Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan undoubtedly share the most intense rivalry in NBA history. Having squared off on the hardwood in the late '80s and early '90s, the duo still fails to share respect for one another. While their digs and beef are often the talks of the town, the Detroit Pistons legend surprisingly claimed how he would have won eight or nine championships alongside MJ.
"Probably eight. Eight or nine, definitely," Zeke responded to his championship count with MJ. "We would have won a lot and we'd probably still be playing now. Tryna be somebody. No, we'd have won a lot. During that period, we would have a lot. He won six, I won two, so yeah, eight. 8 or 9."
The Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls combined for 5 straight titles from 1989-1993.
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Since Thomas was born in Chicago, the hypothetical scenario likely indicates how he would've paired with Jordan in the Bulls. Given that the 2-time NBA Champion is one of the most versatile Point Guards of the early 90s, Jordan's dominance in the paint was uncanny. Undoubtedly, their backcourt partnership would haunt the league for years.
While Zeke averaged 9.3 assists in his 13-year career and attempted 16 field goals per game, in contrast, Jordan attempted 22.9 field goals per game as he liked bearing the scoring load. This duo would bring offensive versatility, efficiency, and elite skills to guard the perimeter shooters.
However, the only downside to their pairing would be their ball-handling egos. Both Isiah and Jordan demanded to run the offense by keeping the ball in their hand. That would have been a massive task for the respective coach to keep this pair intact for eight or nine seasons.
In December 2017, Zeke and Magic Johnson discussed the time when their relationship went sour. Shaquille O'Neal recently shared the entire story as a throwback on his IG.
Their relationship deteriorated after Pistons and the Showtime Lakers met in consecutive NBA Finals (1988 and 1989). Moreover, 'The Magic Man' admitted in a book ( which he co-authored with Larry Bird) that he fought to keep Thomas off the Dream Team as he believed Zeke had spread rumors about his sexuality (HIV) in 1991.
It took the LA Lakers legend almost two decades to reconcile with his old friend. While that may seem like an eternity at first, Thomas's actions didn't demand any less.