentious. John Starks ended Game 2 with a dunk while Michael Jordan retorted back for Game 3. MJ hit John with an elbow and the other guy swatted back. Soon, a shoving match arose, and Starks repeatedly yelled, “You wanna go, Mike?”
John Starks, New York Knicks
Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
One of the most legendary trash talkers in the league was Gary Payton even during his newbie days. In one of the preseason games against Seattle SuperSonics, Michael Jordan quickly became tired of the rookie’s trash-talking to the point where he yelled, “Leave the f—ing rookie, to me.” Jordan’s annoyance did not go unnoticed and when Phil Jackson sensed MJ’s irritation, he called a few plays in a row for Michael Jordan, who lit up Payton. This rivalry was even carried to the 1996 NBA Finals. Halfway in Game 2, the two basketball players went face to face at mid-court during a tv timeout. These players went so far as shouting at each other and their teammates had to be involved. As usual, MJ had the final laugh.
Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
Reggie Miller, Indiana Pacers
Reggie Miller did something only a fool would do when he faced off with Jordan as a rookie last 1987. It was during a preseason game and he started to trash talk the legend. Reggie Miller was already off to a hot start until he finally chirped at Michael Jordan. The legend started to outscore Miller 42-0 for the rest of the game. These two players soon had more legendary fights throughout the ‘90s, one of which was in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals. The two met for the first time in the playoffs. MJ said, “Reggie drives me nuts. It’s like chicken-fighting with a woman. It irritates me.”
Reggie Miller, Indiana Pacers
Scottie Pippen, the Chicago Bulls
While Scottie Pippen formed a rather close friendship with Michael Jordan back in the late ’80s, things to be somewhat rocky for the two at the moment. The legendary basketball player and Olympic medalist has spoken about his disapproval of Jordan’s show, The Last Dance, and how it portrayed him. He even went so far as to turn to Jordan himself and talk about his opinion of the hit show. However, things have been settled and they’re back to being on good terms.
Scottie Pippen, the Chicago Bulls
Kwame Brown, Washington Wizards
Being a teammate of Michael Jordan was already challenging enough, so how much more for being drafted into the team. The once 18-year old Kwame Brown faced this kind of situation straight out of high school. He said that the practice sessions were brutal. Michael Jordan tried to take the freshie under his wing, but he realized that Kwame Brown did not have the same kind of drive that he had. He constantly bullied Kwame Brown to tears with his verbal insults. MJ always humiliated the youngster during practice while he scored at will and mocked Brown.
Kwame Brown, Washington Wizards
Jerry Krause, Chicago Bulls
The dispute between Jordan and the general manager of the Bull started when Jordan broke his foot during his second year. Jerry Krause tried to convince Michael Jordan to sit out for the rest of the season to ensure that Bulls would get a higher pick, however, the competitive drive within Michael made him disagree with the manager. The two constantly fell out of draft decisions and player moves such as trading Jordan’s friend, Charles Oakley. Jerry Krause’s decision to replace Phil Jackson with Tim Floyd after the ’98 Finals was the last straw for Michael Jordan and was the main reason why Michael Jordan chose to retire. In 1999, Jordan said, “One thing is for sure, money won’t keep me in the game.” This was interpreted to be a direct shot to Krause.
Jerry Krause, Chicago Bulls
Everyone Else In His Hall of Fame Speech
No one could foresee what would happen during a Hall of Fame speech especially when handing the microphone to a former basketball player. Michael Jordan’s speech was filled with shots at people whom he held grudges in all stages of his career. The list included Thomas, Johnson, and Gervin. He even mentioned the kid who got the final varsity spot in high school. He included his college roommate who won North Carolina Player of the Year instead of Michael Jordan. Pat Riley, Jeff Van Gundy, and even the Hall of Fame received fires from Michael.
Everyone else in his Hall of Fame speech
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Most of us knew that LeBron James would be the greatest basketball player since Michael Jordan, however, Kobe Bryant would be the one who was frequently compared to MJ. Both players possessed a competitive spirit which led to greatness and run-ins with their teammates. MJ, however, didn’t care. During his last season with the Wizards, MJ told Bryan that he could wear his shoes but “never fill them.” These were hurtful words from the person Kobe Bryant idolized since he was young. In response to this, Kobe did his typical Mamba fashion and dropped 55 points the next time the two teams played against one another.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Barack Obama, President of the United States
Michael Jordan somehow had a feud with one of the most incredible living American’s and fellow Chicago icons – President Barack Obama. It started a few years back when MJ was asked about playing golf with the President. MJ said, “He’s a hack. Man, it would be all day playing with him. He’s a sh—ty golfer.” Obama replied, “If I was playing (golf) twice a day for the last 15 years, then that might not be the case. He might want to spend more time thinking about the Bobcats, or the Hornets.” The two appeared to have buried this in the hatchet but tried to imagine what the golf game would be like.
Barack Obama, President of the United States
Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan has major respect for Magic Johnson and to this day the two are very good friends. However, there is footage from the 1992 “Dream Team” days where Jordan is seen trash talking. Michael tells magic, “it’s the ’90s now.” Remarking that Johnson era is somewhat over now.
Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
Malone was the MVP in 1997 and his team were the rivals behind what is known as the “Flu Game” that defined Michael’s legacy. Karl alone known as the Mailman truly put the Bulls to work- this of course set him as competition for Michael. By now we know how Michael handles anything potentially better than him or that could jeopardize him as the best.
Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
John Stockton, Utah Jazz
It is being widely said and spread that Stockton deserved better from the docu-series. John Stockton is a hall of farmer from the era and was te complete opposite to Jordan not only in position and strengths but in stye and conduct too. Of course, Jordan got up in Stocktons face on the court but what is unknown is how Stocktonscoired a 3-pointer moments before Jordans infamous “Last Shot.”
John Stockton, Utah Jazz
Spike Lee, New York Knicks
Spike Lee has always been courtside and a real smack talker. The two actually collaborated on a Nike commercial but nonetheless Lee was a Knicks fan and this certainly angered Jordan at times. However, the pair managed to keep a close relationship in person with Lee even asking Michael for a pair of his shoes and Michael giving them to him post game.
Spike Lee, New York Knicks
Robert Parish, Boston Celtics
Also known as “The Chief” Robert Parish was instantly challenged by Michael Jordan when joining the Bulls’. Parish messed u a playa nd found Jordan jawing away at him. Parish recalls, ‘I told him, “I’m not as enamored with you as these other guys. I’ve got some rings too,”’ Parish recalled. ‘At that point he told me, “I’m going to kick your ass.” I took one step closer and said, “No, you really aren’t.” After that he didn’t bother me.’
Robert Parish, Boston Celtics
Muggsy Bogues, Charlotte Hornets
Jordan did not hesitate in the Bulls’ first-round battle against the Charlotte Hornets in 1995. The biggest play of the game was going down where Muggsy had the ball and the Hornets were down one. Jordan backed away and swore at Muggsy to make the shot, calling him a “midget.” He missed and Muggsy believes that single shot was what ruined his career.
Muggsy Bogues, Charlotte Hornets
Cheating An Old Lady At Cards
Another example of Michael being competitive Michael. he was invited to UNC teammate Buzz Peterson’s home where he played cards with Peterson’s mother. No money was on offer and Peterson caught Michael cheating when his mom went to the bathroom. Michael wanted to win at all costs!
Cheating An Old Lady At Cards
The Golf Game That Was Forced
Michael Jordan was kicked out of a country club due to not following the dress code rules at a country club in Miami. When asked to change he supposedly scoffed and responded incredibly arrogantly. When his public relations team released a statement they ended with, ‘I guess it’s their loss – as MJ is a great golfer and a great guest.’
The Golf Game That Was Forced
Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire asked Jordan for a photo when he had the chance, Jordan just brushed it off but then turned around and said, “You know what, I tell you what, you pay $15,000 right now for a jersey from me and I’ll take a picture with you.” Well, Chamillionaire lost the vision of his childhood hero that day.
Chamillionaire