In the world of basketball, few names resonate as powerfully as Michael Jordan. Known for his incredible talent and competitive spirit, he was not just a player; he was a phenomenon. But for those who dared to poke fun or challenge him, the consequences could be unforgettable. This is a story told by NBA legends, recounting the time they learned why you never poke Michael Jordan.
It was a typical day in the NBA, filled with the hustle and bustle of practice, games, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. Among the players, there was a sense of anticipation in the air, especially when it came to facing off against the Chicago Bulls. The legends gathered to reminisce about their experiences, and one story stood out among the rest.
“I don’t know if it ever happened,” began Tom Chambers, a former NBA star, “but I do know that Michael takes everything personally. I was in a room with him for five hours one time, the day of a game. We were playing cards, and he wouldn’t let us leave.”
The other players leaned in, intrigued. “What happened?” asked Ty Corbin, another former player.
“Well, we were playing this game called ‘TK,’” Tom continued. “And I stood up, I could hardly walk. We were stiff from playing the night before, and I called Cotton, our coach, and said, ‘Cotton, I can’t go.’ He said, ‘That’s okay, I was going to hold you out.’”
Tom chuckled at the memory. “Ty Corbin wouldn’t dare do it either. We were playing cards, and people were knocking on Michael’s door. He was in there, and we were just going at it. It was the funniest thing ever because it was Pippen, Michael, and me, and I don’t know who else was there.”
As Tom recounted the story, the laughter grew. “Michael stood up in the room and said, ‘You tell that boy Dan Marley I got something for him tonight.’ Their GM, Jerry Krause, had talked about how much he loved Dan, and Michael knew that. He said, ‘I’m going to give your boy 40 in an exhibition game.’”
The room erupted in laughter. “We were like, ‘Yeah, okay, whatever.’ But I took the bet. I thought, ‘This is a badge of honor. He’s the greatest player in the world, and I got his attention.’”
Tom continued, “So, we’re in the game, and Michael starts going nuts. I mean, he’s just unstoppable. He walks over to the bench and looks at us like, ‘Get that money ready.’”
The other players laughed, picturing the scene. “He had about 34 points, and then he just goes off. He reverse pivots on Dan Marley, and Dan has to back up. Michael goes right around him and dunks it. He looks back at our bench and starts laughing, holding up four fingers.”
“Four?” Ty asked, confused.
“Yeah, he was telling us he was going to score 40 points,” Tom explained. “And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘There’s no way in hell I can ever make money now. I really don’t want to.’”
The laughter continued as Tom described how Michael dominated the game. “He dunked for the 40 on everybody, and then he checked himself out of the game. We were looking at each other like, ‘What just happened?’”
Tom recalled how Cotton called a timeout, and Michael came over, saying, “Cotton, your boys were playing cards with me all day.” The laughter erupted again as they remembered how Michael had targeted Dan Marley, using him as motivation.
“Michael was just unbelievable,” Tom said, shaking his head. “He was the best. Whatever he did, he was the best. If he wanted to guard you and not let you score, you weren’t touching the ball.”
The conversation shifted as another player chimed in. “You know, I loved guarding Jordan. He was so great, not just offensively but defensively. If he wanted to score on you, he was going to score. If he didn’t want you to score, you weren’t scoring. It was a challenge, and I loved it.”
The stories flowed, each player sharing their experiences of facing off against Michael. They spoke of the intensity he brought to every game, the way he could turn trash talk into motivation, and how he thrived on competition.
“Were you ever nervous?” someone asked. “Did you ever feel like you were going to be embarrassed by guarding him?”
“No,” the player replied. “I looked at it as an opportunity. I loved guarding Jordan. I mean, he was the greatest player in the world. I was just trying to keep him mellow so maybe he’d give me 35 instead of 55.”
The laughter continued as they reminisced about the old days, the camaraderie, and the fierce competition that defined their careers. But beneath the humor, there was a deep respect for Michael Jordan—a player who not only changed the game but also inspired countless others to push their limits.
As the stories wound down, Tom leaned back in his chair, a smile on his face. “You know, the thing about Michael is that he never forgot where he came from. He understood sacrifice, and he knew what it meant to work hard for your dreams.”
The other players nodded in agreement, reflecting on their own journeys and the lessons they had learned from the game. “That’s why you never poke Michael Jordan,” Tom concluded. “Because you never know what kind of fire you’re igniting. And trust me, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of that fire.”
The room fell silent for a moment, each player lost in their thoughts, remembering the moments that defined their careers and the legends they had faced. In the end, it was clear: Michael Jordan was more than just a basketball player; he was a force of nature, a relentless competitor, and a reminder that sometimes, the biggest assists happen off the court.
The NBA’s Biggest Trash Talkers: Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett And More
These are the men who take mental welfare to another level.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images.
When you combine a group of men, a competitive sport, and adrenaline, pride will naturally find its way into the equation. The NBA has been entertaining the masses for 75 years, and an unsung element of its appeal is the verbal jousting between players. Regardless of whether a player is on the winning team or not, their ability to ruin their opponent’s focus can pay huge dividends.
While trash-talking can evolve into physical confrontations, that reality simply serves as a test of players’ discipline, especially given the fact that it is often a team’s “enforcer” who jaw-jacks. How well can someone stay locked in when he’s told that his wife tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios? What does someone say when they’re told “you can’t guard me” and their opponent is proving that on every possession?
The players on this list may not all be the most skilled or NBA 75-worthy, but they excel at getting under opponents’ skin and providing a laugh for the fans. Check out the NBA’s biggest trash talkers below.
Draymond Green
Draymond Green (right) #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he got tangled with Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Green was issued a flagrant foul 2 on the play, and ejected from the game.
Draymond Green is often the subject of a lot of jokes, either for his three-point shooting ineptitude or his undying love for LeBron James. Despite being an easy target, two things about the 33-year-old are bulletproof: his resume and his ability to talk. The four-time NBA Champion is the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors, anchoring their defense and facilitating their offense. He is also their vocal leader, often seen on the court getting in teammates’ ears to encourage them. As for his opponents, things aren’t so uplifting–or, at least, they aren’t intended to be.
One of the funniest instances of the former Defensive Player Of The Year’s trash talk came in 2017. Paul Pierce was a member of the Los Angeles Clippers and in the midst of his farewell season. Pierce called Green out for his supposed inability to guard Blake Griffin and even said the four-time All-Star was a “bum.”
At one point in their February 2017 matchup, Pierce is sitting on the bench and Green yells to him “[You] chasing that farewell tour, they don’t love you like that. You can’t get no farewell tour. You ain’t got that type of love. You thought you was Kobe [Bryant]?” This was particularly incisive, as the Black Mamba had retired one year prior in a very ceremonial fashion, capping off a career where he was Pierce’s rival, but outperformed in all but one instance: the 2008 NBA Finals. Draymond attacked the 10-time All-Star’s insecurities, and, frankly, did not tell a lie.
Honestly, if you need another example of his elite trash-talking, look no further than his systematic dissection of Dillon Brooks’ comments toward him on the March 8 episode of his eponymous podcast. In March, his saying the Memphis Grizzlies’ dynasty begins after Brooks leaves just felt like a burn. Now, with the Grizzlies informing the Canadian forward that they would not be re-signing him, it feels like Draymond predicted his future. A high-level trash talker and a (mis)fortune teller.
Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a Grizzlies foul during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Dillon Brooks isn’t too different from Draymond Green. Pesky defender, somewhat decent on offense, and rarely holds his tongue. The major difference between the two is their resumes; Draymond’s is loaded and Brooks’ is an empty canvas. Thus, the 27-year-old was a major topic of discussion throughout this NBA season due to the fact that he and his Memphis Grizzlies teammates talked a lot, but had nothing to show for it.
He expressed his feelings for the Golden State Warriors during March of this season. “I don’t like Draymond at all,” Brooks told Tim Keown. “I just don’t like Golden State. I don’t like anything to do with them. Draymond talks a lot. Gets away with a lot, too. His game is cool — with Golden State — but if you put him anywhere else, you’re not going to know who Draymond is. He plays with heart, plays hard, knows the ins and outs of their defense. I guess that’s why they like him over there.”
The beauty of trash talk is blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Given Green has never played anywhere besides Golden State, one cannot confirm whether he would fit on another team. But they can’t deny it either.
In some ways, the Canadian forward going head-on at LeBron James during the first round of the 2023 Playoffs was admirable. There is a certain courage required to talk down on one of the greatest players of all time. Doubling down on the trash talk after Game 2, calling LeBron “old,” and saying that he wouldn’t respect him until he scored 40 points on him, is when things took a turn. That ended up biting him in the behind as the Lakers won the series in 6 games, notably winning by 40 points.
Brooks may take pride in poking bears, but the embarrassing loss and forthcoming free agency period may be what he needs to ensure his play matches his trash talk.
Michael Jordan
Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls looks on during a second round playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game, 91-84.
Michael Jordan’s prime was before the internet, so every story one hears about the arguably greatest basketball player of all time feels like they’re hearing about a mythological creature. Given the fact he led the Chicago Bulls to three straight NBA championships on two separate occasions, it would be safe to assume that he was a great leader. That is correct, though his methods were a bit unconventional.
ESPN’s Rick Reilly reported that MJ would trash-talk his teammate Rodney McCray while defending him in practice. “You’re a loser! You’ve always been a loser!’ Rodney can hardly put up a jumper now,” Jordan said. His harsh words didn’t seem to help that much, as McCray averaged 3.5 points per game that 1993 season, McCray’s only season with the Bulls. However, they did win the championship that year.
Another superpower of Jordan’s was telling his opponent exactly what he was going to do to them before successfully doing it. Shaquille O’Neal talked about how in one game against the Orlando Magic, MJ told Nick Anderson “I’m coming down. I’m going to dribble it between my legs twice. I’m going to pump fake and then I’m going to shoot a jumper. And then I’m going to look at you.” And, according to Shaq, “That’s exactly what he did.” It’s bad enough getting scored on, but someone telling you their exact method of doing so and executing it is a tough pill to swallow.
No moment compares to MJ burying Muggsy Bogues during the 1995 Playoffs. The Charlotte Hornets were trying to avoid elimination, and the 5’3″ guard had the ball while MJ defended him. In a sign of utter disrespect, his Airness stepped back and allowed Bogues to shoot unguarded. “Shoot it you f**king midget,” MJ yelled. Bogues followed his instructions and missed.
Johnny Bach, who was part of that 1995 Hornets coaching staff, said Bogues told him that moment ruined his career. He went on to average 5.9 points per game for the rest of his career, a significant drop from his previous double-digit averages. Michael Jordan’s skills ruined championship dreams and his verbiage ruined careers.
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett #21, Power Forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers on 19th November 1997 at the Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 118 – 93.
Kevin Garnett is arguably the most notorious of all NBA trash talkers. The Big Ticket was a force on both offense and defense, and his ability to get into his opponents’ heads only made things easier for him on the court. Joakim Noah looked up to KG and was excited to meet him upon entering the league. “Man, KG, I had your poster on my wall, I looked up to you, man,” Noah said the first time they played against one another in 2007. The NBA Champion responded with a harsh “F**k you, Noah.”
Several years prior, Garnett’s jaw-jacking was rumored to have taken a tasteless turn. Allegedly, during the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs’ first-round matchup in 1999, the former MVP wished Tim Duncan a Happy Mother’s Day while he was shooting free throws. The issue there is the five-time NBA Champion’s mother passed away in 1990 due to breast cancer, one day before Duncan’s 14th birthday.
Of course, there is the infamous shoving match with Carmelo Anthony in 2013 where KG allegedly said that Melo’s former wife, La La Anthony, “tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios.” The former New York Knicks star reportedly waited outside for Garnett following the game and said “There’s just certain things that you just don’t say to another man” when asked about the situation days later.
There may be no comment more egregious than his 2010 jabs thrown at Charlie Villanueva. KG allegedly called the Detroit Pistons forward a cancer patient, which was especially harmful given Villanueva suffered from Alopecia Universalis, where one of the symptoms is hair loss. The two got into a shoving match mid-game and the Dominican hooper called him out in a tweet the following morning.
KG is a legend on the court and well-known for how competitive he was. Evidently, his desire to win knew no bounds when it came to taunting his opponents.
