8 Biggest Victims Of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the most romanticized athletes in sports history, and for a good reason — he dominated his opponents like no other. Dozens of players and coaches deserve to be on this list; however, these eight stand out the most.
Craig Ehlo
As of the leaders on the Cavaliers' late 80s squad, Craig Ehlo would often get the task of guarding Micheal Jordan. Although he was considered a great defender, Ehlo would get dominated time and time again. Jordan had some of his most dominant performances against Ehlo and would average approximately 34 points per game during their duels. Craig Ehlo will forever be associated with "The Shot" when MJ sank the series-winning FG over him in the 1989 Playoffs.
Dan Majerle
'Thunder Dan' was a three-time NBA All-Star, but when he faced and defended Michael Jordan, he was nowhere to be found. Mostly remembered for his great dynamic with Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns, Dan could shoot it from anywhere and was also a well-respected defensive presence back in the day. The Suns lost the 1993 NBA Finals (2-4) against the Bulls, and Majerle can thank Jerry Krause for getting on this list.
"I knew that Jerry Krause loved Dan Majerle. And just because Krause liked him, was enough for me. You think he's a great defensive player, ok fine. I am going to show you he's not."
Michael Jordan via The Last Dance
Bryon Russell
Another player that is cemented on the MJ victim list is Bryon Russell. Russell famously trash-talked Jordan during his rookie campaign, which happened to be during Michael's first retirement. Naturally, Jordan never forgot that moment and would end up dominating Russell when it mattered the most. Russell will always be remembered by the Last Shot, in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, which completed the Bulls' second three-peat.
Clyde Drexler
Clyde 'The Glide' Drexler is arguably the best player on this list. Even Jordan admitted that Clyde was a threat. But MJ also said he took offense after being compared to him, especially after Clyde put himself in the same category as MJ, saying, "we're the two best in the game." Rewind to the 1992 NBA Finals, Portland vs. Chicago, and Drexler vs. Jordan.
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Jeff Van Gundy
The only coach on this list is Jeff Van Gundy, and rightfully so. Van Gundy rubbed Jordan the wrong way when he publicly said that Jordan befriends other players only to take advantage of them on the court. It didn't take Jordan long to respond, as he would torch Van Gundy's Knicks and teach them a valuable lesson. Never talk trash to Michael Jordan.
"His way is to befriend them, soften them up, make them feel like he cares about them, and then he goes out there and physically destroys them."
Jeff Van Gundy
John Starks
When talking about Michael Jordan and the New York Knicks, one must mention John Starks. An invaluable member of that Knicks squad, Starks was a great player, hustle guy, and someone you could always count on giving 110 percent on the court. Starks had his fair share of solid games against Jordan, however, MJ overwhelmingly won that battle as well. The most notable moment when Jordan torched Starks was the double nickel 55 point game at the MSG.
Dikembe Mutombo
Famous for his 'finger wag' after blocking opponents in the paint, Dikembe once called out Michael for never dunking on him. Later that same season, Michael would prove time and time again why you should never trash talk to MJ — and used Dikembe's iconic wag against him.
Toni Kukoč
Before coming to Chicago, his teammate, Toni Kukoc, received some of Jordan's wrath during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Kukoc can also thank Jerry Krause for being on this list. Krause had publicly praised Kukoc and talked about him being a game-changer in Chicago right after the team had completed their first three-peat — naturally, this rubbed Michael Jordan the wrong way.
