Isiah Thomas, already a rising star with multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections, received a crucial warning before facing Michael Jordan for the first time in 1984. His former coach at Indiana Hoosiers, Bob Knight, told him, "This one a lil' different now," highlighting Jordan's unique talent. Knight's words came just weeks after Jordan was picked third overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft.
The stage was set during an exhibition game in Los Angeles, where NBA stars clashed with the US Olympic Team.
Knight's prediction began to materialize as Jordan showcased his potential by scoring 12 points on 54% shooting. Despite his 10 turnovers, Jordan's performance was a key factor in Team USA's 15-point victory against the NBA Stars, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of 67,596 fans.
Michael Jordan continued to impress, leading the Olympic Team to win all eight exhibition games against various NBA lineups. His impact on Isiah Thomas was undeniable. In his rookie year, Jordan's Chicago Bulls faced Thomas's Detroit Pistons six times, winning three games.
Jordan averaged an impressive 29.6 points per game in these matchups, while Thomas managed 21.6 points per game.
Isiah Thomas quickly realized the magnitude of Knight's warning. In the 64 games he played against Jordan, Thomas outscored the five-time MVP only 10 times. Jordan's dominance on the court, right from the beginning of his career, confirmed that he was indeed a "different breed" of player.
Reflecting on those early encounters, Isiah Thomas often speaks about the competitive fire Jordan brought to every game. "He was relentless," Thomas mentioned in a recent interview. "Every game, every play, he was always a step ahead."
Bob Knight's early assessment of Michael Jordan proved to be prophetic. Jordan's career was marked by relentless drive, exceptional skill, and an unparalleled competitive spirit. His legacy, beginning with that early warning from Knight, left an indelible mark on Isiah Thomas and the entire basketball world.
