When an NBA star taunted Michael Jordan before his second comeback from retirement - "That's the one guy you don't talk smack to!"

Rule no. 1: you don’t talk trash to Michael Jordan.

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Michael Jordan's ability to take any slight—real or perceived—is legendary. This was actually common knowledge in the NBA during His Airness' playing years . The rule was simple: don't mess with Michael Jordan.

However, that didn't stop one NBA player from trying his luck and ultimately regretting it. In 2001, this player decided to test the waters when he crossed paths with Jordan before the start of MJ's second comeback campaign.

Summer league rendezvous

According to Bill Simmons, this rendezvous occurred in California, where Jordan and some front-office executives were checking out prospects before the 2001 NBA Draft. The unnamed NBA player, aware of Jordan's planned second comeback, began talking smack to the Bulls legend.

"The star and MJ crossed paths...and the star started talking smack to MJ, good-natured stuff. You better not come back. This is our league now. We don't want to embarrass you. That kind of stuff. And Jordan was nodding happily, finally saying, 'When's our first game against you guys? I'm gonna make it a point to drop 40 on you,'" Simmons shared.

The coach knew better

The unnamed player's coach, who was around to hear of the exchange, swiftly ended the conversation, aware of the consequences that awaited his player if the conversation went any further.

"Of course, as the story goes, the star's coach caught wind of this running exchange and immediately headed over to pull his player away from Jordan. And as they walked away, the coach told the star, 'Never talk to him. You hear me? That's the one guy you don't talk smack to!" Simmons added.

During the 2001-2002 season, Jordan put up 40 or more points five times, and the teams he did this to were the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets, and the Utah Jazz, so you can take a guess as to which player was brash enough to talk trash to the basketball icon.