Why Michael Jordan refused to pay Luc Longley compliments during their playing days

The Chicago Bulls had an unquestionable pecking order during the 90s. They are renowned as one of the most dominant teams in history and Michael Jordan was their leader. Next up was Scottie Pippen, and then head coach Phil Jackson followed by Dennis Rodman and the rest of the team.

However, in the NBA almost any player can put up incredible numbers on any given night. And on November 8, 1996, Australian center Luc Longley did just that. He dropped 16 points in the first quarter alone, prompting His Airness to praise the big man at halftime. However, Longley did not score the rest of the way, incurring the wrath of Jordan.

"Playing like an All-Star"

The Bulls were visiting the Pistons early in the 1996-1997 season, and Longley appeared to be headed toward a career game, scoring 16 of Chicago's 30 points as they led 30-24.

"We were playing Detroit, and I came out on fire in the first half. I think I had 17-18 points, half-a-dozen rebounds, a couple of blocks – playing like an All-Star," said Longley in an interview with Australian media back in 2014.

Because of his inspired play, Jordan could not help but shower the 7-footer with praise at halftime.

"For the first time ever, because Michael was very cautious with his praise, he came into the locker room high-fiving me, slapping me, hugging me, saying, 'Man, you play like that, we’re going to win the world championship. That’s awesome! You’re an All-Star. Why don’t you play like that every day? I knew you had it in you,'" Longley added

Different second half

However, Longley went cold in the second half and didn't register any more stats for the rest of the game. Jordan, obviously frustrated with his teammate's lack of consistency, let Longley hear it in the locker room afterward. Mind you, this was after the Bulls obliterated the Pistons, 98-80, for their fifth win in a row.

"I had a terrible second half. When everybody else was happy to be winning, Michael was furious. He said, 'Luc, I am never, ever going to say a nice thing about you again.' He was true to his word; never said anything nice again," – the Australian concluded.

This story actually might provide an additional explanation about why Longley was barely mentioned in the Last Dance docuseries. Apparently, MJ knows how to hold a grudge.