A list of superstar players who have competed with Jordan in NBA history

Michael Jordan's career (especially during the Bulls Dynasty) is an epic that constantly confronts and conquers the top stars of his generation. These superstars either lost in the bloody playoffs or in the competition for personal honors, and their greatness and Jordan's dominance are in line. The following are the superstar players who have been the main players with Jordan during his peak period (from the late 1980s to the late 1990s):

1. Eastern Conference rivals: cruel trials in the playoffs

Isaiah Thomas and the "Bad Boys Legion" Detroit Pistons:

PK Focus: Eastern Overlord in the late 1980s, Jordan's biggest nightmare in the early days. They used the "Jordan Law" (rough physical confrontation) to eliminate the Bulls in the playoffs for three consecutive years (1988-1990).

Ending: Jordan trains his body and mind hard, and the Bulls team evolves. In the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls swept the Pistons 4-0, marking the change of royal power. Thomas’ personal grudges with Jordan (such as the 1992 Dream Team was not selected) are even more dramatic.

Patrick Ewing and New York Knicks:

PK Focus: The Knicks were the long-term rival of the Bulls in the East in the 1990s, and Ewing was the Knicks' offensive and defensive core and inside pillar. The two teams have staged hand-to-hand battles in the playoffs (especially the Eastern Conference semi-finals).

Ending: Jordan's Bulls never lost to Ewing's Knicks in the playoffs (1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996). Ewing and his Knicks became one of the most tragic background boards on Jordan's journey to greatness.

Reggie Miller and Indiana Pacers:

PK Focus: Miller is the top cold-blooded killer and Jordan's "enemy of mouth". The Pacers were the Bulls’ biggest challenger in the East in the late 1990s, known for their tough team defense and Miller’s key ball.

Ending: The 1998 Eastern Conference Finals was a peak showdown, with the Bulls narrowly defeating the Pacers in the tiebreak, which was one of the most difficult series in the Bulls' career. Miller is still honored even though he is defeated, and his "Miller Moment" and his provocation to Jordan have become classics.

Shaquille O'Neal and Orlando Magic (early):

PK Focus: The young "Shark" showed his strength and led the Magic to eliminate Jordan (Bulls), who had just returned and had not yet recovered his best form in the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals.

Ending: This became a huge excitement after Jordan's comeback. The following year (1996), the Bulls, who had completed the running-in and peaked in form, swept the Magic 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals to complete their revenge. O'Neal then Journey to the West Lakers.

2. Finals stage: The ultimate challenger of the peak throne

"Magician" Elvin Johnson and Los Angeles Lakers:

PK Focus: The continuation of the "Black and White Contest" in the 1980s. In the 1991 Finals, Jordan, who was at his peak, stood on the finals stage for the first time, against the Magician, the leader of the Showtime Lakers.

Ending: Jordan averaged 31.2 points and 11.4 assists per game, leading the team to defeat the Lakers 4-1, opening the dynasty, and completing the crowning from superstar to king. This also became the magician's masterpiece in the finals (retired due to HIV).

Clyde Drexler vs. Portland Trail Blazers:

PK Focus: 1992 Finals. Drexler was recognized as the "second point guard" at the time, and the "Flying Man showdown" exaggerated by the media was the biggest highlight.

Ending: Jordan used 35.8 points per game (including the famous "shrugging" battle) and the first three consecutive championships to completely prove that he is the indisputable "Flying Man", and Drexler's light was completely covered up.

Charles Barkley vs. Phoenix Suns:

PK Focus: 1993 Finals. Barkley was the MVP of the season (snatched from Jordan), leading the Suns to the best record in team history, and the showdown with his friend Jordan is full of topics.

Ending: Jordan played a historical performance in the finals (41 points per game!), including 55 points from G4 and quasi-triple double + winning assists from G6, beating the Suns 4-2, completing his first three-game championship. Barkley's regret of not having a crown in his lifetime was laid down.

Gary Payton and Sean Camp led the Seattle Supersonics:

PK Focus: 1996 Finals. "Gloves" Payton is DPOY, known for his strong defense and is limited by high expectations. Kemp is the representative of the Brutal Power Forward.

Ending: Although Payton's defense caused a lot of trouble for Jordan (27.3 points per game, the lowest in the series), the Bulls still won 4-2 and started their second three-game championship. Payton is recognized as the defender who has created the most defensive troubles for the peak Jordan.

Carl Malone and John Stockton led the Utah Jazz:

1997: "Fight of the Flu" became a symbol of Jordan's legend, and the Bulls won 4-2.

1998: "The Last Shot" is the perfect masterpiece of Jordan's Bulls' career. The Bulls defeated the Jazz again 4-2 to complete their second three-game title. The Jazz Double Demons became the most tragic representative of the "uncrowned king" in the Jordan era.

PK Focus: 1997 and 1998 Finals for two consecutive years. The Jazz is the Bulls' second most powerful opponent in the late three consecutive championships. They have MVP Malone and historical assist king + steal king Stockton, and have extremely high tactical literacy.

Ending:

3. Other important opponents/contenders

Hakim Olajuwon:

PK Focus: Although the two have never met in the playoffs (staggered at their peak), they are often compared as the No. 1 pick and Tanhua of the 84 Diamond Generation. During Jordan's first retirement (1994, 1995), Olajuwon led the Rockets to win two championships, proving that he was the ruler in the era without Jordan.

Relationship: mutual respect. Olajuwon's championship also "stimulated" Jordan's comeback to some extent.

Dominic Wilkins:

PK Focus: "The Essence of Human Movies", together with Jordan, is the top scorer and dunk king, and often stages scoring battles and exciting matches in the regular season (such as the classic double overtime battle).

Ending: The Hawks are not strong enough to pose a substantial threat to the Bulls in the playoffs, but Wilkins is one of the top scorers Jordan must face in the East.

Allen Iverson:

PK Focus: Mainly in the Wizards after Jordan's second comeback (2001-2003). As the new MVP and scoring champion, Iverson is full of fighting spirit when facing his idol Jordan on the court, leaving behind classic shots (such as the famous "crossover" in 2002 and hits Jordan).

Relationship: Iverson regards Jordan as an idol and benchmark, and Jordan also appreciates Iverson's fighting spirit.

Summary:

Eastern Trials: Thomas (Pistols), Ewing (Knicks), Miller (Pacers) and others are cruel mountains that Jordan must cross before reaching the top, and their iron-blooded confrontation has shaped the stronger Jordan.

Finals Conquest: Magicians (Lakes), Drexler (Trail Blazers), Barkley (Suns), Payton/Kemp (Super Sonics), Malone/Stoketon (Jaws) - These superstars became the ladder for Jordan to crown the "God of Basketball" on the highest stage of basketball. Jordan has never lost the series in the finals (6 to 6 championships) and has defeated the season's MVP or top stars many times.

The King of Peaks: Olajuwon proved his greatness in the gap between Jordan's departure, but the direct dialogue between the two remained in imagination.

Era inheritance: New generation stars such as Iverson confronted Jordan in his late years, symbolizing the transmission of the torch.

The superstars who have played with Jordan, regardless of their victory or defeat, are remembered by history because of this experience. Their greatness highlights Jordan's unparalleled dominance; and Jordan's absolute dominance also makes the struggle and regrets of these superstars more tragic and legendary. Jordan's legend is based on the successful conquest of all the top opponents of his contemporaries.