Michael Jordan Rejected 1v1 Challenge Against One NBA Player

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is one of the biggest names in sport. The basketball legend played for the Washington Wizards and, more memorably, the Chicago Bulls during a trophy-laden career.

With six NBA Championships, two Olympic gold medals, and an abundance of personal accolades, it came as a surprise that MJ would reject a challenge from an ex-NBA star to take part in a one-on-one match.

The 62-year-old has previously mentioned that there are four players who he believes could have gotten the better of him in a one-on-one match because of their style of play.

In an interview with Fadeaway World, he said: “The hard opponent for me to play against? In terms of 1-on-1? Small guys. [Allen] Iverson, Damon Stoudamire, Rod Strickland. Those little guards like that, it’s tough for me. Muggsy [Bogues].”

Michael Jordan Refused 1v1 Challenge vs NBA Player

Michael Jordan

The pair were actually teammates at one point

However, when Bryon Russell challenged Jordan to a one-on-one match that could have been broadcast for all to see, Russell claimed that “Mike just didn’t want to do it.”

Russell and Jordan have history together, including being teammates at the Washington Wizards during the latter’s final season as a pro. However, during Jordan’s Hall of Fame speech in 2009, he referenced an interaction with Russell during his first retirement in 1994.

“At this time, I had no thoughts of coming back and playing the game of basketball. Bryon Russell came over to me and said, ‘Why did you quit? You know I could guard you.'”

Michael Jordan

Jordan went on to claim that if he ever saw Russell in basketball shorts he would “come at him.”

Russell didn’t take kindly to this joke and hit back, saying: “I’ll play his a** right now,” before stating that this was a genuine call-out, and he wanted to face off against his former teammate.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame comments were likely related to the 1998 NBA Finals between the Bulls and Bryon Russell’s Utah Jazz, four years after the latter claimed he could guard the former. At the end of Game 6, the Utah Jazz man found himself guarding MJ, but couldn’t stop Jordan from making the game-winning shot. Fans do believe, however, that it was a contentious call as it looks like he had pushed Russell before making the shot.