"He fights me every day and right after he brings his son" - Kenny Smith explains how Vernon Maxwell's demeanor confused Michael Jordan
Vernon Maxwell was a popular name during the 90s, making headlines both on and off the court. He was instrumental in the Houston Rockets winning back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 and his encounters with Michael Jordan earned him significant limelight.
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Maxwell made things pretty difficult for the opposition, especially on the defensive end. His fierce competitiveness and tenacity created an atmosphere of intimidation. An aspect that the Rockets benefited from, especially Kenny Smith, who had the ultimate protective cover.
"I had the guy that everyone was fearful of and playing with me, Mad Max, Vernon Maxwell…I was his new surrogate brother, so anytime that anybody did anything to me, I would be behind him," said Smith about his former Rockets teammate.
Maxwell was a pivotal reason why the Rockets enjoyed regular-season success against the Bulls. This was largely due to his competitive urge to go after Jordan every time they met. Oddly enough, he would often get his son to meet MJ postgame.
"Every game he (Mad Max) tried to fight Michael and Michael, you know, the tough-minded that he is." started Kenny. "Until one day, after every fight, he would bring his son in, and afterwards, to get his (MJ's) autograph."
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"So Michael said, 'Something's wrong with this guy, Kenny, he fights me every day, and then right after brings his son in, wearing all Air Jordan apparel. He's bringing him to autograph, like he's not right," narrated Smith, who played five seasons alongside Maxwell.
Mad Max thrived during battles against MJ
Maxwell had the matchups against Jordan marked on his calendar. Unlike many of his peers, he looked forward to facing the Bulls legend. Tasked to mark MJ, the two were involved in several altercations, with their respective teammates having to separate them.
While Maxwell certainly respected Jordan's talent and skill set, he made him work on the offensive end. MJ, who had a reputation for messing with the psyche of his opponents, could not do so in the case of the Rockets guard.
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Regarding their regular-season battles, Maxwell while in H-Town had a 5-1 record against the MJ-led Bulls. Interestingly, there has been a lot of conjecture regarding Houston going back-to-back in 1994 and 1995, had Jordan not retired in 1993. Something that never bothered Mad Max, who was confident nothing was stopping Hakeem Olajuwon and Co.
Related: "I was with them" - Damon Stoudamire refutes John Salley's claim the 72-10 Bulls lost to the Raptors because of a hangover
A mutual respect
What fueled the friction between Maxwell and Jordan was exactly what made them so alike — an unshakable competitive fire. Neither man backed down.
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While most players approached Jordan with fear, Mad Max leaned into the challenge. He relished the chance to go at the best. And despite their battles, the respect was always there. This was evident when Maxwell gave his take on the GOAT case, asking kids to sit down and watch Jordan play the entire 48 minutes.
"But Michael Jordan was just on another level. Young kids today? They didn't see Michael play," claimed Maxwell about his former arch-rival.
On the flip side, MJ clearly felt that intensity, too. According to Calvin Murphy, Jordan once admitted that Maxwell was the only player who made him take naps — a subtle nod to the mental energy it took just to prepare for him.
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They never met on the Finals stage, but the idea of Jordan vs. Mad Max with everything on the line? That would've been one for the ages.
Related: Vernon Maxwell destroyed Kobe Bryant one-on-one after a night out clubbing: "You can't stop me, young boy"
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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