Credits - Imagn
Credits - Imagn
The 1992 Olympics featured NBA players for the first time, and the Team USA squad included superstars like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and 10 others. However, to assemble such a star-studded team, Magic Johnson had to cross a few hurdles.
Up until 1992, the US side relied on college athletes, graduates, and amateur players due to the Olympic rules that barred professional players from competing. Although the US had won 9 Olympic gold medals, the disappointing 1988 loss led to this massive moment.
However, Larry Bird, in the late stages of his career and dealing with injuries, doubted whether he could contribute at a high level. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan, who already won Olympic gold in 1984, reportedly wasn’t keen on returning again. And Magic Johnson took the responsibility to convince the legends.
Magic didn’t really have to say much to convince MJ. According to Basketball Network, Magic approached Jordan and promised to play golf and card games through the night. Also, he joked Jordan could score 30 points by halftime and rest for the second half.
But Larry Bird required a different approach, an emotional one.
Speaking to the Celtics legend, who was dealing with a back injury, Johnson said, “Larry, this is a chance for our kids to see us play in the Olympics, not on the Boston Celtics or the Lakers.”
As a final push, Magic Johnson added, “You can just play 10 minutes a game. All I want to do is come down, do a no-look pass to you, and you shoot a three-pointer.”
Thus, the Dream Team was formed.
Why was Dream Team so important for Magic Johnson?
Speaking in a 2025 interview with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly, Magic Johnson revealed what 1992 Olympics mattered to him a lot. It was something he wanted throughout his career.
“I finally got the chance to play with Michael and Larry,” Johnson said,
Magic added that throwing 'no-look passes’ to both Michael Jordan and Larry Bird was always on his “bucket list.”
He continued, “Larry talks trash, I love that, he talks trash…. And then Michael coming down the middle with the tongue out, Nothing like it.”
USA defeated Croatia 117-85 in the gold medal game of the Barcelona Summer Olympics August 8, 1992. This was the original Dream Team, and was the first American Olympic team to feature active professional players from the NBA. The starting five consisted of Patrick Ewing, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen. The team has been described as one of the greatest sports team ever assembled. Credits: Imagn Images
USA defeated Croatia 117-85 in the gold medal game of the Barcelona Summer Olympics August 8, 1992. This was the original Dream Team, and was the first American Olympic team to feature active professional players from the NBA. The starting five consisted of Patrick Ewing, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen. The team has been described as one of the greatest sports team ever assembled. Credits: Imagn Images
The rest was history. Team USA went on to sweep the tournament, winning a gold medal and defeating their opponents at an average of 44 points.
The squad's star power drew constant attention throughout the tournament.
The 1992 Team USA coach Chuck Daly said, “It was like Elvis and the Beatles put together. Traveling with the Dream Team was like traveling with 12 rock stars.”
Along with players like Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and Scottie Pippen, the American Dream Team went on to dominate the Barcelona Summer Games, bringing home the gold.
What do you think of Magic Johnson's contribution to bringing together the Dream Team? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at the Air Jordan Chronicles!
Written by
Shahul Hameed