Basketball Legacy
Michael Jordan, an iconic figure in basketball history, led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and earned the MVP Award five times. His legacy on the court is unparalleled, and his influence extends far beyond the basketball arena.
Latest News: Sale of the Charlotte Hornets
On August 3, basketball legend Michael Jordan finalized the sale of his majority ownership in the Charlotte Hornets for an estimated $3 billion. Jordan originally purchased the team for $275 million in 2010. Under his leadership, the Hornets made the playoffs only three times. Despite selling the majority stake, Jordan retains a minority share and remains committed to supporting the team and community in his new role.
Early Life and Family
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Deloris, worked as a bank teller and later became an author, while his father, James, worked at General Electric. Michael, the fourth of five children, grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. His siblings are James Jr. (Ronnie), Deloris, Larry, and Roslyn. Encouraged by his father, Michael developed a competitive spirit, playing baseball and basketball with his brother Larry.
Jordan attended Laney High School in Wilmington, where he initially played on the junior varsity basketball team. His talent quickly blossomed, making him one of the top recruits in the country. In 1980, during a basketball camp, he caught the attention of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s head coach, Dean Smith. Jordan committed to UNC in 1981.
College Career
At the University of North Carolina, Jordan became a key player, leading the team to the NCAA Division I championship in 1982 by scoring the winning basket against Georgetown University. He was named the NCAA College Player of the Year in 1983 and 1984. Jordan left college early to join the NBA in 1984 but returned to complete his degree in geography in 1986.
NBA Career with the Chicago Bulls
Jordan began his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls in 1984 as the third overall pick. He quickly made his mark, leading the Bulls to the playoffs and earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award with an average of 28.2 points per game. Despite an injury-plagued second season, Jordan became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to score over 3,000 points in a season during 1986-87.
The Bulls, with Jordan at the helm, won their first NBA championship in 1991 by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers. They went on to win two more consecutive titles in 1992 and 1993. After a brief retirement and a stint in minor league baseball, Jordan returned to the Bulls in 1995, leading them to three more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Post-Bulls Career and Washington Wizards
After retiring from the Bulls in 1999, Jordan joined the Washington Wizards as part-owner and president of basketball operations. He returned to the court in 2001, playing two final seasons before retiring in 2003.
Jersey Numbers
Jordan is most famous for wearing No. 23, a nod to his brother Larry’s high school number 45. Upon returning to the NBA in 1995, he briefly wore No. 45 before reverting to 23. He also wore No. 12 for one game in 1990 after his jersey was stolen.
Olympic Success
Jordan represented the U.S. in the Olympics, winning gold medals in 1984 and 1992. The 1992 “Dream Team” included legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and is considered one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled.
Awards and Honors
Jordan’s accolades include five MVP Awards (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Career Statistics
Jordan’s NBA career averages, according to Basketball Reference, include 30.1 points per game, a field goal percentage of 0.497, and a free throw percentage of 0.835. Over 1,072 games, he scored a total of 32,292 points.
Retirement and Baseball
Jordan retired three times during his 19-year professional career. His first retirement came in 1993 after his father’s murder, leading him to pursue baseball briefly. He played for the Birmingham Barons, a minor league team, before returning to the NBA in 1995. Jordan’s final retirement was in 2003 at age 40.
Business Ventures
Outside of basketball, Jordan has been highly successful in business. His partnership with Nike led to the creation of the Air Jordan sneaker line, which remains a bestseller. The story of this collaboration is featured in the 2023 film “Air.” Jordan has also endorsed brands like Hanes, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s and ventured into the restaurant industry with Michael Jordan’s Steak House.
Ownership of the Charlotte Hornets
Jordan became a part-owner of the Charlotte Hornets in 2006 and the majority owner in 2010. Despite limited playoff success, the franchise’s value increased significantly under his ownership. In August 2023, he sold his majority stake but retained a minority share.
Michael Jordan’s journey from basketball legend to successful businessman is a testament to his relentless drive and competitive spirit. His impact on and off the court continues to inspire millions worldwide.