Isaiah Rider on Michael Jordan’s influence and his complicated relationship with Phil Jackson

1994 Slam Dunk Contest champion Isaiah Rider shared some Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson stories.

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Isaiah Rider appeared in a recent episode of KG Certified on SHOWTIME Basketball and shared some stories about Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan and legendary coach Phil Jackson.

Rider stole the show in the 1994 Slam Dunk Contest and had a successful nine-year career in the NBA, averaging 16.7 points in 563 games with the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Hawks, Lakers and Nuggets.

He was a prolific scorer with insane athletic ability, particularly during his time with the Timberwolves and Trail Blazers. He also put up 19.3 points in 60 games with the Hawks in the 1999-00 season. His inspiration was MJ.

“Everybody wanted to be like Mike, so all my jab steps, all my footwork...how I get my triple threat, all that is Mike,” Rider stated.

Rider’s time with Phil Jackson and the Lakers

Rider joined the Lakers in the 2000-01 season to replace Glen Rice. He averaged 7.6 points in 18 minutes over 67 games with only six starts. His production off the bench in the regular season helped the Lakers make the playoffs and win the NBA Championship. The veteran shooting guard then joined the Nuggets in 2001 and played just 10 games before retiring from the NBA.

Rider didn’t feel at home with the Lakers as soon as he arrived. “I start and then I’m coming off the bench and then then eventually I’m getting decent minutes and eventually my minutes are declining, and I’m like wow, I’m like what did I do, I should have went to Miami. I’m like this is the worst decision ever...but we’re winning and I’m not an unhappy camper,” Rider explained.

Egoistical power move

Rider shared why he was left off the Lakers’ playoff roster and it was all because of Phil Jackson.

“It was something that happened at practice, it was an egotistical power move by Phil Jackson. To play around with someone’s career like that wasn’t cool and it hurt me deep down. Very painful to go there wanting a ring and sit down in a suit the whole playoffs,” Rider told Bleacher Report’s Brian Mazique.