The NBA is no stranger to rivalries, but few have endured as long or as bitterly as the one between Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan. This animosity recently resurfaced when Thomas declined an invitation to participate in HBO’s Celtics City documentary, citing his experience with Jordan’s The Last Dance as the reason.
During an interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Thomas explained his decision, stating,
“I decided not to do the Boston documentary because of what Jordan and The Last Dance did. They totally set me up and blindsided me. I wasn’t gonna get fooled twice, so I just decided not to participate in the documentary and be able to talk about it. But I wasn’t gonna go on film and sit there and be set up — and potentially be set up again — like I was set up in The Last Dance.”
He referred to his portrayal in The Last Dance, where he felt blindsided and negatively depicted. The documentary, which chronicled Jordan’s career and the Chicago Bulls’ dominance, revisited the infamous “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons era. Thomas and his teammates were portrayed as villains, particularly for their physical style of play and their refusal to shake hands with the Bulls after losing the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals.
Thomas’ decision to skip the Celtics City documentary reflects his unwillingness to risk another perceived “setup.” The Celtics and Pistons shared a fierce rivalry in the 1980s, with Thomas’ “Bad Boys” often clashing with Larry Bird’s Celtics in high-stakes playoff battles. While his insights would have added depth to the documentary, Thomas chose to protect his legacy rather than revisit old wounds.
This decision also highlights the lasting impact of The Last Dance on Thomas’ public image. Despite his Hall of Fame career and back-to-back NBA championships, the narrative surrounding his rivalry with Jordan continues to overshadow his accomplishments. Thomas has been vocal about his desire for an apology from Jordan, who famously referred to him as an “a**hole” in the documentary.
“Until he apologizes on international television, no conversation,” Thomas said in a previous interview.
The Celtics City documentary, which explores the storied history of the Boston Celtics, premiered on March 3 and features interviews with players, coaches, and rivals.
