Michael Jordan is arguably the best player in NBA history. He made use of a perfect combination of style and power as he dominated the NBA. This allowed him to win six titles with the Chicago Bulls. Moreover, it also put the Bulls at the helm of the NBA for several years. However, after winning 3 titles, Jordan decided to step away from the game in 1993.

However, after a brief stint with baseball, Jordan announced to the world that he was back in the NBA. Upon his return, many believed that Chicago would immediately reclaim the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, that was not to be.

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James Once Refused to Meet WWE Legend the Undertaker despite him being at his door

The Bulls would fall to Shaquille O’Neal’s Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite losing, Jordan noticed a flaw in Shaq’s demeanor that allowed him to take advantage of the big man in the following season’s playoffs.

Michael Jordan on Shaquille O’Neal

During a recent episode of the ‘Icons Club‘ podcast, Jordan explained how Shaq failed to intimidate him despite being knocked down by the big man.

“Shaq’s the biggest player I’ve ever seen, in terms of physicality. He was this big, massive guy when I came back from baseball, so I was somewhat intimidated,” said MJ.

Trending

Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets

April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT

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

April 24, 2024 02:46 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

Marcus Takes Eyes Away From GF Larsa Pippen to Acknowledge Father Michael Jordan’s Talladega Victory

April 22, 2024 09:33 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

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

Follow Us

Thereafter, MJ mentioned that he was confused about how to go at Shaq offensively. He didn’t know whether to drive against the big man or settle for a pull-up jump shot. However, he decided to go at Shaq only to be knocked down to the floor. But unlike what MJ expected, Shaq reached out to pick him up. This was when MJ identified how he could gain an edge over the ‘Big Aristotle’.

“I said, ‘Naw, he didn’t mean it, he’s a nice guy.’ If he’d have left me, stepped over me, a la the old school, I would’ve been somewhat intimidated,” added MJ.

“But his heart is too good. He’s not that type of guy. It took away some of the intimidation factor,” he explained.

Shaquille O’Neal, Who Was the Last to Beat Michael Jordan in a Playoff Game, Revealed What It Was Like to Poke the Bear

Despite losing the Eastern Conference Semifinals to Shaq’s Magic, MJ knew he would have the edge in the next battle. And soon enough, that next battle came around. In the 1996 playoffs, following a 72-10 regular-season record, MJ’s Bulls swept the Magic 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Clearly, MJ was not going to give in so easily. After defeating the Magic, the Bulls would beat the Seattle Supersonics in the finals. Thereafter, MJ led to 2 more back-to-back titles. This cemented his legacy as the Greatest of All-Time.