NBA legend Michael Jordan helped popularize the game of basketball around the world with his high-flying throwdowns and clutch buzzer-beaters. The Chicago Bulls legend was a superstar who dominated his opponents on the court, and fans loved him for that. Over the course of his career, MJ helped propagate the popularity of the league throughout the country and beyond, on the back of his spectacular exploits on the court. Recently, archrival Isiah Thomas gave MJ some rare credit for his marketing and revenue-generation potential that helped the NBA in the long run.

The Detroit Pistons were a huge roadblock for Michael Jordan and the Bulls in the late 80s. They eliminated Chicago three straight years in the playoffs led by their superstar Isiah Thomas. This rivalry between the two teams fermented a rivalry between its leaders MJ and Thomas, that stemmed from different reasons.

Rival Isiah Thomas gives major props to Michael Jordan

NBA legend Isiah Thomas recently made an appearance on The Pivot Podcast and discussed a variety of interesting details from his illustrious career. During the podcast, he was asked about his relationship with superstars like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. When talking about Jordan, the two-time champion gave a rare compliment to MJ despite their ongoing beef.

Trending

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Isiah admitted the undeniable truth that MJ took the popularity of the league to a different level. He added that MJ’s popularity helped the players from that generation earn better salaries. Thomas admitted, “What Michael Jordan did to the NBA, hey man we all still eating off of that!”

The 12x All-Star recounted that Jordan’s superstardom and marketability were good for business and helped everyone earn more. Thomas added, “At that time being the president of the player’s association, we was getting 50% of the gross. But no basketball-related income. See we weren’t good at accounting. So every dollar that came in, we got 53 cents on every dollar. And Michael Jordan was good for business! He was great for business!”

“They Changed the Rules So He Can Win”: Isiah Thomas Plays Victim to Michael Jordan While Making Major Self Defence Revelation

The Pistons legend added that Jordan took the league to another level that they could not and everyone should appreciate and honor him for that. Thomas reiterated that he and many others are still getting paid because of the Bulls legend’s work.

Isiah Thomas called out Jordan

The praise from Isiah Thomas comes after he recently reignited his beef with Michael Jordan. While The Last Dance docuseries was a hit around the world, some former players were not happy with it.

WATCH THIS STORY – Top 5 NBA signature celebration moves, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, and more

The docuseries talked about the infamous rivalry between the Bulls and the Pistons as well. But Isiah was not happy with the way he was depicted.

During the podcast appearance mentioned earlier, Thomas called Jordan an “a**hole”. Isiah added that the beef will go on for a long time if MJ does not apologize publicly.