Isiah Thomas Doesn’t Hold Back His Issues With Michael Jordan And Other NBA Vets Working At Networks: ‘Not...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: ESPN Sports networks have long utilized former athletes for commentary, and NBC did that in a big way when NBA coverage returned this past season. The network tapped several veteran ballers for gigs, and Michael Jordan was even hired to headline a segment.

Jordan’s portion of the broadcasts received mixed-to-negative reactions, and it’s unclear if he’ll collaborate with the brand moving forward. In the meantime, though, fellow NBA legend Isiah Thomas is weighing in on that segment and revealing why he takes issue with some broadcasters.Jordan was at the center of MJ: Insights to Excellence, which are nearly five-minute segments that see Jordan discussing a different topic with broadcaster Mike Tirico.

Yet the chats weren’t live, as they were portions of a pre-recorded interview between the pair. Early on, it was thought that Jordan’s segments would be live, and fans seemed disappointed to find that out. Isiah Thomas was recently asked about the merits of networks bringing in Jordan and other NBA legends more regularly, and he’s fine with it on one condition:Only if they’re going to be one hundred percent honest, and not promote this BS.

Tell the truth about the game. Give our game truthfully, honestly, and factually to the fans so they can continue to learn and grow and love our game. But the way our game is being talked about in some ways, it’s very mythical.

It ain’t real. We’re still calling his [Jordan’s] game ‘The Flu Game,’ and they know he didn’t have the flu. But they promote it.

Thomas – a seasoned broadcaster himself – makes a good point, and what he’s essentially referring to is how some people tend to romanticize the history of the game. Don’t be mistaken, as the NBA has seen some incredible feats over the course of its existence. However, it can be argued that there are those who look at it all through rose-colored glasses.

Thomas is one of seve