
Getty
Michael Jordan, forward for the Chicago Bulls, holding a basketball in the locker room. | Credits: Getty Images

Getty
Michael Jordan, forward for the Chicago Bulls, holding a basketball in the locker room. | Credits: Getty Images
Michael Jordan is arguably the GOAT of basketball. Over the course of his career, he dismantled teams on his path to six championships. Most basketball fans in the country were aware of a young Jordan’s ability from his time with the University of North Carolina. However, the world got its first taste of MJ during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. This was when His Airness announced himself to the world. He even put the legendary head coach in an interesting conundrum with his display.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
After helping Team USA win the Gold in the Olympics, Mike hit the ground running as soon as he entered the NBA. However, not everyone saw his immense potential.
ADVERTISEMENT
Michael Jordan’s quick wit caught the coach off guard
Head coach Bobby Knight once revealed an interesting incident between him and Michael Jordan. The video clip has resurfaced now and is doing the rounds online. Knight noted that during the half-time break, he usually asks his teams to play better in the second half. However, he was confused about what to do as Team USA dominated Spain and led by 28 points at the half. He recounted that Jordan had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists in just 11 minutes of play.

Imago
1992: Michael Jordan (L), Magic Johnson (M) and Clyde Drexler (R) of Team USA, the Dream Team, sit on the bench during the men’s basketball competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Icon Sportswire)
As soon as Knight entered the locker room, MJ was the first one there. So he decided to change his usual method a bit. The coach thought that criticizing MJ despite his perfect performance would inspire his teammates to play better. And, he found an interesting way to call the young star out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Knight stated, “And I walk over and I say, ‘Mike! When the hell are you gonna set a screen? I mean we had four guys out there screening. When the hell are you gonna screen somebody, Mike? I mean all you are doing is rebounding, passing, and scoring. Dammit! Screen somebody out here.'”
Top Stories
Sean Payton Announces Retirement Plans as Broncos HC Demands Improvement From Bo Nix & Co. Before Playoffs

Greg Biffle’s $4M Worth Prized Possession Still Without a Buyer Leaves NASCAR Fans Heartbroken

LIV Golf Braces for Another Possible Exit in Wake of Brooks Koepka Departure

Biff Poggi All But Confirms Bryce Underwood’s Michigan Future After Announcing His Own Departure

Roger Federer Draws Criticism from Swiss Government Chief for Tourism Boom in Country

NASCAR World Mourns as Former Watkins Glen President Michael Printup Passes Away at 60

READ MORE – Want Michael Jordan as Personal Companion? Lifelike Bulls Legend Collectible to Soon Hit the Market for Fans
ADVERTISEMENT
The crowd went wild as soon as Knight said this. However, he was not finished as the best part was Jordan’s reply.
The Chicago Bulls legend understood what the coach was doing and caught his bluff. So he reminded Knight that Jordan was the quickest athlete he had ever seen. Knight wondered what that has to do with screens. MJ jokingly replied that he was so fast at setting screens that the coach could not even see it.
Bobby Knight with a classic Michael Jordan story from the 1984 Olympics pic.twitter.com/ITDrSG2GQA
— Jaycob Ammerman (@Jammer2233) December 26, 2018
ADVERTISEMENT
The Hall of Fame coach could only laugh at the star’s quick-wittedness.
Michael Jordan was not the 1st pick
Notably, two teams passed up their opportunity to pick Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft before the Bulls picked him at #3.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, had the draft been held after the 1984 Olympics, there is no doubt Jordan would have been the first pick. That’s how electrifying MJ was throughout the Olympics. Behind his extraordinary performances, Team USA blew away their opponents and clinched the Gold medal.
His displays excited the Bulls management, and the fans had huge expectations. It is safe to say Jordan exceeded everyone’s expectations.
WATCH THIS STORY – Having Snubbed LeBron James, Luka Doncic Gets Rewarded by Michael Jordan?s $150,000,000 NASCAR Team?for?His?Loyalty
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

