Michael Jordan

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Lore & Background

Jordan arrived in Chicago after being selected third overall in the 1984 NBA draft, following a standout college career at North Carolina where he made the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship. His early years included averaging 28.2 points per game as a rookie, despite controversy over a "freeze-out" by veteran players like Isiah Thomas during his first All-Star Game. A pivotal moment occurred on August 26, 1985, when he shattered a backboard in Trieste, Italy, signaling his rise. After cutting short the 1985–86 season due to a broken foot, he returned to lead the Bulls to the playoffs. Jordan first won the NBA title in 1991, securing a three-peat by 1993. Citing physical and mental exhaustion, he abruptly retired to play Minor League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox organization before returning in 1995.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Jordan's second run with the Bulls began with his return in 1995, leading the team to a then-record 72 regular-season wins in 1996. This season anchored a second three-peat, with championships secured in 1996, 1997, and 1998. The atmosphere at the United Center became electric as Jordan demanded perfection from teammates like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. His leadership was defined by an unshakeable will; he utilized his scoring ability to control games while maintaining nine All-Defensive First Team honors. After the 1998 title, he retired for a second time in 1999, leaving behind a legacy that included being named the 20th century's greatest North American athlete by ESPN and the Associated Press.

Reader's Guide

Jordan's career is defined by specific records: a career regular-season scoring average of 30.1 points per game and a playoff average of 33.4 points per game, both NBA records. He holds all-time records for six NBA Finals MVP awards and ten scoring titles. Uniquely, he is one of only eight players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown. Beyond the court, his impact was global; he starred in Space Jam (1996) and was the focus of The Last Dance (2020). In 2006, he became part-owner of the Charlotte Hornets, selling his majority stake in 2023, while also co-owning 23XI Racing. His legacy is further cemented by two Hall of Fame inductions: one for his individual career in 2009 and another as part of "The Dream Team" in 2010.

Did You Know?

• Jordan shattered a backboard with a dunk during an exhibition game in Trieste, Italy, on August 26, 1985.
• He missed 64 games during the 1985–86 season due to a broken foot but returned to lead the Bulls to the playoffs.
• Jordan briefly retired before the 1993–94 season to play Minor League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox organization.
• He holds the NBA records for both career regular-season (30.1 ppg) and playoff (33.4 ppg) scoring averages.
• The trophy for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award is named in his honor.