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Michael Jordan preferred to keep it simple when it came to trash talk.
The NBA legend is widely regarded as basketball’s GOAT – with only LeBron James regularly entering the debate against him for top spot.
Jordan won six NBA Championships during his career with the Chicago Bulls, before retiring for a second time in January 1999.
However, he made a comeback for the Washington Wizards in 2001, when he faced Al Harrington, then of the Indiana Pacers.
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Now 44, Harrington played 16 seasons in the NBA after being drafted in the first round of the 1998 draft.
And after facing Jordan, Harrington revealed that the superstar used just one crude word when he wanted to trash talk his opponents.
In an imitation of Jordan’s style, Harrington said: “Come here h*e, get up h*e, let me talk to you h*e.”
However, it hasn’t gone well when other players have attempted to trash talk MJ in return.
Kevin Garnett was known for his verbal sparring on the court, but it didn’t end well when he tried it against Jordan during his rookie year.
The two clashed in 1996 when Jordan was still with the Bulls and Garnett was playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
And after Jordan delivered a complete masterclass against him following some early talking, Garnett admitted he learned his lesson.
Speaking to All The Smoke, Garnett revealed what he said when he returned to his team’s bench.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry,” he said. “Never talk trash to Mike ever again."
And Shaquille O’Neal revealed he also thought it better not to bother trying.
Shaq won NBA titles with the LA Lakers and Miami Heat as part of a 19-year NBA career that took in six different teams.
He only faced Jordan a few times on the court but did not hesitate when asked which player he didn’t trash talk during the game.
"Michael Jordan," he responded. "You don't want to mess with God. You got to stay away from Mike. Leave that man alone."
Topics: NBA, Michael Jordan
Alex Chivers