Michael Jordan is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. His influence on the sport and the way it is watched and enjoyed is unparalleled. But did Michael Jordan actually play in the NBA?
The answer is yes, he did. The legendary Chicago Bulls player was one of the greatest players to ever take the court, and he was a part of the NBA for 15 seasons. He won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and was a 14-time All-Star. He also holds the record for most scoring titles and is the only player in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Michael Jordan’s NBA career and why he is considered one of the best to ever play the game.
Early Years
Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1963 and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. At an early age, Jordan showed an aptitude for basketball and was named the Most Valuable Player of the McDonald’s All-American team in 1981.
Jordan was then recruited to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina. During his three-year career at the university, Jordan was named the ACC Freshman of the Year, the ACC Player of the Year, and the NCAA College Player of the Year. He also led the Tar Heels to a national championship in 1982.
Drafted and Early Career
After three successful seasons at UNC, Jordan declared for the NBA draft in 1984. He was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls and signed a seven-year contract with the team.
In his rookie season, Jordan averaged 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He was also named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was selected to the All-Star team.
The Dominance Begins
The 1985-86 season saw the beginning of Michael Jordan’s dominance. He posted a league-leading 37.1 points per game, as well as 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He was again named to the All-Star team and was given the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
The Bulls made the playoffs for the first time with Jordan on the roster and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they would eventually lose to the Boston Celtics.
The Championship Years
The Bulls were unable to build on their success from the previous season, and Jordan’s dominance only grew from there. He was named MVP for the third time in the 1986-87 season and led the Bulls to the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
The Bulls then added Scottie Pippen in the 1987 draft, and the team began to take off. In the 1990-91 season, the Bulls won the first of six championships with Jordan at the helm. The Bulls would go on to win five more titles over the next seven seasons, cementing Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Retirement and Comeback
In 1993, Jordan announced his retirement from basketball. He cited a lack of motivation and the desire to pursue other interests as his reasons for leaving the NBA.
Jordan then made a brief comeback in 1995 with the Chicago Bulls, leading the team to a 72-10 record and their fourth championship. He would then retire again in 1998, but he would make another brief comeback with the Washington Wizards in 2001.
Legacy
Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time and is arguably the most famous athlete in history. He was a prolific scorer and a tenacious defender, and his highlight reel plays are still being watched to this day.
Jordan’s influence on the game of basketball is undeniable. He changed the way the game is played, watched, and marketed, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
The Hall of Fame
In 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was inducted alongside the likes of John Stockton, David Robinson, and Jerry Sloan.
Jordan was given the honor of being the first player to ever have his jersey number (23) retired by the NBA. His number is now retired league-wide, and it will never be worn again.
Statistics
Michael Jordan’s career stats are staggering. He played in 1,072 regular season games and 179 playoff games. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game during his career. He was also a nine-time All-Defensive Team selection and a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection.
Conclusion
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. He was dominant on both ends of the court, and his influence on the game is still felt to this day. He was a part of the NBA for 15 seasons, winning six championships and five MVP awards. He is also the only player in NBA history to have his jersey number retired league-wide.
Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is undeniable, and his impact on the game of basketball will never be forgotten.