Michael Jordan

Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17, 1963), commonly known by his initials MJ, is an American business magnate and former professional basketball player widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time. His 15-season National Basketball Association (NBA) career, primarily with the Chicago Bulls (1984–1993, 1995–1998) and briefly with the Washington Wizards (2001–2003), revolutionized basketball and transformed the NBA into a global cultural phenomenon.

Early Life and Education

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to James and Deloris Jordan, Michael moved with his family to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1968. At Emsley A. Laney High School, Jordan initially failed to make the varsity basketball team as a sophomore due to his height (5'11"). Motivated by this rejection, he excelled on the junior varsity team and, after growing four inches over the summer, became a varsity star averaging over 25 points per game in his final two seasons.

Jordan accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981. Under coach Dean Smith, he made an immediate impact, scoring the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown. During his three collegiate seasons, Jordan averaged 17.7 points per game on 54.0% shooting, earning consensus All-American First Team honors in both his sophomore and junior years.

Professional Career

Chicago Bulls (1984–1993)

Selected third overall in the 1984 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls, Jordan quickly established himself as a league sensation. His rookie season averages of 28.2 points per game earned him Rookie of the Year honors. By his third season (1986–87), Jordan became the only player besides Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 points in a season.

Jordan's ascendancy to NBA supremacy faced early obstacles, particularly against the Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys" in the playoffs from 1988 to 1990. This period saw Jordan win his first NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1988, demonstrating his exceptional two-way playing ability.

The Bulls' breakthrough came in 1991, when they won their first NBA championship against the Los Angeles Lakers. This victory began Jordan's first three-peat (1991–1993), during which he won three consecutive Finals MVPs and established himself as basketball's dominant figure.

First Retirement and Baseball Career (1993–1995)

In October 1993, Jordan shocked the sports world by retiring from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play following his father's tragic murder. He pursued a career in professional baseball, playing for the Birmingham Barons, a Chicago White Sox Double-A affiliate, where he batted .202 with 3 home runs and 51 RBIs in 127 games.

Return to the Bulls (1995–1998)

Jordan returned to basketball in March 1995 with the simple announcement "I'm back." After a playoff defeat to the Orlando Magic, Jordan led the Bulls to another three-peat (1996–1998). The 1995–96 team set a then-NBA record with 72 regular season wins. This second three-peat culminated in Jordan's famous "Last Shot" against the Utah Jazz in the 1998 Finals, securing his sixth championship and sixth Finals MVP award.

Washington Wizards (2001–2003)

After a second retirement and stint as the Washington Wizards' president of basketball operations, Jordan made a final comeback as a player for the Wizards from 2001 to 2003. Despite being in his late thirties, he averaged over 20 points per game and became the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game.

Playing Style and Impact

Jordan revolutionized basketball through his exceptional scoring ability, defensive prowess, and unparalleled competitive drive. His career regular season scoring average of 30.1 points per game remains an NBA record. Beyond statistics, Jordan's aerial artistry and clutch performances created countless iconic moments, earning him nicknames like "Air Jordan" and "His Airness."

Career Achievements

• 6 NBA championships
• 6 NBA Finals MVP awards
• 5 NBA MVP awards
• 14 NBA All-Star selections
• 10 scoring titles
• 2 Olympic gold medals (1984, 1992)
• NCAA championship (1982)
• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2009)

Business Career and Legacy

Jordan's influence extends far beyond basketball. His partnership with Nike created the Air Jordan brand, revolutionizing sports marketing and athletic footwear. He became the first NBA player to become a billionaire and owned the Charlotte Hornets from 2010 to 2023. As of 2024, Forbes estimates his net worth at $3.2 billion.

Jordan's cultural impact remains immense. He starred in the 1996 film "Space Jam," was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and was the subject of the Emmy-winning documentary series "The Last Dance" (2020). The NBA MVP trophy was renamed the Michael Jordan Trophy in his honor in 2022.

Philanthropy

Jordan has made significant charitable contributions, including multiple donations to establish Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in North Carolina. In 2020, he pledged $100 million over ten years to organizations promoting racial equality and social justice. He has been actively involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting hundreds of wishes and donating millions of dollars to the organization.