Isiah Thomas Fires Back: New Documentary to Challenge Michael Jordan’s ‘Last Dance’ Claims

The rivalry between Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan has an unending feud, reigniting most recently due to revelations in Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance” documentary. This widely acclaimed docuseries, which captivated basketball fans worldwide, reopened old wounds by labelling Thomas an “a**hole.” The comment not only disappointed the Detroit Pistons legend but also escalated their longstanding feud, leading Thomas to demand a public apology from Jordan.

Thomas felt that Jordan’s public disparagement necessitated a public apology. He expressed that if Jordan truly believed him to be an “a**hole,” then Jordan should either apologize or stand by his statement unequivocally. Unsurprisingly, Jordan did not issue an apology, prompting Thomas to take matters into his own hands by creating a documentary to counter Jordan’s narrative in “The Last Dance.”

The feud’s roots trace back to their fierce on-court battles in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, characterized by their aggressive and physical play, saw Thomas often clash with Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. This rivalry culminated in the infamous “Dream Team” snub in 1992, where Thomas, despite his impressive credentials, was left off the roster of the U.S. men’s basketball team. Many, including Thomas, believed that Jordan played a pivotal role in his exclusion.

In “The Last Dance,” Jordan denied any involvement in Thomas’ omission from the Dream Team, insisting that their strained relationship had no bearing on the selection process. “I didn’t have anything to do with it,” Jordan said. “Isiah Thomas and my relationship have nothing to do with me being on this team. I don’t think it has anything to do with our relationship.” Jordan’s version of events was supported by Rod Thorn, a key member of the selection committee, who confirmed that Thomas’ name never came up in his discussions with Jordan.

“There was never anything in my conversation with [Jordan] that had to do with Isiah Thomas, period,” Thorn stated in an April 2020 interview on ESPN Radio. “He said, ‘I’ll do it.’… Isiah’s name never came up during that conversation.”

Despite these clarifications, Thomas remains unconvinced, feeling that the narrative has been skewed against him. He has taken to social media to express his competitive spirit and origins, citing his tough upbringing in Chicago and his tenure with the Pistons as pivotal in shaping his mentality. Responding to a fan on Twitter who suggested he should release a documentary about his early life, Thomas confirmed that he is indeed working on such a project, promising it will “squash all the BS.”

This move suggests that Thomas is determined to present his side of the story more comprehensively, highlighting not only his basketball achievements but also the personal and professional challenges he faced. The documentary aims to provide a more nuanced perspective on his career and the controversies that have surrounded it, particularly his ongoing conflict with Jordan.

From a journalistic perspective, the enduring beef between Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan is more than a personal grudge; it reflects broader themes in sports history and media representation. The Dream Team exclusion, for instance, raises questions about meritocracy and the influence of personal relationships in professional selections. Thomas’ exclusion despite meeting all criteria suggests that factors beyond skill and performance may play a role in such decisions.

Moreover, the way these narratives are constructed and consumed by the public speaks to the power of media in shaping reputations. “The Last Dance” presented a version of history that, while compelling, was seen by Thomas as incomplete and biased. His response through a documentary underscores the importance of multiple viewpoints in understanding historical events.

In conclusion, the Thomas-Jordan feud is far from over, with both legends sticking to their versions of events. The forthcoming documentary by Thomas promises to add another layer to this complex story, potentially reshaping public perception. While we may never know the full truth behind their conflict, the discourse it generates continues to captivate and divide basketball fans worldwide.