For the longest time one can remember, the relationship between Michael Jordan and ‘Zeke’ has been rocky. The two seem to share an intense dislike but have praised each other’s game on different occasions. However, the former Philadelphia 76ers star Charles Barkley has now come forward with a revelation. His claims? Michael Jordan might have something to do with trumping the hopes of Isiah Thomas back in the day.

In Episode 121 of Club Shay Shay, ‘Sir Charles’ said, “I think it was Jack McCallum who said he had it on tape and he played it cause I’ve been asked this question a thousand times too…But apparently, Michael didn’t want him [Isiah Thomas] on the team…”

The story goes back to the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team”. It had a lineup of some of the best NBA players from the 1980s and 1990s. These included Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler and Chris Mullin.

Zeke was supposed to be a part of the aforementioned team as well. As per Jack McCallum’s book ‘Dream Team‘, it was Michael Jordan who made his desire explicit to not play in case Isiah Thomas was to be included in the team. Charles Barkley opens up about not being confronted regarding Isiah’s probable inclusion in the team. But he is of the opinion that Thomas should’ve been on that team.

How is that then Isiah Thomas didn’t land on the “Dream Team”?

Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas’ tumultuous relationship

Back in 1991, the circumstances were different. Jordan had to his name his first championship, finals MVP, and second regular-season MVP. He had risen to the status of being the face of the league and his popularity around the globe was on the rise. Hence, he became a crucial player for the Olympic roster being debated on by the NBA.

It was the first time the NBA players were going to the Olympics in Barcelona. A lot was at stake than just a gold medal and Jordan was a necessity. Therefore, if he didn’t want Thomas on the team, Thomas wasn’t going.

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This wasn’t the first time there was a tiff between the two. In 1985, Jordan played his first All-Star game, but it didn’t go as planned. Allegedly, Isiah Thomas had convinced the other players not to pass the ball to Jordan as they all perceived him to be too cocky, throughout the weekend. This is popularly referred to as the “freeze-out” game which is considered to be the origin story for Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas’ beef. It’s been over three decades since then that the two have shared a strained relationship.