Michael Jordan

Chicago Bulls - New Jersey Nets match on March 28, 1991

Phil Jackson Lipofsky

Michael Jordan Achievements

MichaelJordanDepOfDefense

Cazzaro Jordan

Michael Jordan (born February 17, 1963) is a former professional basketball player and businessman. Often considered the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan's contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the game worldwide.

Early Life

Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. He developed an early interest in sports, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football at Emsley A. Laney High School. Despite facing an initial setback when he was cut from the varsity basketball team during his sophomore year, Jordan used this rejection as motivation to improve his game.

College Career

Jordan attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where he played under coach Dean Smith. In his freshman year, he made the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, which was a pivotal moment in his early career. Jordan was named NCAA College Player of the Year in both 1983 and 1984.

NBA Career

Jordan was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick of the 1984 NBA Draft. He quickly emerged as a league star, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Over his career, Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998) and earned the NBA Finals MVP Award each time. His scoring prowess was unmatched, securing ten scoring titles and averaging 30.1 points per game, the highest career average in NBA history.

Jordan briefly retired from basketball to pursue a career in professional baseball but returned to the NBA in 1995, leading the Bulls to three more championships. He retired for a second time in 1999, only to return for two more seasons with the Washington Wizards before retiring for the final time in 2003.

Legacy

Jordan's impact on basketball is profound. He popularized the NBA globally in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a global cultural icon in the process. His competitiveness, skill, and work ethic set new standards in the sport. Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Beyond his basketball career, Jordan is also known for his successful business ventures and ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA team. His brand, Air Jordan, remains one of the most popular and influential sneaker lines.

Personal Life

Jordan has been involved in various philanthropic efforts throughout his career, contributing to numerous charitable organizations. His personal life, including his marriage, children, and hobbies such as golf, has been widely publicized.

See Also

• NBA Finals
• Chicago Bulls history
• List of NBA players with most championships