"I'd to guard that motherf**ker" - Former NBA champion recalls Michael Jordan's crazy trash talk during Wizards stint
Michael Jordan's stint with the Washington Wizards often gets overshadowed by what he accomplished with the Chicago Bulls earlier in his career. However, Kevin Garnett hasn't forgotten that Jordan was the same star on the court in his second return to the league.
Jordan announced his return on Sept. 25, 2001, and the league was ready to see him back in action. Garnett was among the rising young stars during that era. In a clip from his show with former teammate Paul Pierce, "Ticket & The Truth" posted on X (formerly Twitter), he recalled playing against Jordan.
According to Garnett, the six-time champion was still talking trash against his matchups. The 6-foot-11 forward got to experience the smack talk from the Hall of Fame guard and recalled his encounter.
"Mike was a motherf***er, though," Garnett started. "Both times. Because he was still talking that s**t, he was still skilled, it was just health with him. And I had to guard that motherf***er. Gave us 40, I got like 38 out of that s**t, too.
"He was two dribbling. You know, I ain't played the three in a minute but flip was like, 'Nah, you the only one that can guard Mike.' [I was like] 'We got two guards on here. What the f**k, our two guards can't?'"
Garnett got to play against Michael Jordan while he was with Washington four times. The former All-Star might not have the best memory since the most points Jordan had against the Minnesota Timberwolves during those years was 35. But he still appreciated the experience and thought his return was beneficial for the league.
"But I thought it was great for the league when he came back and I thought that he wanted to see where he lined or aligned with some of these younger stars. And I thought it was just great overall."
How good was Michael Jordan with the Wizards?
Michael Jordan spent two seasons with the Wizards before officially shutting down any possible returns to the NBA. During those years, he became a two-time All-Star. Washington didn't boast an excellent roster that played with Jordan and didn't make the playoffs.
He averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. The five-time MVP wasn't as efficient compared to his days with the Bulls. Jordan only made 43.1% of his shots from the field and 24.1% of his 3-pointers.