Michael Jordan's appearance on NBA on NBC this season has sparked criticism from Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas, who wants the network to be more honest about previous NBA eras.
## What happened?
Isiah Thomas appeared on the show Run It Back, where he was asked about NBC giving a voice to more former NBA legends.
He quickly turned the conversation to the need for honesty in basketball history, specifically questioning the context of Jordan's iconic "Flu Game" in 1997.
Thomas stated that Jordan's trainer has said he was dealing with food poisoning, not the flu.
## Why it matters for Michael Jordan
The "Flu Game" is a famous moment in Jordan's career, where he played through an illness during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, putting up 38 points in a win.
Thomas's comments may not be entirely unfounded, given the known facts about Jordan's illness.
## What comes next?
Thomas's call for honesty may lead to a re-examination of how basketball history is presented in the media.
As of June 12, 2026, Thomas's comments have sparked a conversation about the need for accuracy in sports storytelling.
The debate surrounding Jordan's "Flu Game" is likely to continue, with some fans defending the mythology surrounding the event.
And others, like Thomas, pushing for a more nuanced understanding of the past.
But the impact of Thomas's comments on Jordan's legacy remains to be seen.
So, the question is, will NBC and other networks take Thomas's advice and strive for greater honesty in their storytelling.
Thomas's criticism of the media's handling of Jordan's "Flu Game" is not surprising, given their history as rivals in the 1980s and 90s.
As a former player, Thomas has a unique perspective on the game and its history.
He has spoken out on several occasions about the need for greater honesty and transparency in sports media.
And his comments on Jordan's "Flu Game" are just the latest example of this.
The conversation around Jordan's "Flu Game" is complex, with some fans and pundits defending the mythology surrounding the event.
But others, like Thomas, are pushing for a more nuanced understanding of the past.
The fact that Jordan's trainer has said he was dealing with food poisoning, not the flu, is a dated statistic that sheds new light on the event.
As of 1997, Jordan's performance in the "Flu Game" was widely reported as one of the greatest in NBA history.
But now, we know that the story behind the game is more complicated.
The Utah Jazz, who played against Jordan in the 1997 NBA Finals, may have a different perspective on the event.
And the Chicago Bulls, Jordan's team at the time, may also have insights into what really happened.
The story of Jordan's "Flu Game" is a reminder that sports history is often more complex than we think.
And that the stories we tell about the past can be influenced by a variety of factors, including mythology and nostalgia.