Michael Jordan was not the type to leave the slightest crumb to his opponents, to put it mildly. During the 80s, he took it very badly to be neglected by the league in favor of a Lakers player… and he was not shy about letting it be known.

When you have the best scoring average in history with more than 30 points per game in your career, it makes sense that you are remembered for your offensive talent. But Michael Jordan was at least as strong in his own half, guided by a legendary competitive spirit. Whatever the opponent, whatever the challenge, the fullback was ready to take it up to triumph on the field.

Michael Jordan Defense 🔒
• Defensive Stance
• Great Helpside/ IQ
• Anticipation & Great Instincts
• Energy
• Hustle Plays
• Effort & Extra Effort
• Lockdown on ball defender
• Took pride in Defending at a high level
pic.twitter.com/KnSQbX6GvG

— Jaycob Ammerman (@Jammer2233) August 9, 2023

In total, MJ was voted to the league’s All-Defensive Teams nine times and was even Defender of the Year in 1987-88. Only once, which may come as a surprise when you know the monstrous work that the man put in every evening on this side of the field. In fact, he has long railed against a supposed lack of recognition for the benefit of other players…

Michael Jordan unhappy after being snubbed for Michael Cooper

In 1986-87 for example, MJ found himself excluded from both All-Defensive Teams despite nearly 3 interceptions and 1.5 blocks per game. He then lambasted this year’s DPOY to Sports Illustrated :

Michael Cooper is very good at stopping you from getting the ball, but look at his other stats. This league awards its defensive awards based on your reputation. It annoys me.

To put things in context, Jordan was coming off a unique season at that time as he became the first all-time player to compile 200 steals and 100 blocks in a single exercise. For his part, Cooper only had 78 and 43 respectively… and above all, he came off the bench in Los Angeles. Obviously, the rear was not really of the same opinion as his counterpart:

That’s his opinion. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. I know my defense is good. I don’t think steals and blocks are the only measures of defense. I’m not a starter, so I don’t play enough to accumulate those kinds of stats, but I feel like I’m more of a player who can make his opponent disappear.

Michael Jordan was particularly grumpy in 1987 after this snub from the NBA, but he took his revenge the following season by being elected DPOY. As it turns out, it wasn’t this kind of setback that was going to slow him down…