John Starks debunks a popular Michael Jordan myth

"People always talk about Michael talking a lot of trash, but he didn't talk a lot of trash out there on the court"

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan was a stone-cold competitor, capable of overpowering opponents with his talent, athleticism, physique, and trash-talking skills. However, according to former New York Knicks fan-favorite John Starks, the popular myth about Jordan being a constant trash-talker on the court is inaccurate.

Intense focus

Jordan and Starks had some fierce battles in the early 90s as the Knicks established themselves as a team capable of giving the Chicago Bulls fits. Starks was often handed the responsibility of guarding His Airness. And while Jordan still sizzled, averaging 31.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 24 games versus Starks, the gritty Knicks guard gave MJ all he had in every game.

What Starks didn’t give Jordan was a lot of smack; the 6-foot-5 guard knew better than that.

"You don't want to get him round up," Starks shared about poking the bear, which was not a good idea.

"He already come into play, but if you start talking noise to him, he's gonna take you to another level. He's gon' take his game to another level."

Michael Jordan faced weak Knicks defence 👇

Patrick Ewing 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1988, 1989, 1992)

Charles Oakley NBA All-Defensive First Team (1994)
NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1998)

John Starks NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1993)#NBA #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/sZtQDwjUVV

— The Jordan Rules (@Rules23Jordan) September 4, 2022

Wanted to dominate his foes

Starks revealed that while many believed Jordan loved to talk trash, his experience playing against him was different.

"People always talk about Michael talking a lot of trash, but he didn't talk a lot of trash out there on the court. He was so focused on his job. Me and him really didn't get into any verbal massive matches," Starks shared.

Even though Jordan often got the best of him, Starks said he enjoyed competing against the GOAT, whether in the regular season or the NBA Playoffs.

“The one-on-one matchups were fun to me because the level of competition, you know, that he brought every single night, you had to raise your game up,” Starks quipped.

May 11, 1996: This shot by John Starks of the Knicks during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Chicago.

Starks finished with 30 PTS/6 AST and Patrick Ewing had 22 PTS/13 REB/3 BLK in New York's 102-99 overtime win. Michael Jordan scored 46 PTS to lead the Bulls. pic.twitter.com/Y6Qk77rWF4

— NBA Cobwebs (@NBACobwebs) May 11, 2023