Part 6/8:
Factors that contributed to this exclusion seem to stem from the relationships and dynamics among players, particularly rooted in the rivalries of the era. The perception of personality conflicts, particularly between Thomas and Michael Jordan, shaped public opinion regarding why he was left off the roster. While the coach of the Dream Team, Chuck Daly, had previously coached Thomas, the selection committee ultimately made decisions that steered away from including him.
Discussions among the players revealed an unspoken acknowledgment of the Bad Blood between the Bulls and the Pistons—teams that had faced off fiercely in the playoffs. While there was no single scapegoat for Thomas’ omission, it was clear that team chemistry played a critical role in assembling the roster for the Dream Team.