NBA
2009 Hall Of Fame Memory: Michael Jordan Reveals the Player Who Hit Him the Hardest
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All posts by Antonio KozlowUpdated21 mins ago on August 11, 2025
The NBA of the 1980s and 1990s was a far more physical league than today’s game. Hard fouls, on-court fights, and relentless rivalries were part of the spectacle. Michael Jordan, the ultimate competitor, thrived in this environment. Every game, no matter the stakes, was personal to him.
Fierce Rivalries Through the Years
Jordan faced some of the greatest teams and players in basketball history. In the 1980s, he repeatedly clashed with Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics and Isiah Thomas’ Detroit Pistons, enduring painful playoff exits. Those losses fueled his drive, leading to his dominant run in the 1990s.
During that decade, he overcame the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Utah Jazz. Stars such as Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O’Neal, Karl Malone, and John Stockton tried to stop him, but Jordan captured six championships in six full seasons from 1991 to 1998.
The Hall of Fame Speech Surprise
In his 2009 Hall of Fame induction speech, Jordan acknowledged many rivals for pushing him to his limits. He praised Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing, and John Starks for their competitive spirit. But when it came to naming the player who “hit him the hardest,” his answer caught many off guard.
Jordan singled out Charles Oakley, a tough Knicks forward who played in New York from 1989 to 1998. Despite Oakley’s modest averages of 10.4 points and 10.0 rebounds during his Knicks career, his reputation as an enforcer made him invaluable.
Oakley’s Relentless Style
Oakley never hesitated to engage in physical battles, often initiating contact to energize his teammates. Jordan recalled how Oakley refused to let him socialize with Knicks players off the court, saying, “We don’t fraternize with the enemy.” The two were close friends, having been teammates in Chicago during Oakley’s first three NBA seasons.
Even though Oakley’s hits were some of the hardest Jordan endured, their mutual respect endured. This unusual blend of fierce competition and lasting friendship highlights the unique culture of 1990s NBA basketball—an era defined by toughness, pride, and unshakable rivalries.
