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{{infobox NBA Player| image = Michael Jordan.jpg| name = Michael Jordan| position =
Shooting guard, [New York City, New York (state)| college =
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill| draft = 3rd overall| draft_year = 1984| draft_team =
Chicago Bulls ([National Basketball Association) 1984–1993
Birmingham Barons (minor league baseball) 1994
Chicago Bulls (NBA) 1995–1998
Washington Wizards (NBA) 2001–2003] (1984)
USBWA College Player of the Year (1984)
Naismith College Player of the Year (1984)
John R. Wooden Award (1984)
Adolph Rupp Trophy (1984)
NBA Rookie of the Year Award (1985)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award (1988)
NBA MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1997)
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (1991)2000 ESPY Athlete of the Century2000 ESPY Male Athlete Decade Award (1990s)2000 ESPY Pro Basketballer Decade Award (1990s)2000 ESPY Play of the Decade (for his right to left-handed scoop shot against Lakers in the 1991 Finals)-->
Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born
February 17 1963) is a retired
United States professional sports basketball player. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he became one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation and was instrumental in popularizing the NBA (
National Basketball Association) around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.
After a standout career at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jordan joined the NBA's
Chicago Bulls in 1984. He quickly emerged as one of the stars of the league, entertaining crowds with his prolific scoring. His leaping ability, illustrated by performing slam dunks from the
foul line at Slam Dunk Contests, earned him the nicknames "Air Jordan" and "His Airness." He also gained a reputation as one of the best defense (sport) players in basketball. In 1991, he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls, and followed that with titles in 1992 and 1993, securing a "three-peat". Though Jordan abruptly left the NBA in October 1993 to pursue a career in
baseball, he rejoined the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three additional championships (1996, 1997, and 1998). His 1995–96 Bulls team won an NBA-record 72 regular-season games. Jordan retired for a second time in 1999, but he returned for two more NBA seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards from 2001 to 2003.
Jordan's individual accolades and accomplishments include five NBA MVP (
NBA Most Valuable Player Award) awards, ten
All-NBA First Team designations, nine
NBA All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen
NBA All-Star Game appearances and three All-Star MVPs, ten scoring titles, three steal (basketball) titles, six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.1 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN, and was second to
Babe Ruth on the Associated Press's list of athletes of the century.
Jordan is also noted for his product endorsements. He fueled the success of
Nike, Inc. Air Jordan sneakers, which were introduced in 1985 and remain popular today. Jordan also starred in the 1996 feature film
Space Jam. He is currently a part-owner and Managing Member of Basketball Operations of the
Charlotte Bobcats, which reside in his home state of
North Carolina.
Early years
.Michael Jordan was born to James R. Jordan, Sr. and Deloris Jordan in Brooklyn, New York,
New York. His family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina,
North Carolina, when he was seven years old.Sachare, Alex.
The Chicago Bulls Encyclopedia. Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1999. pgs. 172-3. ISBN 0809225158 Jordan attended
Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, where he anchored his athletic career by playing baseball,
American football, and
basketball. He tried out for the
varsity team basketball team during his Tenth grade year, but at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), he was deemed too short to play at that level. The following summer, however, he grew four inches (10 cm) Michael Jordan, nba.com/history, accessed
January 15,
2007. and trained rigorously. Upon earning a spot on the varsity roster, Jordan averaged 25 points per game over his final two seasons of high school play. As a Twelfth grade, he was selected to the
McDonald's All-American TeamWilliams, Lena. PLUS: BASKETBALL; "A McDonald's Game For Girls, Too",
The New York Times, December 7,
2001, accessed
January 16, 2007. after averaging a
triple-double: 29.2 points, 11.6 rebound (basketball), and 10.1 assist (basketball).
Sportscenter,
ESPN, air date February 2, 2007.
In 1981, Jordan earned a basketball scholarship to the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he College major in
cultural geography. As a freshman in coach Dean Smith's team-oriented system, he was named Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year as he averaged 13.4 points per game on 53.4%
field goal percentage. Michael Jordan entry, databasebasketball.com, accessed January 16, 2007. Playing alongside All-American and future Hall of Famer
James Worthy, Jordan was not initially a standout player for the
North Carolina Tar Heels. However, he made the game-winning jump shot in the
1982 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament#The championship game game against
Georgetown Hoyas, which was led by future NBA rival Patrick Ewing. Jordan later described this shot as the major turning point in his basketball career.qtd. in Lazenby, Roland. "Michelangelo: Portrait of a Champion."
Michael Jordan: The Ultimate Career Tribute. Bannockburn, IL: H&S Media, 1999. pg. 128. After winning the Naismith College Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award in 1984, Jordan left North Carolina one year before scheduled graduation to enter the
1984 NBA Draft. The
Chicago Bulls selected Jordan with the third overall pick, after Hakeem Olajuwon (
Houston Rockets) and
Sam Bowie (
Portland Trail Blazers). Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree in 1986.Morris, Mike. "The Legend: A Highlight-Reel History of the NBA's Greatest Player."
Michael Jordan: The Ultimate Career Tribute. Bannockburn, IL: H&S Media, 1999. pg. 67.
Professional sports career
Early career
During 1984-85 NBA season in the NBA, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game (ppg) on 51.5% shooting (
field goal percentage). He quickly became a fan favorite even in opposing arenas,Gross, Jane. "Jordan Makes People Wonder: Is He the New Dr. J?",
The New York Times, October 21, 1984, accessed
March 7,
2007. Goldpaper, Sam. "Jordan dazzles crowd at Garden",
The New York Times,
October 19,
1984, accessed
March 7,
2007 Johnson, Roy S. "Jordan-Led Bulls Romp Before 19,252",
The New York Times, November 9,
1984, accessed March 7,
2007. and appeared on the cover of
Sports Illustrated with the heading "A Star is Born" just over a month into his pro career. SI cover search December 10, 1984, si.cnn.com, accessed
March 9,
2007. Chicago Bulls 1984–85 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed March 10,
2007. Jordan was also voted in as an All-Star starter by the fans in his rookie season. Controversy arose before the All-Star game when word surfaced that several veteran players, led by Isiah Thomas, were upset by the amount of attention Jordan was receiving. This led to a so called "freeze-out" on Jordan, where players refused to pass him the ball throughout the game. The controversy left Jordan relatively unaffected when he returned to regular season play, and he would go on to be voted
NBA Rookie of the Year. Michael Jordan bio, nba.com, accessed
January 20,
2007. On February 12, Jordan set the Bulls rookie record with 49 points against Isiah's Pistons. The Bulls finished the season 38-44, Chicago Bulls, databasebasketball.com, accessed January 16,
2007. and lost in the 1985 NBA Playoffs in four games to the
Milwaukee Bucks. Jordan finished the season as the team's leader in scoring, rebounding (6.5 rpg), assists (5.9 apg) and steals (196).
Jordan's 1985-86 NBA season was cut short by a broken foot which caused him to miss 64 games. Despite Jordan's injury and a 30–52 record, the Bulls made the
1986 NBA Playoffs. Jordan recovered in time to participate in the playoffs and performed well upon his return. Against a 1985–86 Boston Celtics team that is often considered one of the greatest in NBA history, Top 10 Teams in NBA History, nba.com/history, accessed January 16,
2007. Jordan set the still-unbroken record for points in a playoff game with 63 in game 2. God Disguised as Michael Jordan, nba.com/history, accessed January 17,
2007. The Celtics, however, managed to sweep#Sports the series.
Jordan recovered completely by the 1986–87 season, and had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history. He became the only player other than
Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 points in a season, averaging a league high 37.1 points on 48.2% shooting. Despite Jordan's scoring success, Magic Johnson won the league's National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award. The Bulls reached 40 wins, and advanced to
1987 NBA Playoffs for the third consecutive year. However, they were again sweep#Sports by the Celtics.
Mid-career: Pistons roadblock
Jordan led the league in scoring again in the 1987-88 NBA season, averaging 35.0 ppg on 53.5% shooting, and won his first league MVP award. He was also named the
NBA Defensive Player of the Year, a rarity for a Basketball#Positions and structures, as he averaged 1.6
block (basketball) and a league high 3.16 steals per game. Michael Jordan statistics, nba.com/history, accessed January 16,
2007. The Bulls finished 50–32, and made it out of the first round of 1988 NBA Playoffs for the first time in Jordan's career, as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Chicago Bulls 1987–88 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed
January 16,
2007. However, the Bulls then lost in five games to the more experienced Detroit Pistons, who were led by
Isiah Thomas and a group of physical big men known as the "
Detroit Pistons#1980s".
In the
1988-89 NBA season, Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field. The Bulls finished with a 47–35 record, and advanced to the
Eastern Conference (NBA) Finals, defeating the Cavaliers and Knicks along the way. The Cavaliers series included a career highlight for Jordan when he hit a The Shot over Craig Ehlo in the closing moments of the fifth and deciding game of the series. However, the Pistons again defeated the Bulls, this time in six games, by utilizing their "Jordan Rules" method of guarding Jordan, which consisted of double team him every time he touched the ball.
The Bulls entered the
1989-90 NBA season as a team on the rise. With their core group of Jordan and young improving players like
Scottie Pippen and
Horace Grant, they were becoming a more cohesive team under the guidance of new coach
Phil Jackson. Jordan averaged a league leading 33.6 ppg on 52.6% shooting, and led the Bulls to a 55–27 record. They again advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals beating the Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers en route. However, despite pushing the series to seven games, the Bulls lost to the Pistons for the third consecutive season.
First three-peat
In the 1990-91 NBA season, Jordan won his second MVP award after averaging 31.5 ppg, 6.0 rebounds per game (rpg), and 5.5
assists per game (apg) for the regular season. The Bulls finished in first place for the first time in 16 years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season. With
Scottie Pippen developing into an All-Star, the Bulls elevated their play to another level. The Bulls defeated the
New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening two rounds of
1991 NBA Playoffs. They advanced to Eastern Conference Finals where their rival, the Detroit Pistons, awaited them. However, this time when the Pistons employed their "Jordan Rules" defense of doubling and triple teaming Jordan, he picked them apart with passing. Finally, the Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons in a surprising sweep. Chicago Bulls 1990–91 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed
March 7, 2007 Brown, Clifton. BASKETBALL; "Bulls Brush Aside Pistons for Eastern Title",
The New York Times, May 28,
1991, accessed
March 8,
2007 In an unusual ending to the fourth and final game, Isiah Thomas led the Pistons off the court when there was still time remaining on the clock, choosing to forfeit the game instead of shaking hands with the Bulls. Isiah Thomas: Leader of the Bad Boys, nba.com, accessed January 16,
2007.
The Bulls advanced to
1991 NBA Finals where they beat
Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers four games to one. The Bulls compiled an outstanding 15–2 record during the playoffs. Chicago Bulls 1990–91 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed January 16,
2007. Perhaps the best known moment of the series came in Game 2 when, attempting a dunk, Jordan avoided a potential
Sam Perkins block by switching the ball from his right hand to his left in mid-air to lay the shot in.Michael Wilbon. Great Shot! Jordan's Best Amazingly Goes One Better,
Washington Post, June 7,
1991, accessed March 7,
2007. Jordan won his first
NBA Finals MVP award unanimously, Finals Most Valuable Player, nba.com/history, accessed January 16,
2007. and cried while holding the NBA Finals trophy.Schwartz, Larry. "Michael Jordan transcends hoops",
espn.com, accessed March 9, 2007
Jordan and the Bulls continued their dominance in the
1991-92 NBA season, establishing a 67–15 record, the best in franchise history. Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award with a 30.1/6.4/6.1 season. After winning a physical 7-game series over the burgeoning New York Knicks in the second round of
1992 NBA Playoffs and finishing off the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals in 6 games, the Bulls met Clyde Drexler and the Portland Trail Blazers in
1992 NBA Finals. The media, hoping to recreate a Lakers-Celtics rivalry, highlighted the similarities between "Air" Jordan and Clyde "The Glide" during the pre-Finals hype. In the first game of the Finals, Jordan scored a Finals record 35 points in the first half, including a record matching six three-point field goals. Jordan Blazes Away From Long Range, nba.com, accessed March 9,
2007. After the sixth three-pointer, he jogged down the court shrugging as he looked courtside. Marv Albert, who broadcast the game, later stated that it was as if Jordan was saying, "I can't believe I'm doing this." A Stroll Down Memory Lane, nba.com/history, accessed February 23,
2007. The Bulls went on to win game one, and defeat the Blazers in six games. Jordan was named Finals MVP for the second year in a row and finished the series averaging 35.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 6.5 apg, while shooting 53% from the floor. Drexler finished with averages of 24.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg, and 5.3 apg, Clyde Drexler bio, nba.com, accessed
February 10, 2007. but only shot 41% from the floor.
In
1992-93 NBA season, despite a 32.6/6.7/5.5 campaign, Jordan's streak of consecutive MVP seasons ended as he lost the award to his friend Charles Barkley. Fittingly, Jordan and the Bulls met Barkley and his Phoenix Suns in the
1993 NBA Finals. The Bulls captured their third consecutive NBA championship on a game-winning shot by
John Paxson and a last-second block by Horace Grant, but Jordan was once again Chicago's catalyst. He averaged a Finals-record 41.0 ppg during the six-game series, Paxson's Trey Propels Bulls Into NBA History, nba.com/history, accessed
January 20, 2007. and became the first player in NBA history to win three straight Finals MVP awards. With his third Finals triumph, Jordan capped off a seven-year run where he attained seven scoring titles and three championships, but there were signs that Jordan was tiring of his massive celebrity and all of the non-basketball hassles in his life.
Gambling controversy
During the Bulls' playoff run in 1993, controversy arose when Jordan was seen gambling in
Atlantic City the night before a game against the New York Knicks.
Dave Anderson (sportswriter). "Sports of The Times; Jordan's Atlantic City Caper",
The New York Times, May 27,
1993, accessed
March 5,
2007 In that same year, he admitted to having to cover $57,000 in gambling losses,Thomas, Monifa. "Jordan on gambling: 'Very embarrassing'" (scroll down to see article),
Chicago Sun-Times,
October 21, 2005, accessed
January 17,
2007. and author Richard Esquinas wrote a book claiming he had won $1.25 million in gambling money from Jordan on the golf course. In 2005, Jordan talked to Ed Bradley of the
CBS evening show
60 Minutes about his gambling and admitted that he made some reckless decisions. Regarding his gambling, Jordan stated, "Yeah, I’ve gotten myself into situations where I would not walk away and I’ve pushed the envelope. Is that compulsive? Yeah, it depends on how you look at it. If you’re willing to jeopardize your livelihood and your family, then yeah." Michael Jordan Still Flying High, cbsnews.com,
August 20, 2006, accessed
January 15,
2007. When Bradley asked him if his gambling ever got to the level where it jeopardized his livelihood or family, Jordan replied, "No."
First retirement
On October 6, 1993, Jordan announced his retirement, citing a loss in his desire to play the game. Jordan later stated that the murder of his father earlier in the year shaped his decision.Berkow, Ira. "A Humbled Jordan Learns New Truths",
The New York Times, April 11, 1994, accessed
January 16, 2007. James R. Jordan, Sr. was murdered on
July 23, 1993, at a highway rest area in
Lumberton, North Carolina, North Carolina, by two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery. The assailants were traced from calls they made on James Jordan's cellular phone,Mitchell, Alison. THE NATION; "So Many Criminals Trip Themselves Up",
The New York Times, August 22, 1993, accessed February 24,
2007. caught, convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Jordan was close to his father; as a child he had imitated his father's proclivity to stick out his tongue while absorbed in work. He later adopted it as his own signature, displaying it each time he drove to the basket. In 1996 he founded a Chicago area Boys & Girls Club and dedicated it to his father.Walsh, Edward. "On the City's West Side, Jordan's Legacy Is Hope",
Washington Post, January 14, 1998, accessed
January 16, 2007. Michael Jordan, family attend groundbreaking ceremony for James Jordan Center,
Jet Magazine, April 14, 1995, available at findarticles.com, accessed January 15,
2007.
Those close to Jordan claimed that he had been considering retirement as early as the summer of 1992, and that the added exhaustion due to the
Dream Team (basketball) run in the 1992 Summer Olympics solidified Jordan's burned-out feelings about the game and his ever-growing celebrity status. Jordan's announcement sent shock waves throughout the NBA and appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world.Thompson, Ian and Ted Rodgers. Europe loses a role model; even in countries where basketball is a minor pursuit, Jordan's profile looms large - includes related article on Jordan's stature in Japan,
The Sporting News, October 18, 1983, available at findarticles.com, accessed March 7, 2007.
Jordan then further surprised the sports world by signing a minor league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. He reported to spring training and was assigned to the team's minor league system on March 31, 1994. Michael Jordan Chronology, sportsillustrated.cnn.com,
January 12,
1999, accessed March 15,
2007. Jordan has stated this decision was made to pursue the dream of his late father, who had always envisioned his son as a major league baseball player. Michael Jordan A Tribute, sportillustrated.cnn.com, accessed March 7, 2007 The White Sox were another team owned by Bulls owner
Jerry Reinsdorf, who continued to honor Jordan's basketball contract during the years he played baseball.Araton, Harvey. BASKETBALL; "Jordan Keeping the Basketball World in Suspense",
The New York Times, accessed
March 8,
2007 He had an unspectacular professional baseball career for the
Birmingham Barons, a Chicago White Sox farm team,
batting average .202 with 3 home run, 51
runs batted in, 30 stolen base, and 11
error (baseball). Michael Jordan: The Stats, Infoplease, accessed March 15, 2007. He also appeared for the
Scottsdale Scorpions in the 1994 Arizona Fall League.
"I'm back": return to the NBA
In the
1993-94 NBA season, the Jordan-less Bulls notched a 55–27 record, and lost to the Knicks in the second round of 1994 NBA Playoffs. But the 1994-95 NBA season version of the Bulls was a shell of the championship squad of just two years earlier. Struggling at mid-season to ensure a spot in the playoffs, Chicago needed a lift. The lift came in early 1995, when Jordan decided to return to the NBA for the Bulls.
On
March 18, 1995, Jordan announced his return to the NBA through a two-word press release: "I'm back." The next day, Jordan donned jersey number 45 (his number with the Barons), as his familiar 23 had been retired in his honor following his first retirement. He took the court with the Bulls to face the
Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, scoring 19 points. "Michael Jordan returns to Bulls in overtime loss to Indiana Pacers - Chicago Bulls",
Jet (magazine),
April 3, 1995, available on findarticles.com, accessed
January 15,
2007.
Although Jordan had not played in an NBA game in a year and a half, he played well upon his return, which included a game-winning jump shot (against Atlanta Hawks in his fourth game back), and a 55-point game against the
New York Knicks on
March 29, 1995. The Bulls 1995 NBA Playoffs and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the
Orlando Magic. At the end of the first game of the series, Orlando's Nick Anderson commented that "He didn't look like the old Michael Jordan,"Lawrence, Mitch. Memories of MJ's first two acts, espn.com,
September 10,
1999, accessed January 16, 2007. after which Jordan returned to wearing his old number (23). Jordan averaged 31.5 points per game in that series, but Orlando prevailed in six games.
Second three-peat
Freshly motivated by the playoff defeat, Jordan trained aggressively for the
1995-96 NBA season.Kerr, Steve. The greatest team in history - day four: Chicago Bulls, bbc.co.uk, accessed
March 16, 2007. Strengthened by the addition of rebounder specialist
Dennis Rodman, the Bulls dominated the league, starting the season 41–3, Chicago Bulls 1995–96 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed January 20, 2007. and eventually finishing with the best regular season record in NBA history of 72–10. Top 10 Teams in NBA History, nba.com/history, accessed
6 March 2007. Jordan led the league in scoring with 30.4 ppg, 1995–96 Chicago Bulls, nba.com/history, accessed
January 15,
2007. and won the league's regular season and All-Star Game MVP awards. In 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Bulls lost only three games in four series, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1996 NBA Finals to win the championship. Jordan was named Finals MVP for a record fourth time, surpassing
Magic Johnson's three Finals MVP awards. He also became only the second player (after
Willis Reed in the
1969-70 NBA season) to sweep the MVP Awards in the All-Star Game, regular season and NBA Finals.
In the
1996-97 NBA season the Bulls started out 69–11, but narrowly missed out on a second consecutive 70 win season by losing their final two games to finish 69–13. Chicago Bulls 1996–97 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed January 16, 2007. However, this year Jordan was bested by
Karl Malone for the NBA MVP Award. The team again advanced to 1997 NBA Finals, where they faced Malone and the
Utah Jazz. The series against the Jazz featured two of the more memorable clutch (sports) of Jordan's career. He won Game 1 for the Bulls with a
buzzer beater jump shot. In Game 5, with the series tied 2–2, Jordan played despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus. In what is known as the "1997 NBA Finals#Game 5: The Flu Game", Jordan scored 38 points including the game-deciding three-pointer with less than a minute remaining.Burns, Marty. 23 to remember, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, January 16,
1999, accessed
February 23,
2007. The Bulls won 90-88 and went on to win the series in six games. For the fifth time in as many Finals appearances, Jordan received the
NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.
Jordan and the Bulls compiled a 62–20 record in the 1997-98 NBA season. Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game, securing his fifth regular-season MVP award, plus honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team and the All-Star Game MVP. The Bulls captured the Eastern Conference Championship for a third straight season and moved on to once again face the Jazz in
1998 NBA Finals.
The Bulls returned to Utah for game 6 on
June 14, 1998 leading the series 3-2. In Game 6, Jordan executed a series of plays, considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history. Greatest Finals Moments, nba.com, accessed February 6,
2007. With the Bulls trailing 86-83 with 40 seconds remaining, coach Jackson called a timeout. Jordan received the inbounds pass, drove to the basket, and hit a layup over several Jazz defenders. The Jazz brought the ball upcourt and passed the ball to forward Karl Malone, who was set up in the low post and was being guarded by Rodman. Malone jostled with Rodman and caught the pass, but Jordan cut behind him and swatted the ball out of his hands for a steal. Jordan then slowly dribbled upcourt and paused at the top of the key, eyeing his defender, Jazz guard
Bryon Russell. With fewer than 10 seconds remaining, Jordan started to dribble right, then crossed over to his left, possibly pushing off Russell, Former NBA Ref Blasts Officiating, New York Post,
17 August 2007Knot, Tom.
Someone has to win Eastern Conference,
The Washington Times,
December 8, 2006, accessed
2007-04-29Deveney, Sean. Crying Foul, SportingNews.com, 14 March 2005, accessed April 29,
2007. although the officials did not call a Personal foul. Jordan then released a shot that would be rebroadcast innumerable times in years to come. As the shot found the net, announcer
Bob Costas shouted "Chicago with the lead!" The Jordan Phenomenon, pbs.org, June 15,
1998, accessed
January 16, 2007. After a desperation three-point shot by
John Stockton missed, Jordan and the Bulls claimed their sixth NBA championship, and secured a second three-peat. Once again, Jordan was voted the Finals' MVP, having led all scorers by averaging more than 30 points per game, including 45 in the deciding Game 6.Ryan, Jeff. History of the NBA Finals Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz - 1998, hollywoodsportsbook.com, accessed January 16, 2007. Jordan's six Finals MVPs is a record;
Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, and Tim Duncan are tied for second place with three apiece.
Second retirement
Jordan's Game 6 performance seemed to be a perfect ending to his career. With
Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen (who stated his desire to be traded during the season) and Dennis Rodman (who would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent) looming, and being in the latter stages of an owner-induced
lockout (industry) of NBA players, Jordan retired for the second time on
January 13,
1999.
On
January 19,
2000, Jordan returned to the NBA not as a player, but as part owner and President of Basketball Operations for the
Washington Wizards.Sandomir, Richard. Jordan Sheds Uniform for Suit as a Wizards Owner, January 20, 2000, accessed
March 11,
2007. His responsibilities with the club were to be comprehensive, as he was in charge of all aspects of the team, including personnel decisions. Opinions of Jordan as a basketball executive were mixed. Pollin's decision to cut ties leaves Jordan livid, espn.com,
May 7,
2003, accessed
January 16, 2007. Brady, Erik. "Wizards show Jordan the door", usatoday.com,
May 7,
2003, accessed
February 23, 2007. He managed to purge the team of several highly-paid, unpopular players (such as forward Juwan Howard and point guard Rod Strickland),Associated Press. Making his move, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, February 22, 2001, accessed
February 23, 2007. Matthews, Marcus. Losing never looked so good for Wizards, usatoday.com, March 1,
2001, accessed February 23,
2007. but used the first pick in the 2001 NBA Draft to select high schooler
Kwame Brown, who did not live up to expectations and was traded away after several years.Michael Wilbon. "So Long, Kwame, Thanks for Nothing+,
The Washington Post,
July 16, 2005, accessed
February 23, 2007.
Despite his January 1999 claim that he was "99.9% certain" that he would never play another NBA game,Schwartz, Larry. Michael Jordan transcends hoops, espn.com, accessed
January 16,
2007. in summer of 2001 Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback, this time with his new team. Inspired by the comeback of
National Hockey League star (and Jordan's friend)
Mario Lemieux the previous winter,Associated Press. Jordan watched Lemieux's comeback very closely, espn.go.com, October 2, 2001, accessed March 7, 2007 Jordan spent much of the spring and summer of 2001 in training, holding several invitation-only camps for NBA players in Chicago. In addition, Jordan hired his old Chicago Bulls head coach,
Doug Collins, as Washington's coach for the upcoming season, a decision that many saw as foreshadowing another Jordan return.
Washington Wizards comeback
On September 25, 2001 Jordan announced his return to professional play with the Wizards, indicating his intention to donate his salary as a player to a relief effort for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Pollin Establishes Education Fund, nba.com,
September 9, 2002, accessed
January 16, 2007. News Summary,
The New York Times, September 26,
2001, accessed March 7, 2007. In an injury-plagued 2001-02 NBA season, he led the team in scoring (22.9 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.42 spg). However, injuries ended Jordan's season after only 60 games, the fewest he had played in a regular season since a broken foot cut short his season in 1985–86.
Playing in his 14th and final NBA All-Star Game in 2003, Jordan passed
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in All-Star game history. That year, Jordan was the only Washington player to play in all 82 games, starting in 67 of them. He averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot 45% from the field, and 82% from the free throw line. Even though he turned 40 during the season, he scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times. On
February 21,
2003, Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 40 points in an NBA game. Jordan Pours in History-Making 43, nba.com,
February 21, 2003, accessed January 16,
2007. During his stint with the Wizards, all Jordan home games at the
MCI Center and nearly all his road games, were sold out and Wizards were the most-watched team in the NBA, averaging 20,173 fans a game at home and 19,311 on the road. However, neither of Jordan's final two seasons resulted in a playoff appearance for the Wizards, and Jordan was often unsatisfied with the play of those around him.Maaddi, Rob. Collins feels Jordan's pain,
The Associated Press,
November 29,
2001, accessed March 11, 2007. Associated Press. Bad chemistry left MJ unable to win in Washington,
April 2,
2003, accessed
March 11,
2007. At several points he openly criticized his teammates to the media, citing their lack of focus and intensity.
With the recognition that 2002–03 would be Jordan's final season, tributes were paid to him in nearly every arena in the NBA. In his final game at his old home court, the United Center in Chicago, Jordan received a prolonged standing ovation. The
Miami Heat retired the #23 jersey on April 11,
2003, even though he never played for the team. Heat Retire Jordan's 23, sportsillustrated.cnn.com,
April 11,
2003, accessed
March 8,
2007. At the 2003 All-Star Game, Vince Carter was originally selected to be the starter at shooting guard; however, he gave Jordan his spot instead out of respect, and the halftime ceremony was dedicated to Jordan's career.
Jordan's final NBA game was on
April 16,
2003 in Philadelphia. Jordan scored only thirteen points in the game, and went to the bench with 4:13 remaining in the third quarter with his team trailing the
Philadelphia 76ers, 75-56. Near the beginning of the fourth quarter, the First Union Center crowd began chanting "We want Mike!". After much encouragement from coach Doug Collins, Jordan finally rose from the bench and re-entered the game for
Larry Hughes with 2:35 remaining. At 1:45, Jordan was fouled, intentionally, by the 76ers' Eric Snow, and stepped to the line to make both free throws. After the second foul shot, the 76ers in-bounded the ball to rookie John Salmons, who in turn was intentionally fouled by
Bobby Simmons one second later, so that Jordan could return to the bench at 1:44, amid a three-minute standing ovation from his teammates, his opponents, and a crowd of 21,257 fans. Sixers Prevail in Jordan's Final Game, nba.com, April 16, 2003, accessed
January 16, 2007.
Olympic career
Jordan played on two Olympic Games
gold medal-winning American basketball teams. As a college player he participated, and won the gold, in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Jordan led the team in scoring averaging 17.1 ppg for the tournament. Games of the XXIIIrd Olympiad -- 1984, usabasketball.com, accessed
March 12, 2007. In the 1992 Summer Olympics he was a member of the star-studded squad that included Magic Johnson,
Larry Bird, and David Robinson (basketball) and was dubbed the "Dream Team (basketball)". Playing limited minutes due to the frequent Wiktionary:blowout, Jordan averaged 12.7 ppg, finishing fourth on the team in scoring.Dupree, David. Is
this U.S. roster the new Dream Team?,
USA Today, August 18,
2006, accessed
March 11,
2007. The team cruised to the gold medal, restoring America to the top of the
basketball world. Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and fellow Dream Team member
Chris Mullin (basketball) are the only American men's basketball players to win Olympic gold as amateurs (all in 1984) and professionals.
After retiring as a player
After his third retirement, Jordan assumed that he would be able to return to his front office position of Director of Basketball Operations with the Wizards. However, his previous tenure in the Wizards' front office had produced the aforementioned mixed results and may have also influenced the trade of
Richard Hamilton (basketball) for Jerry Stackhouse (although Jordan was not technically Director of Basketball Operations in 2002). On
May 7,
2003, Wizards owner
Abe Pollin fired Jordan as Washington's president of basketball operations. Jordan later stated that he felt betrayed by the situation, and that if he knew he would be fired upon retiring he never would have come back to play for the Wizards.
Jordan kept busy over the next few years by staying in shape, playing golf in celebrity charity tournaments, spending time with hi
{{infobox NBA Player| image = Michael Jordan.jpg| name = Michael Jordan| position =
Shooting guard, [New York City,
New York (state)| college = University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill| draft = 3rd overall| draft_year = 1984| draft_team =
Chicago Bulls ([National Basketball Association) 1984–1993
Birmingham Barons (
minor league baseball) 1994
Chicago Bulls (NBA) 1995–1998
Washington Wizards (NBA) 2001–2003] (1984)
USBWA College Player of the Year (1984)
Naismith College Player of the Year (1984)
John R. Wooden Award (1984)
Adolph Rupp Trophy (1984)
NBA Rookie of the Year Award (1985)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award (1988) NBA MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1997)Sports Illustrated
Sportsman of the Year (1991)2000 ESPY Athlete of the Century2000 ESPY Male Athlete Decade Award (1990s)2000 ESPY Pro Basketballer Decade Award (1990s)2000 ESPY Play of the Decade (for his right to left-handed scoop shot against Lakers in the 1991 Finals)-->
Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17
1963) is a retired
United States professional sports
basketball player. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he became one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation and was instrumental in popularizing the NBA (National Basketball Association) around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.
After a standout career at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jordan joined the NBA's
Chicago Bulls in 1984. He quickly emerged as one of the stars of the league, entertaining crowds with his prolific scoring. His leaping ability, illustrated by performing
slam dunks from the foul line at Slam Dunk Contests, earned him the nicknames "Air Jordan" and "His Airness." He also gained a reputation as one of the best
defense (sport) players in basketball. In 1991, he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls, and followed that with titles in 1992 and 1993, securing a "three-peat". Though Jordan abruptly left the NBA in October 1993 to pursue a career in
baseball, he rejoined the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three additional championships (1996, 1997, and 1998). His 1995–96 Bulls team won an NBA-record 72 regular-season games. Jordan retired for a second time in 1999, but he returned for two more NBA seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards from 2001 to 2003.
Jordan's individual accolades and accomplishments include five NBA MVP (
NBA Most Valuable Player Award) awards, ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine NBA All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen NBA All-Star Game appearances and three All-Star MVPs, ten scoring titles, three
steal (basketball) titles, six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award, and the 1988
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.1 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by
ESPN, and was second to
Babe Ruth on the Associated Press's list of athletes of the century.
Jordan is also noted for his product endorsements. He fueled the success of
Nike, Inc. Air Jordan sneakers, which were introduced in 1985 and remain popular today. Jordan also starred in the 1996 feature film
Space Jam. He is currently a part-owner and Managing Member of Basketball Operations of the Charlotte Bobcats, which reside in his home state of North Carolina.
Early years
.Michael Jordan was born to
James R. Jordan, Sr. and Deloris Jordan in Brooklyn, New York,
New York. His family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, North Carolina, when he was seven years old.Sachare, Alex.
The Chicago Bulls Encyclopedia. Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1999. pgs. 172-3. ISBN 0809225158 Jordan attended
Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, where he anchored his athletic career by playing baseball, American football, and basketball. He tried out for the varsity team basketball team during his
Tenth grade year, but at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), he was deemed too short to play at that level. The following summer, however, he grew four inches (10 cm) Michael Jordan, nba.com/history, accessed
January 15,
2007. and trained rigorously. Upon earning a spot on the varsity
roster, Jordan averaged 25 points per game over his final two seasons of high school play. As a
Twelfth grade, he was selected to the
McDonald's All-American TeamWilliams, Lena. PLUS: BASKETBALL; "A McDonald's Game For Girls, Too",
The New York Times, December 7,
2001, accessed
January 16,
2007. after averaging a triple-double: 29.2 points, 11.6
rebound (basketball), and 10.1
assist (basketball).
Sportscenter,
ESPN, air date
February 2, 2007.
In 1981, Jordan earned a basketball scholarship to the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he
College major in
cultural geography. As a freshman in coach
Dean Smith's team-oriented system, he was named Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year as he averaged 13.4 points per game on 53.4%
field goal percentage. Michael Jordan entry, databasebasketball.com, accessed
January 16, 2007. Playing alongside All-American and future Hall of Famer James Worthy, Jordan was not initially a standout player for the
North Carolina Tar Heels. However, he made the game-winning jump shot in the
1982 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament#The championship game game against
Georgetown Hoyas, which was led by future NBA rival
Patrick Ewing. Jordan later described this shot as the major turning point in his basketball career.qtd. in Lazenby, Roland. "Michelangelo: Portrait of a Champion."
Michael Jordan: The Ultimate Career Tribute. Bannockburn, IL: H&S Media, 1999. pg. 128. After winning the Naismith College Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award in 1984, Jordan left North Carolina one year before scheduled graduation to enter the
1984 NBA Draft. The
Chicago Bulls selected Jordan with the third overall pick, after Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) and Sam Bowie (Portland Trail Blazers). Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree in 1986.Morris, Mike. "The Legend: A Highlight-Reel History of the NBA's Greatest Player."
Michael Jordan: The Ultimate Career Tribute. Bannockburn, IL: H&S Media, 1999. pg. 67.
Professional sports career
Early career
During 1984-85 NBA season in the NBA, Jordan averaged 28.2
points per game (ppg) on 51.5% shooting (field goal percentage). He quickly became a fan favorite even in opposing arenas,Gross, Jane. "Jordan Makes People Wonder: Is He the New Dr. J?",
The New York Times,
October 21,
1984, accessed March 7, 2007. Goldpaper, Sam. "Jordan dazzles crowd at Garden",
The New York Times,
October 19, 1984, accessed
March 7, 2007 Johnson, Roy S. "Jordan-Led Bulls Romp Before 19,252",
The New York Times,
November 9,
1984, accessed March 7, 2007. and appeared on the cover of
Sports Illustrated with the heading "A Star is Born" just over a month into his pro career. SI cover search December 10, 1984, si.cnn.com, accessed March 9,
2007. Chicago Bulls 1984–85 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed March 10,
2007. Jordan was also voted in as an All-Star starter by the fans in his rookie season. Controversy arose before the All-Star game when word surfaced that several veteran players, led by Isiah Thomas, were upset by the amount of attention Jordan was receiving. This led to a so called "freeze-out" on Jordan, where players refused to pass him the ball throughout the game. The controversy left Jordan relatively unaffected when he returned to regular season play, and he would go on to be voted
NBA Rookie of the Year. Michael Jordan bio, nba.com, accessed
January 20,
2007. On February 12, Jordan set the Bulls rookie record with 49 points against Isiah's Pistons. The Bulls finished the season 38-44, Chicago Bulls, databasebasketball.com, accessed
January 16, 2007. and lost in the
1985 NBA Playoffs in four games to the
Milwaukee Bucks. Jordan finished the season as the team's leader in scoring, rebounding (6.5 rpg), assists (5.9 apg) and steals (196).
Jordan's 1985-86 NBA season was cut short by a broken foot which caused him to miss 64 games. Despite Jordan's injury and a 30–52 record, the Bulls made the
1986 NBA Playoffs. Jordan recovered in time to participate in the playoffs and performed well upon his return. Against a 1985–86
Boston Celtics team that is often considered one of the greatest in NBA history, Top 10 Teams in NBA History, nba.com/history, accessed January 16,
2007. Jordan set the still-unbroken record for points in a playoff game with 63 in game 2. God Disguised as Michael Jordan, nba.com/history, accessed January 17, 2007. The Celtics, however, managed to sweep#Sports the series.
Jordan recovered completely by the 1986–87 season, and had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history. He became the only player other than Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 points in a season, averaging a league high 37.1 points on 48.2% shooting. Despite Jordan's scoring success,
Magic Johnson won the league's
National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award. The Bulls reached 40 wins, and advanced to
1987 NBA Playoffs for the third consecutive year. However, they were again
sweep#Sports by the Celtics.
Mid-career: Pistons roadblock
Jordan led the league in scoring again in the 1987-88 NBA season, averaging 35.0 ppg on 53.5% shooting, and won his first league MVP award. He was also named the
NBA Defensive Player of the Year, a rarity for a Basketball#Positions and structures, as he averaged 1.6
block (basketball) and a league high 3.16 steals per game. Michael Jordan statistics, nba.com/history, accessed January 16,
2007. The Bulls finished 50–32, and made it out of the first round of
1988 NBA Playoffs for the first time in Jordan's career, as they defeated the
Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Chicago Bulls 1987–88 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed
January 16,
2007. However, the Bulls then lost in five games to the more experienced
Detroit Pistons, who were led by Isiah Thomas and a group of physical big men known as the "Detroit Pistons#1980s".
In the 1988-89 NBA season, Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field. The Bulls finished with a 47–35 record, and advanced to the Eastern Conference (NBA) Finals, defeating the Cavaliers and Knicks along the way. The Cavaliers series included a career highlight for Jordan when he hit a
The Shot over
Craig Ehlo in the closing moments of the fifth and deciding game of the series. However, the Pistons again defeated the Bulls, this time in six games, by utilizing their "Jordan Rules" method of guarding Jordan, which consisted of
double team him every time he touched the ball.
The Bulls entered the
1989-90 NBA season as a team on the rise. With their core group of Jordan and young improving players like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, they were becoming a more cohesive team under the guidance of new coach Phil Jackson. Jordan averaged a league leading 33.6 ppg on 52.6% shooting, and led the Bulls to a 55–27 record. They again advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals beating the Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers en route. However, despite pushing the series to seven games, the Bulls lost to the Pistons for the third consecutive season.
First three-peat
In the
1990-91 NBA season, Jordan won his second MVP award after averaging 31.5 ppg, 6.0 rebounds per game (rpg), and 5.5
assists per game (apg) for the regular season. The Bulls finished in first place for the first time in 16 years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season. With Scottie Pippen developing into an All-Star, the Bulls elevated their play to another level. The Bulls defeated the New York Knicks and the
Philadelphia 76ers in the opening two rounds of
1991 NBA Playoffs. They advanced to Eastern Conference Finals where their rival, the Detroit Pistons, awaited them. However, this time when the Pistons employed their "Jordan Rules" defense of doubling and triple teaming Jordan, he picked them apart with passing. Finally, the Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons in a surprising sweep. Chicago Bulls 1990–91 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed
March 7, 2007 Brown, Clifton. BASKETBALL; "Bulls Brush Aside Pistons for Eastern Title",
The New York Times,
May 28, 1991, accessed March 8,
2007 In an unusual ending to the fourth and final game, Isiah Thomas led the Pistons off the court when there was still time remaining on the clock, choosing to forfeit the game instead of shaking hands with the Bulls. Isiah Thomas: Leader of the Bad Boys, nba.com, accessed January 16, 2007.
The Bulls advanced to
1991 NBA Finals where they beat
Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers four games to one. The Bulls compiled an outstanding 15–2 record during the playoffs. Chicago Bulls 1990–91 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed
January 16, 2007. Perhaps the best known moment of the series came in Game 2 when, attempting a dunk, Jordan avoided a potential Sam Perkins block by switching the ball from his right hand to his left in mid-air to lay the shot in.Michael Wilbon. Great Shot! Jordan's Best Amazingly Goes One Better,
Washington Post, June 7, 1991, accessed
March 7,
2007. Jordan won his first NBA Finals MVP award unanimously, Finals Most Valuable Player, nba.com/history, accessed January 16, 2007. and cried while holding the NBA Finals trophy.Schwartz, Larry. "Michael Jordan transcends hoops",
espn.com, accessed
March 9, 2007
Jordan and the Bulls continued their dominance in the 1991-92 NBA season, establishing a 67–15 record, the best in franchise history. Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award with a 30.1/6.4/6.1 season. After winning a physical 7-game series over the burgeoning New York Knicks in the second round of
1992 NBA Playoffs and finishing off the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals in 6 games, the Bulls met
Clyde Drexler and the
Portland Trail Blazers in 1992 NBA Finals. The media, hoping to recreate a Lakers-Celtics rivalry, highlighted the similarities between "Air" Jordan and Clyde "The Glide" during the pre-Finals hype. In the first game of the Finals, Jordan scored a Finals record 35 points in the first half, including a record matching six
three-point field goals. Jordan Blazes Away From Long Range, nba.com, accessed
March 9,
2007. After the sixth three-pointer, he jogged down the court shrugging as he looked courtside.
Marv Albert, who broadcast the game, later stated that it was as if Jordan was saying, "I can't believe I'm doing this." A Stroll Down Memory Lane, nba.com/history, accessed
February 23,
2007. The Bulls went on to win game one, and defeat the Blazers in six games. Jordan was named Finals MVP for the second year in a row and finished the series averaging 35.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 6.5 apg, while shooting 53% from the floor. Drexler finished with averages of 24.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg, and 5.3 apg, Clyde Drexler bio, nba.com, accessed February 10,
2007. but only shot 41% from the floor.
In
1992-93 NBA season, despite a 32.6/6.7/5.5 campaign, Jordan's streak of consecutive MVP seasons ended as he lost the award to his friend Charles Barkley. Fittingly, Jordan and the Bulls met Barkley and his
Phoenix Suns in the 1993 NBA Finals. The Bulls captured their third consecutive NBA championship on a game-winning shot by John Paxson and a last-second block by
Horace Grant, but Jordan was once again Chicago's catalyst. He averaged a Finals-record 41.0 ppg during the six-game series, Paxson's Trey Propels Bulls Into NBA History, nba.com/history, accessed
January 20,
2007. and became the first player in NBA history to win three straight Finals MVP awards. With his third Finals triumph, Jordan capped off a seven-year run where he attained seven scoring titles and three championships, but there were signs that Jordan was tiring of his massive celebrity and all of the non-basketball hassles in his life.
Gambling controversy
During the Bulls' playoff run in 1993, controversy arose when Jordan was seen gambling in
Atlantic City the night before a game against the New York Knicks.
Dave Anderson (sportswriter). "Sports of The Times; Jordan's Atlantic City Caper",
The New York Times, May 27,
1993, accessed
March 5,
2007 In that same year, he admitted to having to cover $57,000 in gambling losses,Thomas, Monifa. "Jordan on gambling: 'Very embarrassing'" (scroll down to see article),
Chicago Sun-Times, October 21, 2005, accessed January 17, 2007. and author Richard Esquinas wrote a book claiming he had won $1.25 million in gambling money from Jordan on the golf course. In 2005, Jordan talked to Ed Bradley of the CBS evening show
60 Minutes about his gambling and admitted that he made some reckless decisions. Regarding his gambling, Jordan stated, "Yeah, I’ve gotten myself into situations where I would not walk away and I’ve pushed the envelope. Is that compulsive? Yeah, it depends on how you look at it. If you’re willing to jeopardize your livelihood and your family, then yeah." Michael Jordan Still Flying High, cbsnews.com, August 20, 2006, accessed January 15, 2007. When Bradley asked him if his gambling ever got to the level where it jeopardized his livelihood or family, Jordan replied, "No."
First retirement
On
October 6, 1993, Jordan announced his retirement, citing a loss in his desire to play the game. Jordan later stated that the murder of his father earlier in the year shaped his decision.Berkow, Ira. "A Humbled Jordan Learns New Truths",
The New York Times, April 11,
1994, accessed January 16,
2007.
James R. Jordan, Sr. was murdered on July 23, 1993, at a highway rest area in Lumberton, North Carolina,
North Carolina, by two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery. The assailants were traced from calls they made on James Jordan's cellular phone,Mitchell, Alison. THE NATION; "So Many Criminals Trip Themselves Up",
The New York Times, August 22,
1993, accessed February 24,
2007. caught, convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Jordan was close to his father; as a child he had imitated his father's proclivity to stick out his tongue while absorbed in work. He later adopted it as his own signature, displaying it each time he drove to the basket. In 1996 he founded a Chicago area
Boys & Girls Club and dedicated it to his father.Walsh, Edward. "On the City's West Side, Jordan's Legacy Is Hope",
Washington Post, January 14, 1998, accessed
January 16, 2007. Michael Jordan, family attend groundbreaking ceremony for James Jordan Center,
Jet Magazine,
April 14,
1995, available at findarticles.com, accessed
January 15,
2007.
Those close to Jordan claimed that he had been considering retirement as early as the summer of 1992, and that the added exhaustion due to the
Dream Team (basketball) run in the 1992 Summer Olympics solidified Jordan's burned-out feelings about the game and his ever-growing celebrity status. Jordan's announcement sent shock waves throughout the NBA and appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world.Thompson, Ian and Ted Rodgers. Europe loses a role model; even in countries where basketball is a minor pursuit, Jordan's profile looms large - includes related article on Jordan's stature in Japan,
The Sporting News, October 18, 1983, available at findarticles.com, accessed
March 7, 2007.
Jordan then further surprised the sports world by signing a
minor league baseball contract with the
Chicago White Sox. He reported to spring training and was assigned to the team's minor league system on March 31, 1994. Michael Jordan Chronology, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, January 12, 1999, accessed March 15,
2007. Jordan has stated this decision was made to pursue the dream of his late father, who had always envisioned his son as a major league baseball player. Michael Jordan A Tribute, sportillustrated.cnn.com, accessed
March 7,
2007 The White Sox were another team owned by Bulls owner
Jerry Reinsdorf, who continued to honor Jordan's basketball contract during the years he played baseball.Araton, Harvey. BASKETBALL; "Jordan Keeping the Basketball World in Suspense",
The New York Times, accessed March 8, 2007 He had an unspectacular professional baseball career for the
Birmingham Barons, a Chicago White Sox farm team, batting average .202 with 3
home run, 51
runs batted in, 30
stolen base, and 11 error (baseball). Michael Jordan: The Stats, Infoplease, accessed
March 15, 2007. He also appeared for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the 1994
Arizona Fall League.
"I'm back": return to the NBA
In the 1993-94 NBA season, the Jordan-less Bulls notched a 55–27 record, and lost to the Knicks in the second round of 1994 NBA Playoffs. But the
1994-95 NBA season version of the Bulls was a shell of the championship squad of just two years earlier. Struggling at mid-season to ensure a spot in the playoffs, Chicago needed a lift. The lift came in early 1995, when Jordan decided to return to the NBA for the Bulls.
On March 18,
1995, Jordan announced his return to the NBA through a two-word press release: "I'm back." The next day, Jordan donned jersey number 45 (his number with the Barons), as his familiar 23 had been retired in his honor following his first retirement. He took the court with the Bulls to face the
Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, scoring 19 points. "Michael Jordan returns to Bulls in overtime loss to Indiana Pacers - Chicago Bulls",
Jet (magazine), April 3,
1995, available on findarticles.com, accessed January 15, 2007.
Although Jordan had not played in an NBA game in a year and a half, he played well upon his return, which included a game-winning jump shot (against
Atlanta Hawks in his fourth game back), and a 55-point game against the New York Knicks on
March 29, 1995. The Bulls 1995 NBA Playoffs and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the
Orlando Magic. At the end of the first game of the series, Orlando's Nick Anderson commented that "He didn't look like the old Michael Jordan,"Lawrence, Mitch. Memories of MJ's first two acts, espn.com,
September 10,
1999, accessed
January 16,
2007. after which Jordan returned to wearing his old number (23). Jordan averaged 31.5 points per game in that series, but Orlando prevailed in six games.
Second three-peat
Freshly motivated by the playoff defeat, Jordan trained aggressively for the
1995-96 NBA season.Kerr, Steve. The greatest team in history - day four: Chicago Bulls, bbc.co.uk, accessed
March 16,
2007. Strengthened by the addition of rebounder specialist Dennis Rodman, the Bulls dominated the league, starting the season 41–3, Chicago Bulls 1995–96 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed
January 20, 2007. and eventually finishing with the best regular season record in NBA history of 72–10. Top 10 Teams in NBA History, nba.com/history, accessed 6 March 2007. Jordan led the league in scoring with 30.4 ppg, 1995–96 Chicago Bulls, nba.com/history, accessed January 15,
2007. and won the league's regular season and All-Star Game MVP awards. In 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Bulls lost only three games in four series, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in the
1996 NBA Finals to win the championship. Jordan was named Finals MVP for a record fourth time, surpassing Magic Johnson's three Finals MVP awards. He also became only the second player (after
Willis Reed in the
1969-70 NBA season) to sweep the MVP Awards in the All-Star Game, regular season and NBA Finals.
In the 1996-97 NBA season the Bulls started out 69–11, but narrowly missed out on a second consecutive 70 win season by losing their final two games to finish 69–13. Chicago Bulls 1996–97 Game Log and Scores, databasebasketball.com, accessed
January 16, 2007. However, this year Jordan was bested by
Karl Malone for the NBA MVP Award. The team again advanced to
1997 NBA Finals, where they faced Malone and the Utah Jazz. The series against the Jazz featured two of the more memorable
clutch (sports) of Jordan's career. He won Game 1 for the Bulls with a
buzzer beater jump shot. In Game 5, with the series tied 2–2, Jordan played despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus. In what is known as the "
1997 NBA Finals#Game 5: The Flu Game", Jordan scored 38 points including the game-deciding three-pointer with less than a minute remaining.Burns, Marty. 23 to remember, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, January 16,
1999, accessed February 23,
2007. The Bulls won 90-88 and went on to win the series in six games. For the fifth time in as many Finals appearances, Jordan received the
NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.
Jordan and the Bulls compiled a 62–20 record in the 1997-98 NBA season. Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game, securing his fifth regular-season MVP award, plus honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team and the All-Star Game MVP. The Bulls captured the Eastern Conference Championship for a third straight season and moved on to once again face the Jazz in
1998 NBA Finals.
The Bulls returned to Utah for game 6 on June 14,
1998 leading the series 3-2. In Game 6, Jordan executed a series of plays, considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history. Greatest Finals Moments, nba.com, accessed
February 6, 2007. With the Bulls trailing 86-83 with 40 seconds remaining, coach Jackson called a timeout. Jordan received the inbounds pass, drove to the basket, and hit a layup over several Jazz defenders. The Jazz brought the ball upcourt and passed the ball to forward Karl Malone, who was set up in the low post and was being guarded by Rodman. Malone jostled with Rodman and caught the pass, but Jordan cut behind him and swatted the ball out of his hands for a steal. Jordan then slowly dribbled upcourt and paused at the top of the key, eyeing his defender, Jazz guard Bryon Russell. With fewer than 10 seconds remaining, Jordan started to dribble right, then crossed over to his left, possibly pushing off Russell, Former NBA Ref Blasts Officiating,
New York Post, 17 August 2007Knot, Tom.
Someone has to win Eastern Conference,
The Washington Times,
December 8,
2006, accessed
2007-04-29Deveney, Sean. Crying Foul, SportingNews.com, 14 March
2005, accessed April 29, 2007. although the officials did not call a Personal foul. Jordan then released a shot that would be rebroadcast innumerable times in years to come. As the shot found the net, announcer Bob Costas shouted "Chicago with the lead!" The Jordan Phenomenon, pbs.org,
June 15,
1998, accessed
January 16,
2007. After a desperation three-point shot by John Stockton missed, Jordan and the Bulls claimed their sixth NBA championship, and secured a second three-peat. Once again, Jordan was voted the Finals' MVP, having led all scorers by averaging more than 30 points per game, including 45 in the deciding Game 6.Ryan, Jeff. History of the NBA Finals Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz - 1998, hollywoodsportsbook.com, accessed January 16, 2007. Jordan's six Finals MVPs is a record; Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, and Tim Duncan are tied for second place with three apiece.
Second retirement
Jordan's Game 6 performance seemed to be a perfect ending to his career. With Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen (who stated his desire to be traded during the season) and Dennis Rodman (who would sign with the
Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent) looming, and being in the latter stages of an owner-induced
lockout (industry) of NBA players, Jordan retired for the second time on January 13,
1999.
On
January 19, 2000, Jordan returned to the NBA not as a player, but as part owner and President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards.Sandomir, Richard. Jordan Sheds Uniform for Suit as a Wizards Owner, January 20,
2000, accessed
March 11,
2007. His responsibilities with the club were to be comprehensive, as he was in charge of all aspects of the team, including personnel decisions. Opinions of Jordan as a basketball executive were mixed. Pollin's decision to cut ties leaves Jordan livid, espn.com,
May 7, 2003, accessed January 16,
2007. Brady, Erik. "Wizards show Jordan the door", usatoday.com,
May 7,
2003, accessed
February 23, 2007. He managed to purge the team of several highly-paid, unpopular players (such as forward Juwan Howard and point guard
Rod Strickland),Associated Press. Making his move, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, February 22,
2001, accessed February 23, 2007. Matthews, Marcus. Losing never looked so good for Wizards, usatoday.com, March 1, 2001, accessed
February 23,
2007. but used the first pick in the
2001 NBA Draft to select high schooler Kwame Brown, who did not live up to expectations and was traded away after several years.
Michael Wilbon. "So Long, Kwame, Thanks for Nothing+,
The Washington Post, July 16, 2005, accessed February 23,
2007.
Despite his January 1999 claim that he was "99.9% certain" that he would never play another NBA game,Schwartz, Larry. Michael Jordan transcends hoops, espn.com, accessed
January 16, 2007. in summer of 2001 Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback, this time with his new team. Inspired by the comeback of National Hockey League star (and Jordan's friend)
Mario Lemieux the previous winter,Associated Press. Jordan watched Lemieux's comeback very closely, espn.go.com, October 2,
2001, accessed March 7,
2007 Jordan spent much of the spring and summer of 2001 in training, holding several invitation-only camps for NBA players in Chicago. In addition, Jordan hired his old Chicago Bulls head coach, Doug Collins, as Washington's coach for the upcoming season, a decision that many saw as foreshadowing another Jordan return.
Washington Wizards comeback
On September 25,
2001 Jordan announced his return to professional play with the Wizards, indicating his intention to donate his salary as a player to a relief effort for the victims of the
September 11, 2001 attacks. Pollin Establishes Education Fund, nba.com, September 9,
2002, accessed January 16,
2007. News Summary,
The New York Times,
September 26,
2001, accessed
March 7, 2007. In an injury-plagued
2001-02 NBA season, he led the team in scoring (22.9 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.42 spg). However, injuries ended Jordan's season after only 60 games, the fewest he had played in a regular season since a broken foot cut short his season in 1985–86.
Playing in his 14th and final NBA All-Star Game in 2003, Jordan passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in All-Star game history. That year, Jordan was the only Washington player to play in all 82 games, starting in 67 of them. He averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot 45% from the field, and 82% from the free throw line. Even though he turned 40 during the season, he scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times. On February 21,
2003, Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 40 points in an NBA game. Jordan Pours in History-Making 43, nba.com,
February 21,
2003, accessed January 16, 2007. During his stint with the Wizards, all Jordan home games at the MCI Center and nearly all his road games, were sold out and Wizards were the most-watched team in the NBA, averaging 20,173 fans a game at home and 19,311 on the road. However, neither of Jordan's final two seasons resulted in a playoff appearance for the Wizards, and Jordan was often unsatisfied with the play of those around him.Maaddi, Rob. Collins feels Jordan's pain,
The Associated Press, November 29, 2001, accessed
March 11,
2007. Associated Press. Bad chemistry left MJ unable to win in Washington, April 2,
2003, accessed March 11,
2007. At several points he openly criticized his teammates to the media, citing their lack of focus and intensity.
With the recognition that 2002–03 would be Jordan's final season, tributes were paid to him in nearly every arena in the NBA. In his final game at his old home court, the
United Center in Chicago, Jordan received a prolonged standing ovation. The
Miami Heat retired the #23 jersey on
April 11,
2003, even though he never played for the team. Heat Retire Jordan's 23, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, April 11,
2003, accessed
March 8, 2007. At the 2003 All-Star Game,
Vince Carter was originally selected to be the starter at shooting guard; however, he gave Jordan his spot instead out of respect, and the halftime ceremony was dedicated to Jordan's career.
Jordan's final NBA game was on
April 16, 2003 in Philadelphia. Jordan scored only thirteen points in the game, and went to the bench with 4:13 remaining in the third quarter with his team trailing the Philadelphia 76ers, 75-56. Near the beginning of the fourth quarter, the
First Union Center crowd began chanting "We want Mike!". After much encouragement from coach Doug Collins, Jordan finally rose from the bench and re-entered the game for
Larry Hughes with 2:35 remaining. At 1:45, Jordan was fouled, intentionally, by the 76ers'
Eric Snow, and stepped to the line to make both free throws. After the second foul shot, the 76ers in-bounded the ball to rookie
John Salmons, who in turn was intentionally fouled by
Bobby Simmons one second later, so that Jordan could return to the bench at 1:44, amid a three-minute standing ovation from his teammates, his opponents, and a crowd of 21,257 fans. Sixers Prevail in Jordan's Final Game, nba.com,
April 16,
2003, accessed
January 16,
2007.
Olympic career
Jordan played on two Olympic Games gold medal-winning American basketball teams. As a college player he participated, and won the gold, in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Jordan led the team in scoring averaging 17.1 ppg for the tournament. Games of the XXIIIrd Olympiad -- 1984, usabasketball.com, accessed
March 12, 2007. In the
1992 Summer Olympics he was a member of the star-studded squad that included Magic Johnson,
Larry Bird, and
David Robinson (basketball) and was dubbed the "
Dream Team (basketball)". Playing limited minutes due to the frequent
Wiktionary:blowout, Jordan averaged 12.7 ppg, finishing fourth on the team in scoring.Dupree, David. Is
this U.S. roster the new Dream Team?,
USA Today, August 18, 2006, accessed March 11, 2007. The team cruised to the gold medal, restoring America to the top of the basketball world. Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and fellow Dream Team member
Chris Mullin (basketball) are the only American men's basketball players to win Olympic gold as amateurs (all in 1984) and professionals.
After retiring as a player
After his third retirement, Jordan assumed that he would be able to return to his front office position of Director of Basketball Operations with the Wizards. However, his previous tenure in the Wizards' front office had produced the aforementioned mixed results and may have also influenced the trade of Richard Hamilton (basketball) for Jerry Stackhouse (although Jordan was not technically Director of Basketball Operations in 2002). On May 7, 2003, Wizards owner
Abe Pollin fired Jordan as Washington's president of basketball operations. Jordan later stated that he felt betrayed by the situation, and that if he knew he would be fired upon retiring he never would have come back to play for the Wizards.
Jordan kept busy over the next few years by staying in shape, playing golf in celebrity charity tournaments, spending time with hi
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