How Michael Jordan and Larry Bird were persuaded to join the Dream Team by Magic Johnson.
Even though the NBA’s best players were on the 1992 Dream Team, Magic Johnson’s persuasiveness was necessary to land Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.
was the first with NBA players who were still playing. And even though Magic had retired early from the NBA due to his HIV diagnosis, former commissioner David Stern called to let Johnson know he had been chosen.
After learning that Jordan and Bird had decided not to commit, Magic went to work. He made it his goal to ensure that he played with both players, as he was adamant about doing so.
Magic initially made contact with Bird, taking advantage of his rivalry. Moreover, it was to be the last chapter of their rivalry. At least once, Jordan wanted to be sure they were playing for the same team.Bird first claimed he was recovering from a back injury and was not the same athletic forward as before, but Magic assured him that his job would be simple.Johnson requested that he simply stay behind the perimeter and block shots, according to the Mirror.
“All you need to do is proceed to the corner or the top of the key and stand there. You don’t need to take any further action. All you have to do is shoot and make the basket when I get the ball for you. You are able to.
After a while, Bird consented to join the squad and afterwards acknowledged that he was a necessity for it.Magic had an easier time recruiting Bird since they already established a relationship. With Jordan, however, this was not the case. Despite their friendly demeanor, their bond was not as strong, which made obtaining Jordan a little challenging.”Listen, man, it’s been on my bucket list to play with you and Larry-and we’re going to have fun being with each other, because we had never really hung out like that,” the legendary LA Lakers player stated to Jordan.
