Inside Isiah Thomas' Dream Team snub, and more thoughts on 'The Last Dance' | NBA Countdown

Richard Jefferson is joined by Jalen Rose, Jay Williams and Paul Pierce for another "NBA Countdown: Stay Home Edition," discussing all things "The Last Dance" including the conflict on Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, whether Jerry Krause or Jerry Reinsdorf deserves more blame, the Bulls' rivalry with the "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons, Isiah Thomas' snub from the 1992 Dream Team, and the cheapest players they've ever played with.
#NBA #Sports #NBACountdown #TheLastDance
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[@jasoneng3161]

Why does it look like Paul is still observing 4/20

[@dreamz701]

He should

[@benitojuarez999]

they all do except rich. Jefferson

[@laserglider]

Every day this month is 4/20

[@hustleman85]

Did you see when the Beastie Boys were on Sportscenter on 4/20?

[@JohnDoe-ov2bd]

First thing I thought and first comment I read 😂😂

[@windridermach]

the truth is high af 😂

[@charl_lee]

He dgaf too lmao

[@fredholt9191]

Jordan basically had legit POWER in the NBA and outside of it still till this day 💯

[@samiahmed6875]

No. It was the NBA and the Olympic organization who did not want Isiah Thomas in the Dream Team. The players were just the pawn.

[@thomash1268]

@@samiahmed6875 Yep and he paid a price for his bs too. Instead of blaming others he should look in the mirror.

[@lucalaborante6931]

jalen is by far the most entertainment dude on this podcast

[@alvajjoe]

I am not a big NBA fan and I never really listen to NBA shows but I really enjoyed this and will be back to watch more. Very entertaining

[@MrSkinny]

This is a great topic. Salute

[@ronniemejia2521]

awesome insight good chemistry

[@levinlong4912]

Life lesson kids. Be nice at work to your coworkers no matter what they do to you. it pays off.

[@Getloose360]

Be nice to those who are nice to you. Be professional with EVERYONE.

[@TrueAnakinSkywalker]

Life lessons to kids, sometime life is unfair and MJ was being extra petty especially when this team was about putting together the best players in the world.

[@riverofcustard3233]

You're just looking at one side of the argument. Jordan disrespected Isaiah and the Pistons with the media.

[@celerystick2490]

I like these 4 together

[@jenjay0167]

Love it!!

[@ThePatman1980]

Krause drafted Oakley in 1985. Traded Polynice for Pippen and drafted Grant in 1987. Drafted Perdue in 1988. Traded Oakley for Cartwright in 1988. Drafted Armstrong in 1989. Promoted Phil Jackson in 1989. Drafted Kukoč in 1990. Signed Kerr and Harper in 1993. Traded for Rodman in 1995.

[@RobertMichael]

Masterful. Really believe they could have won more chips if not for egos

[@MrGreen_N]

Jalen "this is controversial" Rose

[@knowledgeborn7867]

He's such a troll

[@Doit79]

This was good💯💯💯💯

[@docj7631]

The couple of years the Pistons eliminated the Bulls, MJ and the Bulls shook their hands and congratulated them after he series were over. Pistons were just bitter they're limelight was cut short. They got swept and knew it's over for them, the Bulls' time has come.

[@gobbiz1]

Very dope.

[@esiasssss]

Has anyone noticed that Paul looks always high when he’s on espn

[@sprosper9]

Jwefi Jwiejgi because he is.... 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@rachaad]

@Spicy Tomato Are you serious?!

[@rscristiano8]

Rachaád Gunter yes

[@sthao1733]

richard jefferson has always been funny lol

[@kaybeeglide]

I’m only 10 secs in....and I know given the cast of characters...this will be a good one

[@mrtw2095]

How Richard feels about Jay makes me happy

[@willliam1420]

Should be some great minds in basketball AND Jay

[@Herbalizer28]

I really like Jalen's work on ESPN, but the Dream Team was unveiled in September 1991 ...The Bulls had just won the championship...not the Pistons ...the Pistons won the 88-89 and 89-90 titles !

[@dariuslynard158]

This is the right group for a panel. You have the RJ vs Jay matchup and Detroit native Jalen vs "Back in 08' Pierce. But I really liked how engaging these conversations were fr

[@AdanBean]

Jalen is taking his sweet time to roll out his takes like he’s on Jalen & Jacoby

[@MarcusMilld]

On the Chris bassaud 1on 1 Isaiah said he don't believe Jordan or magic had anything to do with that.

[@cbshine]

Marcus M politically correct statement

[@DrPommels]

craziest part of the Last Dance for me was learning Jordan Golfed with Ainge the day before he went off for 63..... and told him to tell DJ he was going to.....

[@o.a.rodriguez7484]

the first 10 selections of the dream were in the summer of 91 and the last 2 spots in the spring of 92

[@LivingALifeOfAbundance]

Richard Jeff, looks like a diglet from Pokémon

[@chitownkidd33]

Lmaooo

[@TinnieTa21]

This legit made me fall out of my seat lmfao!

[@kingzlosecrownz1665]

I'm in real tears

[@litodat233]

Living A Life Of Abundance I’m legit crying 😂😂😂😂

[@kohul214]

These guys need to invest in better webcams tf am I watching hurts my eyes

[@tcmlifefavor5585]

Jefferson's look like it was done on a Flip phone

[@wendelldillard3758]

I know those guys too Jalen. Different die hard team ever year

[@darealbullet]

The Celtics did the same thing to the Pistons in 88 only McHale shook hands nobody mentioned this!

[@mobetta2092]

Your comment may get reported...these sensitive hypocrites don't wanna hear that kinda truth

[@chitownkidd33]

Facts

[@stephencorbitt2752]

McHale didn't really shake hands Zeke ran to McHale and he told Zeke go there and win and Zeke grabbed his hand. The Celtics had just got their heart torn out and their run was over and they knew it. So they left the building.

[@darealbullet]

@@johnnychao6035 Joe D did stay to congratulate

[@ben1ben2ben1]

Everyone mentions this buddy

[@twentymover]

I love jay will perspective

[@jovenjoshuagallardo1530]

First. Also, it was because of the Detroit Bad Boys that Jordan became more competitive by just wanting to beat the Pistons.

[@wherestyler]

Joven Joshua Gallardo my next subscriber gets $1000 dollars

[@youngblood4127]

@@wherestyler Im here.

[@sonnywoods6846]

I thought it was because of his brother Larry Jordan

[@mobetta2092]

Good comment.

[@mobetta2092]

@@sonnywoods6846 Larry fueled MJ to do what he did to become the great player to get to the league. MJ's stated in interviews that the Pistons fueled him to get his mind and body conditioned for the championship level.

[@rashardstallworth9240]

Isiah Thomas being kept off the Dream Team it's probably one of the most disrespectful things that has ever happened in the history of basketball. He and Magic Johnson who were the best point guards at that time and still are the history of the league. One of the other things that can be considered as horrible is Klay Thompson being kept off the all NBA team in this past season. Klay is the best shooting guard in the NBA and one of the best shooting guards in the history of the NBA. He can do anything imaginable offensively and defensively he is one of the top defenders in the league

[@LoyalOpposition]

The Celtics left the court when Dantley was still on the FT line!! Oh, but they were mostly white. And that walk-off was organized by LAIMBEER, but Isiah wouldn't ever throw his teammate under the bus. Remember, Isiah risked his career to defend a rookie named Dennis Rodman, who said Isiah saved his life. Rodman said he would call Isiah at 3am, because he was immature, young, didn't know what was going on with his head, and how Isiah (and his family) became HIS family. Google "Isiah Thomas Saved My Life" and you'll hear of many players who say this - Isiah just doesn't advertise this like everyone else.

[@positivelangbai...4482]

.its not disrespectful. the dream team is about representing the us players that they are good people not a bad just like isiah..

[@369balance8]

Yo Paul Pierce is baked af lmao.

[@StephenADrip]

These 4 need a pod

[@caryflenory9645]

Krause didn't discover Pippen EVERY team had him on their Board 💯

[@DaSuperFan312]

Cary Flenory true, but he did make the trade for him, which shows he bought in just a lil more than others

[@d4the389]

This was excellent!!! I’m glad them nba guys are telling their story before some else tells it!!😂😂😂

[@qj8195]

Wonder if Allen still got that DVD set?

[@beekretrac]

This was funny😂😂😂

[@xtianwithnikki]

Rich really is one of the funniest man in the NBA commentary crew.. hahahaha lol

[@sirbae1498]

Happy 4/20 PP34

[@The_SlickKilla]

Every time Jalen's getting ready to say something good it goes to a add. Lol! Like they took ques from daytime soaps or something. Lol! Like they wanna leave us on a cliffhanger. Lucky for us it's only 15 seconds and not 3 minutes. Lol!

[@301larussomusic]

Pierce been smoking a lot

[@somregularguy]

Paul pierce in another universe high out of his mind let alone paying attention 💀

[@dwayneharris9182]

exactly lol

[@JoseVazQueZ-xp3ul]

90% of the Bulls conflict was a result of Scottie Pippen and not the front office! Had Pippen gone to the Supersonics instead of the Bulls at best Pippen would have been regarded no better than Shawn Kemp! I loved the Bulls and Pippen but facts are facts. All that resentment towards the front office began with Pippen. Krause just responded to the criticism in an unintelligent manner. Here are some things that caused Friction: 1) Scotties Migrain Game 2) Scottie Signs a bad deal 3) Scottie jealous of Kukoc 4) Scottie refuses to enter game during Playoff run 5) Scottie jealous other players get payed more than him 6) Scottie delayed surgery till the end of the summer of 1997 7) Scottie trying to force a trade in 1997 Just a few of the things we know about.

[@alfredocaban1068]

A Shawn Kemp. U dnt kno basketball. U just going by the Last Dance documentary. Scottie Pippen is one of the 50 greatest players. He evented the point forward. I'm a Knick fan, hated the bulls but can't take away the greatness of Pippen. U bugging

[@Reubonics]

In the NHL, players line up and shake hands after a playoff series. Unless there's mad beef between individual opposing players (Brodeur and Avery, for example).

[@uscgbmcmretired2490]

Even though I'm a Bulls fan, I think Isaiah deserved that spot more than Stockton! Their stats were similar but Isaiah won 2 titles & just 2 years before! Anyway, it's over & Isaiah probably deserved it!

[@Mad_Intalect]

Or they could have just left Laettner off the team lol.

[@timmyg831]

USCG BMCM Retired... Several players on the Dream Team didn’t win a championship, so your idea of Isaiah deserving that spot more than Stockton is ridiculous. Don’t dismiss Stockton. Multiple players despised Isaiah. We wanted a unified Dream Team, which it was without him.

[@HunchoHamza]

TimmyK28 not at his position it doesn’t matter if the Barkley’s of the world hasn’t won a ring yet! Isaiah deserves that spot he has freedom of speech to say what he wanted to say about Larry and if Larry felt he was talked about wrong prove it at the practices on the dream team! MJ was sensitive he ain’t get a handshake they the bad boys man Tsc to me! other than Magic there wasn’t a better player at that position and even if ppl think Stockton was better why not have 3 Pgs 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@albericponcedeleon2696]

@@HunchoHamza whether we like it or not part of any professional environment is managing your relationships with your colleagues. When you mismanage those relationships people would rather take their chances with somebody else who might be not quite as good as you but would be infinitely more enjoyable to work with. Zeke was in hot water with MJ, Pippen, Magic and Bird at the time. When the 4 players who have the most influence on the team don't like you, your potential value to the team drops like an anchor. It was partially a self-inflicted wound.

[@riverofcustard3233]

Yeah, but Stockton is the second greatest PG of all time, better than Isaiah in my opinion.

[@dlxinfinite801]

i kinda miss the suits, plastic desks and the green screen studios. However, thank you, players and ESPN.

[@phillyfan8958]

Why is the man Paul pierce still on ESPN

[@wherestyler]

Steck132 my next subscriber gets $1000 dollars

[@sparksup327]

They lowkey wanted to laugh hard when Pierce said Antoine Walker & Kenny Anderson

[@mendozajovy]

I miss the NBA playoffs.

[@harinderrana9735]

The only great team I can remember that never had drama, ego or conflict was the Spurs. Amazing that never happened during their run.

[@iangood157]

RJ is going to be a HOF broadcaster if he keeps it up. Don't sell out be real and allow the success to come to you. RJ & Perk podcast would be boss.

[@iangood157]

I think RJ could be the next EJ.

[@yourotherbrother8]

Not perk at all he outs locker room info

[@mobetta2092]

Zeke was left off of the Dream Team based all upon emotion, not his lack of skill. If that weren't the case there would've been no widespread controversy surrounding the topic because it would've been expected. Edit: to a lesser degree, the same with Shaq getting left off for Laetner

[@epiccollision]

Mo Betta yeah the emotion of betrayal because he wouldn’t shut up about Magic’s HIV...

[@DreMurf313]

@@epiccollision Isiah never slandered Magic behind his back about being HIV. That has always been a rumor

[@gordleyt]

What is Jay talking about? Football players literally go to the middle of the field after every game and hug and hi-five each other...literally after EVERY GAME

[@bottomuptv9836]

Exactly this dude jwill seem like he still salty his career got fup so he got throw shade at people

[@rodaxel7165]

Jerry Reinsdorf is the real villian of this whole thing.

[@KhalidKashogi]

It's more like, "some of the great minds in basketball...AND Jay Will..." am I right?!? wkwkw

[@novaWRX]

He definitely got blacklisted. I think some are missing a crucial point. The Olympics are meant as a sporting event to promote goodwill and sportsmanship between Nations. Isiah demonstrated the worst sportsmanship when he walked off when he lost to MJ. Instead of owning up to it, he’s still passes the blame to Laimbeer for suggesting it. I think that was the final nail. Also, his team spent years trying to hurt every player on the dream team. So I really don’t think it was just MJ & Pippen who wanted nothing to do w Isiah

[@DreMurf313]

LMFAO😄 "seriously dude?" In the 1980's THE ENTIRE LEAGUE was extremely physical NOT JUST DETROIT. People are angry because The Pistons won 🏆Championships while wearing the BAD BOY moniker on their sleeve. The funny part is no one brings up that infamous press conference where the 1991 ECF Bulls were up 3 games to 0 & were about to finally win. Jordan had a press conference calling Detroit undeserving champions, the NBA world will rejoice when Detroit is out the picture, they're bad for the league, etc... So is it such a big surprise The Pistons wouldn't wanna shake hands with a gloating Michael Jordan? In the end Isiah got blacklisted from the 92 Dream Team & the world knows it.

[@SS-xv7xf]

There is a difference between being physical and potentially causing a career ending injury. During that era most teams were physical , but only Isiah Tomas’s Piston’s played dirty. Ask all the players on the dream team why no one and I mean no one objected or cried foul when it was found out the Isaiah wasn’t on the team. That says a whole lot .When none of your peers stand up for you, your the problem.He got what he deserved in the end.

[@thereviewartistrrp5493]

​@@DreMurf313Thank you. They also never bring up how the Pistons were robbed in the finals with the lakers and Celtics did the same thing to the Pistons. I feel the league bullied the Pistons and then they got fed up and starting playing defense. Every team has a player that gets into people's head but if the pistons do it their the bad guys. Larry Bird was good at it but it's ok because he's Larry but lambier gets slot of heat. I loved Bill. He just gets on their nerves to draw the foul. It was hilarious.

[@Bwyyz]

Aye Yo! Do videos or docs on how the Celtics or any champs in the 80s, never shook opponents hands after victories. No one made a big deal because it was normal back then. The Bad Boys was hated thats why it was a spotlight on them during that entire series. Check the playoff games for all the best teams in the 80s for hand shakes.. They re all on KZbin now

[@bakdos8669]

for the Pistons it wasn't just about the hand shake, there was time left on the clock when they walked off the court.

[@Bwyyz]

Who did they learn that from ?

[@bakdos8669]

@@Bwyyz to my knowledge from Nobody. Have you seen an NBA team that did that before?

[@alo.5141]

Only reason Shaq wasn't on the Dream Team was because there was no way he was carrying bags for Charles Barkley or David Robinson even back then

[@ppheann]

He was going to be the #1 pick and they didnt want to risk it.

[@NoelG314]

wasnt he too young? was he even the league?

[@ppheann]

@@NoelG314 he was drafted the same time as Christian Laettner

[@alo.5141]

@@ppheann wasn't a risk, Laettner went #2 or 3 right behind The Diesel in the draft

[@orkahn31]

People forget Dominique Wilkens was robbed too. They chose Chris Mullen over the original human highlight Dominique wilkens

[@jujumontana2171]

It was reported by John Sally that it was Magic Johnson why Isaiah Thomas didn’t make the Dream Team! Stop blaming MJ!!!!

[@albericponcedeleon2696]

Still that's Magic, MJ, Pippen and Bird who didn't get along with IT at the time. Those are the 4 players with the most influence on that squad, even if they had him on it would've been a tense experience.

[@drizzejohnson5767]

Jay Will be side shotting MJ always! Carolina vs Duke rivalry

[@muhammedking3963]

He's a clown

[@iansquall2three0three77]

jay williams who?

[@VuTron30]

Thats why you wouldve never fit on the “We Believe” team! 8Seed taking down the Number 1, in a 7 Game series!!!! Yay Area!

[@Destiny-ps6cs]

Richard did a good job of moderating the topics. Everyone else was just talking pls analysts do your research before you go on shows. Jalen pistons didn't win championship when they selected the team and second it wasn't just mj half the team had a problem with Isiah Thomas at the time.

[@ciscoenzo6827]

Seriously Paul! Again haha

[@tomaspenna2815]

Why is ESPN blocking videos to viewers outside the US?? Without sports this is the closest of sports entertainment we can get and you block it??? What is wrong with you???

[@Un_k_noWN]

J wil had conflict with a motorcycle

[@thomaspitts5161]

Dominique Wilkins should have been on dream team. How was Mullin selected over him at SF?

[@DedHedJosh]

Odd hearing Jalen all about the enterprise angle. The odd part is that’s the exact model his employer uses and is why ESPN went down hill after DP left imo. Espn thought guys like Berman, Patrick, Olberman...etc we’re becoming bigger than the brand itself. Now we are stuck with SAS and Max...fml

[@positivelangbai...4482]

it defines they dont accept a defeat

[@chifreak26]

it wasnt just the fact that didnt shake their hands it was 8 seconds left in the game lol

[@jwells1914]

I remind people of this all the time in Detroit we despised the Bulls. Wearing Jordan’s around Detroit wasn’t a thing until after he retired and came back. Bad Boy’s Era fans still despise Jordan for keeping Zeke off the Dream Team.

[@ermannosorricchiodivalfort4905]

shhhesh the uncle looking like he live from amsterdam

[@tylerbryant1055]

Truth eyes showing the truth😂😂

[@imwitu5404]

RJ cut my man J Wills some slack bro other than that good segment

[@sbandy1278]

Magic didn't want Zeke on the squad either. Also, Shaq over Laettner back then???? Heck nah! Laettner was a top 5 all time college player.

[@John-lw9bn]

Why Pierce acting like he shook everyones hands. Pierce be real quiet during this segment. He and the celtics did not shake the Heat hands after their loss. AND im a celtics fan!

[@Noin007]

Guys not shaking hands in football, as RJ said, there's like 150 dudes out there, there's like 10 guys on an NBA team. Not shaking hands with but a few in the NFL is just a practicality thing.

[@honestaCA]

There's a story behind the pistons walked off. John Sally explains it as passing of the torch. Boston Celtics did it to the pistons when the pistons won the championship.

[@gordleyt]

John Paul Espiritu nah they were just mad. You can say anything years later to make yourself look better

[@whoodyGPonder-fj6hq]

J.Williams and RJ got something going on it’s A little 🍎🍋🍌🍉🍑🥝!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@bobbyvalentino6773]

😂😂🔥👍💫

[@mcrosby2013]

Are you talking about rondo ?

[@bryanventura2778]

3 champions (NBA or NCAA) and Jalen

[@drashan35]

I didn't know the little man Beetlejuice played for the Celtics!!

[@Ah-ws9nm]

I feel Bird and Magic didn’t green light snubbing Zeke but they definitely weren’t going to defend him from it

[@denniseudela411]

With all due respect... Zeke is definitely The No.2 small point- guard just behind Magic. The guy was "beast" and the 'general' on the floor. No question...BUT that's not the point... The spirit of sportsmanship he wrecked by his walk-out... How do you expect the top stars of the Dream Team who unanimously voted him out to play in syncharmony with someone who blatantly negated this principle the league continuously uphold? Nope it's not about the skills anymore. You get paid by your talent BUT you get to BELONG by your responsive ethics as a responsible human being. That's possibly the highest level of true integrity of a person. We can see this clearly now... We're not even talking about how much money, or how skilled this person is, but rather, how this person reacted under adverse situation... Dumars & Sally shook the Bulls' hands. Does it mean that they dedicated & worked less than Isiah for the team, that's why they were able to show respect & humility to the other team? In the end, your bball skills will be remembered well to the fans...but your being a man of true ethical integrity will be stamped in the minds of the greater general public.

[@betthattv5990]

Jay Williams the lamest dude on tv 📺 hated him

[@seanldean4213]

FACTS!...he and Jefferson!..

[@robinwilliams8129]

A thousand percent

[@michaelcampbell5817]

Some of those players on the Dream Team didn't belong on that Dream Team in 1992. Isaiah Thomas definitely should have been the second or third player picked on the Dream Team.

[@BudShin]

J rich a clown I love him 😂😂😂

[@dnuck318]

Hey Jalen the bulls were two time champs in 91 and 92. The Pistons didnt just win the title.

[@beeg4788]

When the team was first selected it was in 1990

[@bikinifittv]

Team selected in 91

[@seagrass7125]

Someone in these comments gotta notice 23:23 video or is that a thing now?

[@mikecolin3983]

Every single player on the Dream Team and the coach should be ashamed of themselves for doing Thomas like that.

[@TPTGopher]

No, every decent human being on the planet should be proud of them for showing that genomic shitstain the disrespect it deserved.

[@riverofcustard3233]

Is that a member of the Wu Tang at the top left?.

[@yaokomedja5246]

To all current NBA players: Please, please, please, be cheap! Be the cheapest you can be and save all your money. And then invest it wisely after you retire. It breaks my heart to see former athletes going broke. 😢

[@thomascrowniii1693]

Stockton being on the Dream Team over Isiah was and still is a miscarriage of basketball justice.

[@bluesweater7730]

Stockton had a better season then Isiah the season before

[@deafboricua21]

But Stockton was not a slouch by any means. He’s a HOF.

[@JuanTaughtMe]

And then had a chance to make it right yet wasted the last spot on Laetner

[@markbrinton6790]

That's a ridiculous statement. I love Thomas, and he's an all time great, but so is Stockton. The man holds two of the five main statistical categories records. By a huge margin.

[@jamtv3258]

Actually Drexler was the one chosen over Zeke. And Dumars was gonna be the replacement if a guard was injured. Nobody wanted Zeke on the team.

[@michaelcampbell5817]

Phil Jackson wasn't a great coach, but he assembled great offense and defensive Coaches around him. Phil Jackson helped run NYC Knicks in the ground.

[@kirk8429]

Truth is that Stockton was a better guard for that team...probably in general apart from points.. They didn't need anymore scoring power

[@ChrisSMurphy1]

Rose looking like Run DMC

[@edgardo034]

Zeke had it comming. Magic, Pippen and Jordan didn’t want him on the team and he wasn’t needed. So much his own coach left him behind. Magic (best pg ever) and Stockton (all time leader in assistes and steals) were both better at his position.

[@AnanseSavage]

Daly did have Isiah's back .. he just didn't quit. Trader Jack quit tho

[@edgardo034]

Cheverro Ananse Savage no he didn’t. He could’ve said “if Zeke doesn’t play I’m out”, or “If Michael, Magic and Scottie don’t want to play with Zeke, then let them go”. But no. He stayed. He chose to leave him off the team. So no. He didn’t have his back. And he was right to do it.