Dec 7, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets team owner Michael Jordan yells at an official in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Spectrum Center. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

George Karl explains why he stiffed Michael Jordan before 1996 NBA Finals

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/11/20

During episode eight of the ESPN docuseries "The Last Dance," Michael Jordan talked about how being snubbed by Seattle SuperSonics head coach George Karl at a Seattle restaurant ahead of the 1996 NBA Finals gave him extra motivation to topple the Western Conference champions.

Karl confirmed Jordan's story during appearances on ESPN and SiriusXM NBA Radio:

George Karl confirms that stiffed Michael Jordan, and as a fellow Tar Heel, he really should’ve known better. pic.twitter.com/fCDS63mNZc
— Samuel H. Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) May 11, 2020

"I didn't know it would be that much of a big deal."

Former Sonics Head Coach George Karl tells @TheFrankIsola why he didn't acknowledge Michael Jordan at a restaurant during the 96 Finals.

Hear the full interview tomorrow morning on The Starting Lineup! pic.twitter.com/zpeaxMkZYV
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 11, 2020

While speaking with Sirius, Karl explained that he'd told Sam Perkins, Jordan's teammate at North Carolina, and other Seattle players to not socialize with His Airness after the start of the series. Thus, Karl believed he'd be breaking his code by acknowledging Jordan's presence at the restaurant.

As Sam Quinn of CBS Sports wrote, though, Karl had a relationship with Jordan before the Finals, which is why the coach was aware the then-three-time champion player would use any mental aspect, such as a non-greeting at a restaurant, for additional motivation.

Sometimes, a simple "hello" can go a long way.

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