#4 Power struggles
Even among the legendary Hall of Famers, there were three players who stood head and shoulders above all else: Jordan, Magic and Bird. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's historical rivalry had carried the league over the past decade from an era of relative obscurity to its booming popularity of that present day. They were over the hill, though, and the new Sheriff in town wasn't ready to bow down in reverence to them.
Coach Daly had approached Jordan to be co-captains with Magic and Bird, but he declined out of deference to them. He knew he would be the leader out on the court, and that's what mattered to him. Besides, he wanted time to have minimal off-court commitments to play golf.
Larry Bird recalled trying to explain to Magic that their time was running out and they ought to bow out gracefully, rather than trying to keep pace with the young Jordan. He'd argue that they had had their decade, and trying to hang on beyond their physical limitations was a losing proposition. Initially, Magic was hesitant. But he eventually shared, if not turned the reins over to Jordan.
In recent memory, the 2008 Olympics proved to be the deciding factor in cementing the alliance between LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. They were able to bond by that shared experience. Similarly, it was the 1992 Olympics which finally enabled Magic to cede control of the league in his mind to Jordan.
Another power struggle revolved around the exclusion of Pistons' point guard, Isiah Thomas. It's no secret that Thomas was immensely disliked by most of the Dream Team. The Pistons' style of committing borderline assault on the opponents during the course of the game had rubbed everyone the wrong way. "Rod, I don’t want to play if Isiah Thomas is on the team," said Michael Jordan to Rod Thorn, Team USA selection committee member. And that power struggle was decided.
