Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan revealed that a doctor’s decision kept him out of the 1989 slam dunk contest. After winning consecutive Slam Dunk competitions in 1987 and 1988, the world was left waiting for MJ to defend his title in 89. However, Jordan advised the media he wouldn’t be involved due to concerns about the health of his left knee.
“It was more a doctor’s decision. I’ve been having problems after every game with my knees, whereas my left knee I injured two and a half weeks ago. It was giving me problems, and he advised me that because of the pounding I probably would taken in the dunking contest, I should pass it. They really wanted me not to participate in the Slam Dunk, and I look forward to play in the All-Star game,” he said.
Jordan’s dunking history
Not only was MJ arguably the world’s greatest in-game dunker in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but the iconic shooting guard also took the Slam Dunk Contest to new heights following his first appearance in 1985.
Participation wasn’t enough for MJ; he needed to make a statement, and he did just that by winning two consecutive contests before being ruled out in 89. In doing so, Jordan created a legacy of globalizing the competition and continued to showcase the best athletic feats to the broader world.
Bringing MJ back for a third year was the idea, but unfortunately, his left knee did not allow him to go head-to-head with his big rival.
The end of the MJ-Nique rivalry
The biggest disappointment of Jordan not participating in the contest was ultimately ending his slam dunk rivalry with Atlanta Hawks All-Star Dominique Wilkins. Nique pushed Jordan to the edge in 1988, which is still considered to this day as the greatest Slam Dunk Contest in league history.
Much like MJ, Wilkins also had to pull out in 89 with a hand injury, leaving the door open for another name to swoop in and take the trophy. That opportunity was taken by New York Knicks power forward Kenny Walker, who beat out hometown favorite Clyde Drexler in Portland for the title and the prize money.
Jordan three-peated on two separate occasions, but unfortunately for the fans, he couldn’t replicate three-in-a-row in the Slam Dunk Contest. Looking back, he might be happy he gave his knees a breather as he needed them fresh in the postseason to come.
